For countless car owners, breakdowns are an unfortunate side effect of being behind the wheel. However, being prepared for this type of trouble can make all the difference in handling these situations. Not having a plan in place can turn an inconvenience into a disaster.

Few people have more insight into roadside emergencies than American racing legend Danica Patrick. A professional driver who’s faced her share of high-stakes circumstances, she knows firsthand the importance of being ready for anything, whether on a city street or the interstate.

“Being prepared isn’t just about having the right tools,” Danica explains. “It’s about having the right mindset. You need to be ready to face any challenge that comes your way, whether you’re on the track or driving to the grocery store.”

Like everyday drivers, Danica faces the same challenges on public roads. However, her racing days give her a unique perspective on how to face car troubles and other mishaps. “I’ve learned that preparation is key in racing, and it’s no different on the streets and highways,” Danica notes. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel, and the better you’ll be able to handle situations you can’t avoid.”

With this in mind, let’s buckle up and get ready for Danica’s expert advice on being prepared for car breakdowns and other on-the-road emergencies. We’ll explore essential items that every driver should have on board, how to handle unexpected situations confidently and the best techniques for staying safe when things don’t go as planned.

About Danica Patrick’s Career

Danica’s extensive auto racing background includes a fourth-place finish, the highest for a female driver, at the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2005. Her other Indy 500 accomplishments during that time included being a race leader for 19 laps. This IndyCar tenure involved racing for leading teams like Rahal Letterman Racing and Andretti Autosport and a historic 2008 victory at the Indy Japan 300. Danica laid claim to the first female win in an IndyCar Series competition.

In 2012, Danica moved on to new motorsports challenges at NASCAR and blazed new trails by securing pole position that year at the Daytona 500, another female first. Her time at NASCAR included notable behind-the-wheel adventures with the #10 GoDaddy Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing as part of the Sprint Cup Series.

Today, Danica partners with Endurance to share how her racing insights can help people become better drivers and car owners. She also explains how Endurance auto protection plans contribute to these improvements.

Essential Items to Keep in Your Vehicle

Danica reminds drivers that having the right equipment and supplies on hand during a roadside emergency can make all the difference. She encourages drivers to think of these materials like a pit crew; they need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Basic Emergency Kit

At a minimum, a basic car emergency kit should have:

• First-aid supplies (with at least bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Emergency flashers/flares and reflective triangles
• Jumper cables
• Duct tape
• Multi-tool
• Work gloves and safety goggles
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks

It’s good practice to check the emergency kit at least quarterly. Set a reminder on your phone and combine this task with regular vehicle inspections, which every car owner should do.

Tools for Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping vital tools and materials in your car can quickly resolve a breakdown in some situations. This equipment should include:

• Spare tire (in good condition) and tire-changing tools
• Tire pressure gauge
• WD-40 or similar lubricant
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Funnel and rag (for adding fluids)

Simple problems like a loose hose can be easily corrected if the right tools are handy. Never work around a hot radiator (coolant is pressurized and creates a burn risk), and use caution near moving components. You can also practice changing a tire in your driveway if you’re unfamiliar with the effort. It’s a far less stressful setting than attempting a first-time tire change on a busy road or at night.

Safety and Survival Gear

A breakdown during extreme weather or on a remote road can quickly turn into a desperate situation without the survival essentials, which include:

• Fire extinguisher
• Blanket or sleeping bag (or emergency mylar blanket)
• Rain gear
• Portable phone charger/battery pack
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Sand, kitty litter, or traction mats (for added tire traction in snow or mud)

Colder climate equipment, such as

• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Small shovel
• Hand warmers
• Extra-warm clothes

This equipment may seem excessive, but they can be lifesavers if a breakdown leaves you stranded, especially during extreme winter weather.

Proactive Measures for Road Safety

Being ready for anything while on the road means taking a few steps in advance to prevent trouble or minimize disruption.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance

The best way to avoid a breakdown is by ensuring your car receives regular maintenance, such as:

• Following your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule (refer to the owner’s manual)
• Regularly checking and changing fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.)
• Inspecting belts and hoses for wear
• Keeping tires properly inflated and rotated
• Addressing any unusual noises or performance issues promptly
• Testing your car battery regularly (especially before extreme weather seasons and if it’s over three years old)
• Checking and replacing air filters as needed
• Inspecting and replacing the windshield wipers periodically

Recording all service work is a crucial part of regular maintenance. Tracking these details helps you stay on top of what needs to be done and can help spot repeated trouble areas.

Route Planning and Weather Awareness

While some drivers like just getting in the car and hitting the road, a few advanced steps can help if the unexpected happens:

• Researching primary and secondary routes
• Checking weather forecasts and road conditions
• Planning rest stops and fuel stops in advance
• Informing someone of your travel plans and estimated arrival time
• Joining a roadside assistance program (some insurance companies offer this service)
• Using traffic apps to stay informed about road conditions and potential delays
• Planning for potential overnight stays in case of severe weather or unexpected delays
• Familiarizing yourself with local emergency services along your route

Pre-planning doesn’t have to take the fun out of a road trip. This extra effort is all about having options when needed.

