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.