Road survival kit: 5 essentials to keep in your car

Your car might be home to a coffee mug, a jacket and a pair of shoes, but does it have everything you need in case of an emergency? The promise of roadside assistance can lull us into a false sense of security, forgetting the need to prep for a roadside breakdown. Use this checklist to make sure you have the essentials:

1. Safety first

A basic first-aid kit can go a long way if you have an accident, or are just feeling under the weather whilst on the on the road. Most new vehicles come with a basic first-aid kit, but you can also put together your own. Include bandages, ointments for bee-stings and medication like painkillers for headaches (just make sure they don’t have any side-effects, like drowsiness). Most pharmacies also sell ready-to-go first-aid kits.

2. Car repair information and manual

Always keep the business card of your auto repair shop or mechanic, the number for AA (if you’re a member), the details of your closest Battery Centre and car insurance details, including claim forms, in the car. It may seem unnecessary, because we store numbers on our mobile phones, but remember, your phone battery can run flat.

Manuals also contain useful information on how to keep your car running properly, such as the type of oil to use, maintenance intervals and maximum loads to carry or tow. They contain vital information on how to operate your car’s features or how to solve certain problems in an emergency.

3. Spare wheel

A spare tyre (in good condition), along with a wheel wrench and jack, is a must. If the wheel requires a security key or lock nut, keep this safely stored in the car too. A tyre pressure gauge is useful for preventive maintenance. Keeping your tyres fully inflated improves your mileage and reduces the risk of tyre bursts.

4. Jumper cables

Flat batteries happen to the best of us. Always have an emergency battery booster on hand and make sure you know how to jump-start your car safely. A hazard triangle is essential for alerting other drivers to the fact that you’ve broken down. In case of any battery emergencies, contact the nearest Battery Centre to check, recharge or change your battery.

5. Cellphone charger

In case your phone battery dies, keep a phone charger with you. A power bank is the best option because it won’t drain your car battery. These power banks are available from your nearest Battery Centre.

The old adage applies to your car: hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Even if you have roadside assistance, a car emergency kit is designed to keep you safe until help arrives. Battery Centre specialists are always on hand to assist with regular battery care and reliable car advice. Find your nearest Battery Centre by visiting www.battery.co.za or call toll free on 0800 112 600.

WIN

Two lucky readers each stand a chance of winning a car battery worth up to R2 500 each, courtesy of Battery Centre.

All you have to do is simply pop an email to cvdwalt@caxton.co.za by no later than 12 noon on Wednesday, June 7. Add Battery Centre Competition in your subject box and your name and contact numbers in the body of your email.

No late entries will be accepted and only one email per person will be submitted to the competition.

Winner’s details will be forwarded to Battery Centre and they will notify the winners about details for collecting their voucher.

The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into after the final draw. Please note Ts and Cs apply.

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