Must have emergency items to carry in your car
Our ability to move ourselves and goods across short and long distances is an important element of economic activity. It is thus important that one also prepares oneself for any emergencies which may occur on route. This may vary from a flat tyre, an accident and or a flat battery just to name but a few.
Here’s a checklist of the emergency items we suggest you always carry in your vehicle.
• A notebook and pen should be standard issue in every car.
• Spare tyre, jack and other tools to change a flat or damage tyre with.
• Emergency triangles and reflective jacket are essential to safeguard you and ensure visibility especially with emergencies at night.
• A tow rope.
• Jumper cables in case your car’s battery needs to be brought back to life.
• A well-equipped first aid kit.
• Always good to have your car’s manual also at hand inclusive of dealer emergency contact numbers.
• A good flashlight. Remember to check the batteries before you set off on your journey.
• A rain coat or quality umbrella – it is not fun replacing a flat tyre in the rain without a rain coat.
• A multi-tool like a Leatherman.
• Warm clothes and a blanket or space blanket.
• Extra water for both drinking and perhaps filling a problem radiator or cleaning your hands once you have repaired what needed to be repaired.
• Battery charger for your phone.
• Although we all use Google maps, a good old conventional paper map can be a lifesaver.
• Spare cash.
• A lighter.
• A roll of duct tape. Like cable ties, duct tape can be used for an infinite number of temporary repairs.
If you’d like to add to this list, or share a story of an item not mentioned but which proved invaluable during one of your emergencies, please email us at motoring@lowvelder.co.za.