Staying Connected

Technology is also a vital tool for enhancing safety and convenience. A few more tips include:

• Keep your phone charged and bring a car charger and external battery pack
• Download offline maps for areas with poor cell coverage
• Install or update apps for roadside assistance and navigation
• Invest in a dashcam for added security and documentation
• Use vehicle tracking apps to share your location with trusted contacts
• Keep a physical road map as a backup to digital navigation tools
• Have a hardcopy phone list of key contacts
• Consider a satellite messenger device for remote area travel

Non-tech backups like paper maps and phone lists can also help you while on the road, as phone and navigation systems are never 100% reliable.

Danica Patrick’s Personal Tips for Handling Emergencies

When an emergency strikes, there are techniques for minimizing worry and anxiety. Danica recommends a three-point approach:

#1: Stay Calm and Focused

It’s important to try and stay composed during a crisis. Staying calm means you’re more likely to make logical and rational decisions focused on safety and problem-solving. Even something as simple as a few deep breaths can help center the mind and the body.

#2: Know When to Ask for Help

At some point, everyone needs help with something. Assistance becomes even more crucial when you’re dealing with an automobile that weighs thousands of pounds and has complex systems. Going it alone following a breakdown puts everyone’s safety in jeopardy and risks damage to the car. There’s nothing wrong with contacting roadside assistance or, in extreme cases, emergency services.

#3: Safety First: Prioritizing Your Well-Being

A car is just a car, but life is precious. In any emergency, this means making safety the priority. If possible, move the car to a safe location away from traffic, use hazard lights and reflective markers to increase visibility, and stay in your vehicle unless it’s unsafe to do so. Your well-being should always come before attempting repairs or waiting for assistance in a dangerous location.

The Role of Extended Warranties in Emergency Preparedness

While avoiding every car breakdown and roadside emergency isn’t possible, there’s a way to be protected when there’s trouble behind the wheel. Safeguards come in the form of an extended warranty (also known as an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract) that covers a car no longer backed by a factory warranty.

These programs offer substantial benefits, such as:

Coverage for Roadside Assistance

Many extended warranty companies include roadside assistance as part of a coverage program. Endurance Warranty provides this benefit to all its customers. This 24/7 program includes towing, lockout assistance, and other services. To make the process easy, Endurance customers can request help through an exclusive smartphone app. There’s no wondering about who to call.

Financial Protection for Unexpected Repairs

Part of the stress that comes from a breakdown is financial uncertainty, which can be made worse by having car troubles in unfamiliar territory. An extended warranty handles the cost of covered repairs (minus any deductible), making repairs less worrisome. Another advantage of this protection is that the warranty company interacts with the repair shop to ensure the work is performed correctly and that the charges are fair and reasonable. Endurance auto protection customers can also take advantage of trip interruption protection, a perk that provides a daily allowance reimbursement if a significant breakdown occurs away from home.

Peace of Mind on Every Journey

The most significant benefit of an extended car warranty is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you’re covered for both minor incidents and major breakdowns allows you to focus on enjoying the journey. Even if trouble occurs, this protection eases the uncertainty of surprise repair bills.

Emergency Roadside FAQs

What should I include in my basic emergency kit for my car?

A basic emergency kit should include first-aid supplies, a flashlight with extra batteries, emergency flashers/flares/reflective triangles, jumper cables, duct tape, a multi-tool, work gloves, safety goggles, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Basic hand tools (including a jack, tire wrench, pliers, and screwdrivers) and safety and survival gear (such as a fire extinguisher, warm clothes, and emergency blankets) can be critical.

What are the best ways to stay calm during a roadside emergency?

Try taking deep breaths and focusing on methodical problem-solving. Try to assess the situation calmly, prioritizing immediate safety concerns and then working through potential solutions step by step. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call for professional help or reach out to a friend or family member for support.

How does an extended warranty help during a roadside emergency?

An extended warranty provides vital support during a roadside emergency. For Endurance customers, there are numerous benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, rental car reimbursement, and the freedom to choose any licensed repair shop for covered work. Most importantly, an extended warranty helps pay for covered repairs, reducing financial stress.

Your Roadside Ally: Endurance Auto Protection

Combining Danica Patrick’s insights into handling breakdowns with an Endurance Warranty plan creates a winning combination for car owners. Her advice about being proactive can help eliminate roadside emergencies or at least make them less stressful.

If car trouble does arise, Endurance is there to support its customers with industry-leading protection. Options range from essential powertrain plans to comprehensive plans that are similar to bumper-to-bumper new car warranties.

Discover all the advantages of an Endurance auto protection plan. Visit our online store for instant price and plan information, or request a FREE quote. For personalized help, call a plan advisor at (800) 253-8203.

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