MotorWeek's Pat Goss Encourages Thinking Out of the Toy or Jewelry Box and Into the Trunk for Holiday Gift Giving

OWINGS MILLS, MD: The holidays are usually a time for exchanging expensive, frivolous or non-essential gifts. This year, however, Pat Goss, master technician on MPT's weekly automotive magazine, MotorWeek, suggests giving the gift of "safety" to family members and friends.

"Road flares and booster cables aren't something we think about until we need them," said Pat Goss, "but having them when we need them is what's important.

"No one is immune to car problems, but most drivers are so busy keeping up with their 'daily routines,' they disregard the importance of buying safety items for the car. That's easy to understand, but it's a big mistake. After all, the sole purpose of a safety kit is to help deal with a problem that hasn't even happened - yet!"

If you're playing Santa this year, consider the drivers on your list who might benefit from your thoughtfulness. This includes new teenage drivers, busy moms, retired travelers, business executives - anyone who gets behind the wheel!
Long after the glitter has worn off the other packages, this common sense approach to gift giving will help to keep someone safe and confident on the road for months to come.

Recommended trunk kit items for those unexpected emergencies include:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper or booster cables (preferably the cigarette lighter to cigarette lighter variety)
• First aid kit
• Pocket knife
• Multi-purpose tool
• Ice scraper
  
• Lock de-icer
• Thermal blanket
• Warm gloves
• Brightly colored cloth for flag
• Reflector vest
• Road flares
• Mechanics wire for tying up a loose or dragging car part

In addition to the emergency trunk kit, drivers should remember to always drive with a full tank of gas, a good spare tire and jack, and carry a cell phone with a cigarette lighter adapter, if possible. Families, office mates and/or friends can pool resources and give the entire kit, including a sturdy plastic molded box to hold the items. Another natural for the holiday gift-giving season is membership in an auto club.

Remember to watch MotorWeek, the nation's original and longest running automotive magazine show, on MPT on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m., repeats Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. You can also check the MotorWeek Web site at www.mpt.org/motorweek. Produced by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek is nationally underwritten by Pep Boys and eBay Motors.

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is among the largest producers of national and international programs for public television. Major series include Wall $treet Week With Louis Rukeyser, MotorWeek, HealthWeek, Mollie Katzen's Cooking Show and Baking with Julia, hosted by Julia Child. For more information, visit MPT's Web site at www.mpt.org.

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