Long commutes and summer heat are tough on cars. Build a small kit that covers dead batteries, low tires and long waits.
Many Eastvale residents spend an hour or more a day on the 15, the 60 or the 91. Long commutes, stop-and-go traffic and summer heat add up to more wear on batteries and tires. A small kit in the trunk turns a stressful breakdown into a manageable wait.
1. Start with a roadside kit
A ready-made roadside kit covers most of the essentials in one bag: jumper cables, a tow strap, a reflective warning triangle, gloves, basic tools, a flashlight and first aid supplies. Check the contents once a year and replace anything you use.
2. Keep tire pressure right
Tire pressure rises and falls with temperature, and under-inflated tires wear faster, hurt fuel economy and are more likely to fail on a hot freeway. A rechargeable inflator with an auto shutoff lets you top up at home or on the shoulder. Use the pressure printed on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number on the tire.
3. Pack for the heat
- A gallon of water per person and a few snacks.
- A sun shade for the windshield and a light-colored towel to cover hot seats.
- Sunglasses that cut glare for early-morning and late-afternoon drives.
- A phone charging cable and a small power bank.
4. If you break down
Pull as far to the right as you safely can, turn on your hazard lights and stay buckled in if you are on a busy freeway. California Highway Patrol's Freeway Service Patrol helps stranded drivers on many Inland Empire freeways during commute hours. Call 911 if you are in a dangerous spot.
5. A quick monthly check
Once a month, look at tire pressure and tread, check that your lights work, and make sure the kit, water and charger are still in the trunk. It takes five minutes and saves a lot of trouble.
This article is general information, not professional advice. Updated July 29, 2026.