Make sure your vehicle is well kitted out
Too often drivers find themselves stranded by the side of the road due to an issue that could easily have been prevented – or resolved – had they had the right kit in their cars.
This essential items list from Colin Morgan, of car retailer getWorth, will help ensure you stay safe, comfortable and prepared on short or long car trips.
MAINTENANCE
● Tyre care: Most cars come with a spare tyre and tyre jack, but always check these are in fact in your car and that the spare is inflated sufficiently before travelling anywhere.
Also keep a spanner toolkit in the car.
A tyre repair kit or puncture plugs, as well as a mini air compressor that connects to your car’s 12V adapter and can inflate your flat tyre quickly is useful;
● Jumper cables: These can help you if your battery dies and can help someone else who might be stuck;
● Car manual: Keep it in the cubby hole to refer to when you are not sure what a warning light means or where to find something like the fuse box;
● Multipurpose utility tool: You can’t keep an entire toolbox in your car so a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman is a good option;
● Tow rope: If you have broken down you will need a tow rope.
SAFETY
● First aid kit: You can assemble one yourself or buy one already assembled for you;
● Pepper spray/Taser: If you are stranded in a remote area you will want something to protect yourself with;
● Traffic triangle: It is compulsory to have one in your car in SA.
It increases your car’s visibility to other motorists in the event of a breakdown;
● Torch: This comes in handy if you need to check an engine’s nooks and crannies or to provide light for other motorists if you have broken down in the dark;
● R100 emergency cash: This will be useful if you run out of fuel;
● Reflective vest: It’s important to be visible if you break down in the dark or need to help with another accident;
● Emergency numbers: Keep these in a safe place.
LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING
● Bottle of water and non-perishable snacks: A litre of water will keep you hydrated if needed and fix an overheating car.
Snacks will be come in handy if you are stuck for a long period of time;
● Headache, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea tablets: On a long, winding road, there is a high probability someone will get car sick;
● A warm blanket: In the event you are stuck in the cold;
● Raincoat: For if you have to change a tyre in the rain;
● Tissues and hand sanitiser;
● Fire extinguisher: Keep a small one in the car as a fire can happen at any time;
● Your driver’s licence: If you are caught without it, you will be fined up to R1,000.