C r e a t e Yo u r O wn R o a d S a f e t y K i t Story

Felicia Campbell

Driving around Muscat, we are never terribly far from petrol stations, auto shops, or other people, but heading out of town on a weekend excursion you will often find yourself in “no-man’s land” with many kilometres between petrol stations or even other motorists. If you’re anything like me, then the last thing you are thinking about as you pack your cool box, barbecue grill, and folding chairs is an emergency kit. That’s why it is a great idea to have a “permanent kit” stashed in your trunk at all times, that way, if you spring a flat tyre, run out of petrol, or find yourself stranded between towns for any reason, you’ll already have what you need to help you solve the problem and get on your way, or at least be comfortable while waiting. Here’s how to build a basic kit, which you can add-to based-on your travel destinations and needs. A small to medium-sized duffle bag or backpack to store your gear in.

Reflective Triangles or LED Warning Lights

It is essential that other motorists can see you on the side of the road after dark to avoid accidents. Any store bought kit will do, just be sure there are plenty of band aids, bandages inside.

Coolant and a Jug of Water

In this desert heat, cars often overheat when the water and coolant levels get low. Filling up the radiator with water is often enough to get you to the next town. Just be sure not to open the radiator cap until it is 100% cool.

Flashlight (Ideally Solar and Battery Powered)

We’ve all travelled down those pitch-black byways at night, having a light makes it much safer should you need to set out on foot. If you are close enough to a village or are able to get a ride from a friendly passing motorist when you run out of petrol, then a quick trip to the filling station might be all that is required to get you back on your journey, no tow truck needed.

Rag

When you pop the hood of the car to see if there are any obvious things wrong, it is good to have a rag to help you grip oily surfaces or to protect you from hot engine parts. Yes, even in the desert it can get cold, especially in the mountains. Don’t throw away your old gym shoes. Put them in a plastic bag and keep them in the car. If you do find yourself in a position where you need to walk for some distance, you’ll be grateful to have them. There is little more frustrating than having a simple dead battery, plenty of helpful motorists stopping, but no jumper cables. So many uses and especially great when digging out of the sand.

Multi-tool

This can come in handy in ways you will never think of until the situation arises. Great use of space and resources. Aerosol tyre inflators with sealant are a temporary fix for flat tyres causes by a small hole (like a nail), designed to allow drivers to get off the side of the road to a proper car repair shop. That said, they can mess up the automatic air pressure sensors in newer cars, so use only in an emergency. That said, be sure your car’s jack, lug-nut remover, and spare tyre are all in the vehicle at all times.

Cash

Not a ton of money, but at least a few rials and some baisas as you very well may not be near an ATM to access funds for petrol, small maintenance jobs, or snacks. Having a AAA membership is great, but at the very least, have the number of a towing service (who speak your language or at least understand you) saved in your phone and written down. A can of tuna, a few protein bars, or other food items that are shelf stable can make for a much more comfortable wait if you have to call a tow truck to come find you. Water is the number one important thing that, as desert dwellers, we should always have with us. Sure, it will be hot from sitting in the trunk, but the most dangerous part of any breakdown is the potential for dehydration. Keep a six-pack of 1-litre bottles in the car at all times. (This is in addition to your 1-gallon car repair water).