Breakdowns Happen Fast. Are You Ready?
One minute you’re cruising down the highway, and the next you’re coasting onto the shoulder with your hazard lights blinking. Breakdowns never come with a warning, and they rarely happen when it’s convenient. That’s why being prepared—really prepared—can change the entire experience. If you’re stuck and waiting for our US-31 roadside assistance team, having a few key items in your vehicle can keep you safer, calmer, and more comfortable until help arrives.
Time Feels Longer When You’re Stuck
We’ve seen it firsthand, waiting on the side of US-31 can feel like forever. Whether it’s a mechanical issue, a flat tire, or a dead battery, time crawls when you’re sitting in your car unsure of what’s coming next. Depending on your location and the situation, it might take a bit for a tow truck to get to you. In those moments, it’s what’s in your trunk or glove box that can be the difference between a stressful breakdown and a smooth wait for help.
Our Go-To Emergency Essentials
Over the years, we’ve responded to every kind of roadside call. These are the five items we recommend every driver keep in their vehicle. They don’t take up much space, but they do bring a lot of peace of mind when things go sideways.
1. Flashlight (With Extra Batteries)
Phones are great—until the battery dies or you drop it under the seat. A reliable flashlight helps you signal for help, check under the hood, or light your surroundings after dark. Always pack extra batteries. Light gives you options. And options feel like control.
2. First Aid Kit
Minor cuts and scrapes can turn into bigger distractions if they’re not handled. A basic first aid kit is a smart addition to any vehicle. Make sure it includes:
- Bandages in different sizes
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers
- Tweezers and medical tape
- Emergency contact information
You might not need it often, but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
3. Phone Charger or Power Bank
We can’t stress this one enough. A dead phone is a dead end when you’re stranded. Keeping a charger—or better yet, a charged power bank—means you can call for help, track arrival times, or update family. It’s one of the most useful tools you can have while waiting for US-31 roadside assistance to arrive.
4. Reflective Triangles or Flares
Safety starts with visibility. Reflective triangles or road flares alert other drivers that your vehicle is stopped, especially in low-light conditions. They create a buffer zone and reduce the chance of someone not seeing your car until it’s too late. We use them on every roadside call. You should have them too.
5. Water and a Snack
It doesn’t sound like much… until you’ve been sitting for 45 minutes in the heat or cold. Bottled water and a non-perishable snack (like a granola bar or trail mix) help you stay comfortable while waiting. They’re especially important if you have kids or pets with you during the breakdown.
US-31 Roadside Assistance FAQ: Be Prepared for Breakdowns
1. What are the most important items to keep in my car for emergencies?
We recommend five essentials for any roadside situation:
- A reliable flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tape
- A phone charger or portable power bank
- Reflective triangles or road flares for visibility
- Water and a non-perishable snack for comfort while waiting
2. Why is a flashlight better than just using my phone?
Phone batteries can die or get misplaced in the dark. A dedicated flashlight is brighter, more durable, and doesn’t drain your phone’s power, leaving your phone available for calls and updates.
3. What should I include in a car first-aid kit?
At minimum:
- Bandages in various sizes
- Antiseptic wipes or spray
- Medical tape and tweezers
- Pain relievers
- Emergency contact information
It’s a small kit that can handle minor injuries until professional help arrives.
4. How does a phone charger or power bank help in a breakdown?
Your phone is your lifeline to call for US-31 roadside assistance, share your location, and get updates on arrival times. A charged phone reduces stress and keeps you connected.
5. Are reflective triangles or flares really necessary?
Yes. They warn approaching drivers that your vehicle is stopped, especially at night or in bad weather, lowering the risk of secondary accidents. Professionals use them on nearly every roadside call.
6. Why carry water and a snack in the car?
Breakdowns often mean waiting—sometimes in hot or cold weather. Water and a snack keep you comfortable, hydrated, and alert, especially if you’re traveling with kids or pets.
7. How can these items make roadside assistance faster?
Being prepared lets our US-31 roadside assistance crew focus entirely on towing or repairs, instead of scrambling for a light source, trying to keep passengers calm, or waiting for a charged phone.
8. Do these essentials replace professional roadside assistance?
No. They keep you safe and comfortable until help arrives, but you’ll still need a trained team—like Paddack’s Wrecker US-31 roadside assistance service—to tow or repair your vehicle.
9. What should I do first if I break down on US-31?
- Pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights
- Set out reflective triangles or flares if traffic is nearby
- Call Paddack’s Wrecker for US-31 roadside assistance
- Stay in your vehicle if it’s safe until help arrives
10. How quickly can Paddack’s Wrecker respond on US-31?
Our US-31 roadside assistance team is on call 24/7. Response time depends on traffic and weather, but we prioritize stranded motorists to get them back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
Paddack’s Wrecker Delivers Reliable US-31 Roadside Assistance
At Paddack’s Wrecker, we’re proud to provide US-31 roadside assistance that’s fast, reliable, and ready 24/7. But even the best service takes time to arrive. When you’ve got the basics covered in your car, we can focus fully on the recovery or tow instead of scrambling for a flashlight or trying to keep kids calm in the backseat.
Our US-31 roadside assistance team knows what it’s like to be stuck on the side of the road. We’ve helped hundreds of drivers right here in Indiana through our US-31 roadside assistance program. So pack smart, drive safe, and if the unexpected happens, we’ll be there. With your emergency kit and our crew on the way, you’ve already done half the work.
Stuck on the side of US-31? Don’t panic. Call Paddack’s Wrecker for US-31 roadside assistance and let’s get you back on your way.