Something that might be the last thing on a Notary’s mind but should at least be in their bag of tricks is how to manage road emergencies. Are you prepared if you run out of gas? What about if something from the road seriously cracks your windshield?
While we run through a complete NASA checklist of items we carry with us when going to an assignment, some Notaries may not recognize the importance of auto safety tools that we should always have ready. For the next few months, I will give tips on some basic auto safety for Notaries.
Make sure your maintenance is up-to-date
- Look for warning lights and know what they mean.
- Pay attention to your gas and oil gauges
- Know what tire pressure your car holds
Your vehicle is a big part of how you make moves as a Notary and everything you do to keep it in good working order is an investment in your business.
Tools for changing your tires
One auto emergency that seems almost impossible to handle when you are dressed to impress your client is having a flat tire. This is hard for so many reasons:
- Tires are dirty
- Tires are heavy
- Removing the tire seems impossible
My suggestion is to invest in a good electric jack. https://amzn.to/3xrTeqU
The E-HEELP Electric Car Jack 3 Ton 12V is a good investment and will make the tire changing process quicker and more efficient.
Watch this video on how easy it is to change your tire and get back on the road.
Know your limits
Being prepared is always the best plan. But there are exceptions. If you know you aren’t capable of lifting a tire or going through with the changing of a tire always have a backup plan.
One plan could be to carry an emergency roadside kit in your trunk. There is nothing like needing a jumpstart and realizing you don’t have cables. A good quality kit should have cables, flares, road markers, flashlight, window breaker, and a tool kit. https://amzn.to/3vKGDy1
I like this one as a basic starter kit. Even if you can’t physically handle changing a tire, having all the tools available makes it that much easier for someone else who may come along to help you.
Another plan is to carry roadside coverage. Make sure your insurance policy has roadside assistance that covers the changing of tires, locked keys, and jump starting your vehicle at the least. According to Motor1.com, the top four roadside assistance plans are:
I can only vouch for USAA, which has NEVER left me hanging or waiting. But there are quite a few options out there so make sure you have some type of plan in place for emergencies.
As a Notary, we know that not everything works out just like we planned and that goes for our vehicles as well. To recap this month’s safety tips
- Follow a maintenance plan or checklist regularly
- Buy an electric jack and a roadside emergency kit and keep in your car
- Purchase a roadside assistance plan from a reputable company
Remember everything we use to get to our clients is an investment so spend some time and a little money on your vehicle!