Recommended Roadside Safety Kit for Volkswagen Drivers

Roadside emergencies do happen. So, it is important that you be adequately prepared for both the anticipated and the unexpected, whether driving around town or across state lines. As a Volkswagen driver, the need for security runs deep, as you chose VW automakers because they are known to deliver optimal safety, dependability, and performance. A comprehensive roadside emergency kit can help you achieve an even higher level of assurance while driving your trusted Tiguan or beloved Jetta.

Continue reading to review some of the top recommended items to put into your own Volkswagen roadside emergency kit.

Volkswagen Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800
Volkswagen Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

Items to Put in a Volkswagen Roadside Emergency Kit

You can purchase all recommended roadside emergency kit items at any local department store with an automotive section, or through an online retailer. Your total out-of-pocket cost for your VW roadside emergency safety kit will depend on the brands you choose and the scope of function for each item. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $200.

Spare Tire

Depending on your trunk space availability, you may or may not be able to add a spare tire into your roadside emergency kit. Instead of a spare, you can choose alternatives like a donut tire, run-flat tires, fix-a-flat products, or even tire patch kits.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a must when it comes to roadside safety. You can make your own custom kit or purchase a prepackaged one. Prepackaged roadside kits come in a wide variety of sizes and selections. Choose one that at least has the basics, like bandages, alcohol pads, gauze, adhesive tape, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, and antibiotic ointment. Larger packs might have items like thermometers, blankets, scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, aloe lotion, hand warmers, and more.

Multi-Use Tool

A multi-use tool might also be included in your first-aid kit. It is a multi-functional tool that can be used as a pair of scissors, knife, pliers, wire cutters, and sometimes a wrench and screwdriver. You can purchase this type of product at any local department store with a home improvement section, online retailer, or hardware store.

Road Triangles or Flares

You can choose between roadside flares or reflective triangles. These are used to mark your vehicle’s boundary and protect your spot from roadside collisions. These are especially important during high traffic times, on highways, in inclement weather, and at night.

Phone Charger

Always have a spare phone charger in your car. Take a step further and have a portable phone charger battery in your Volkswagen in case you don’t have an outlet for your charger or the outlet in your car does not work.

Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are not an essential item, but they do come in handy when a car battery dies. Jumper cables are more compact in design these days, so they do not take up as much room as conventional or older model jumper cables.

Water

Have extra bottles of water in your Volkswagen to prevent dehydration. Water has other applications when it comes to roadside emergencies too, like cleaning wounds, side mirrors, or windshields. Keeping water in your car is especially important in the summer season when temperatures are higher.  

Blanket

You can go as far as having a designated car blanket. When you are stuck on the side of the road, whether managing your roadside emergency or waiting for assistance to arrive, you might need a blanket to keep warm, especially if it’s the dead of winter and your heat won’t work!

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your Volkswagen safe on the road. Not sure where to take your luxury German vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for Volkswagen auto service and repair in Carmel, Indianapolis. We are German-trained mechanics who specialize in European make and model vehicles.

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How to Calculate Your Car’s Gas Mileage

Gas prices will always be at the forefront of our budgets. Fuel costs seem to increase with every turn of the market, regardless of direction. For the sake of your financial goals and money-saving priorities, try calculating your vehicle’s gas mileage to see if you are getting the most out of every gallon. Continue below to learn how you determine your car’s MPG, plus what you can do to improve fuel efficiency from there.

Car Maintenance Mechanic Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800
Car Maintenance Mechanic Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

Gas Mileage 101

The number of miles your car can drive on one gallon of gas is referred to as gas mileage, or miles per gallon (MPG). This is also known as fuel economy. The more miles per gallon your car gets, the more fuel efficient it is.

To achieve the highest level of fuel economy possible for your vehicle, the key is regular maintenance and quality automotive parts and products. The better you care for your car, the better it will perform and the longer it will last.

To understand your vehicle’s routing car maintenance needs, refer to the owners’ manual. If you do not have the owners’ manual, you can download one online for your make and model vehicle, or you can ask a trusted Carmel IN mechanic for a recommended auto maintenance schedule.

Calculating Your Vehicle’s MPG

There are 7 simple steps to calculating your vehicle’s miles per gallon. It will take some time, as well as some basic, elementary-level math. Here’s how to determine a car’s MPG:

Fill Your Tank All the Way – Be sure your gas tank is topped off all the way.

Record the Odometer Reading – Write down the number of miles that reads on your odometer. You may also set your odometer’s trip meter is applicable.

Use Up All Your Gas – Drive your vehicle as you normally would until the gas tank is on E again. This should take a week or so depending on how much and how far you drive on a daily basis.

Record the Odometer Reading AGAIN – Write down the number of miles that shows on your odometer.

Record the Number of Gallons Refueled – Write down how many gallons of gas it took to refuel your tank all the way full.

Do the Math – Subtract the first odometer reading from the second reading. This will tell you how many miles your car drove on one tank of gas.

Do Some More Math – To get your MPG, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons it took to refill your gas tank.

Does Your Car Have Good Fuel Economy?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides us with a fuel economy rating system that evaluates vehicles on a scale from 1 to 10, with lower numbers being worse and higher numbers being better. If your vehicle has an MPG less than 14, you are assigned a rating of 1, while a MPG of 44 or more rates a full 10.

Are you looking for trusted automotive service for your classic or luxury European vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for factory scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indianapolis. We are German-trained mechanics specializing in European make and model vehicles.

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