Who: With back-to-school preparations already underway for college students and their parents, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) faculty and staff are providing recommendations for Road Trip Survival Kits for trade school and college students. Whether moving across the state or across the country, whether commuting to campus across town, students are wise to be prepared for emergencies that might arise.
UTI automotive technician program instructors are available as sources to discuss this topic for media, consumers, and businesses. UTI experts have extensive experience diagnosing, maintaining, repairing, and inspecting vehicles.
UTI offers training programs that include automotive, diesel, collision repair, welding, aviation maintenance, energy, robotics, and automation, HVACR, and non-destructive testing technology.
What: Checklist for College Student Road Trip Survival Kits
UTI leaders offer the following tips for a Road Trip Survival Kit:
- Tire Pressure Gauge: Keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove compartment. Check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge before departing, as changing temperatures can affect tire performance.
- Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench: Ensure you have a spare tire or run flat tires and that they are in good condition. Check to make sure your jack is in your vehicle and tire-changing tools are easy to use.
- Paper Maps or Road Atlas: Be sure to pack “old fashioned” road maps that are available on Amazon.com and at many bookstores or convenience stores.
- Owner’s Manual: Be sure to keep in the glove compartment or other easily accessible location in your vehicle.
- Jumper Cables: Keep a pair for yourself or to help others.
- Driver’s License: Remember to keep it in your wallet.
- Emergency funds: Cash and a credit card or two are handy to hide away in a safe place.
- Registration and Inspections: Make sure both are up to date and keep proof if stickers are not already attached to the windshield or license plate.
- Emergency Necessities: In case of emergencies, pack jumper cables, flashlight, road flare, multi-tool with window breaker and seat belt cutter, first aid kit and a survival blanket.
- Proof of Insurance: Always have proof of your insurance printed out and stored in your vehicle or wallet.
- Blanket or Towel: Keep a towel or blanket to kneel or sit on to avoid contact with hot pavement.
- Water: Always have extra bottles of water so you can stay hydrated during delays or breakdowns.
- Sunscreen: Have sunscreen with high SPF levels to protect yourself from harmful sun rays.
- Sunglasses: Keep a pair of sunglasses available to reduce glare and improve visibility while driving or waiting outside.
- Umbrella: Have an umbrella with you to provide shade or in case of a rainstorm
- Sunshade: Use a reflective sunshade in your windshield to keep your vehicle cooler while parked.
- Cooling towels: Cooling towels are designed to stay cool when wet and can provide relief from the heat when traveling during high temperatures.
- Hat: Have a wide-brimmed hat to shield you from the sun and keep you cool.
- Snacks: Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars or nuts in case of unexpected delays.
- Shoes: Keep an extra pair of comfortable shoes in the trunk or cargo space.
- Smart Phone: Maintain ready access to call roadside assistance such as AAA, dealer roadside service, family members and friends.
- Portable Chargers: Always have spare portable chargers or battery packs to keep your Smart Phone, tablet or laptop.
- Rain gear: Plan ahead with proper weather gear, including raincoats and ponchos for storms.
- Cold-weather gear: Pack blankets, hand warmers, and extra layers for cold nights.
- Travel Plan: When traveling long distances or even a short distance, print out your departure and arrival times and destinations to keep with you. Be sure to advise friends and family about where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Be sure to call or text upon arrival.
- Safety Reflectors: Reflective vests, triangles and vehicle magnets help with the visibility of a person or vehicle.
- Emergency Contact Information: Print out phone numbers for your emergency contacts to keep in your vehicle or wallet. Be sure to also store emergency numbers in your Smart Phone.
- Gasoline Can: Keep an empty, lightweight gas can with a spout in the event you run out of gas and need to walk to a fueling station.
- Ratchet Straps: These are helpful in the event towing is needed.
- Personal Care and Personal Hygiene Items: Keep spare contact lenses and solution, spare eyeglasses, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, and other “care and comfort” necessities in the vehicle console or a small travel bag.
Know Before You Go:
- Check your vehicle’s tire pressure, fluid levels, and oil levels before driving.
- Be sure the tank is fueled if you have a gasoline powered engine.
- Be sure your battery is charged if you are driving an electric vehicle.
- Be sure to stay up to date with tire rotations and brake inspections.
- Check that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals all work correctly.
- Share your travel details with family members and friends and contact them when you have arrived at your destination safely.
- Update emergency contact information on your smartphone. Plan your route ahead of leaving to allow ample time to arrive, factoring in the possibility of traffic, weather, or road construction delays.
How: To learn more about Universal Technical Institute, please visit https://www.uti.edu/.
About Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the “Company”) was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs, whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute (“UTI”) and Concorde Career Colleges (“Concorde”). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on Twitter @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer.
