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Preparation is key. By keeping the right tools and equipment in your car, you can rest assured that you’re covered for every eventuality. Here’s a list of the top 10 essentials you should consider keeping in your car.
Essential items
1. Spare tyre and jack
Getting a puncture or blowout whilst driving is scary enough, but not having the right tools to fix it could turn an inconvenience into a nightmare. Whilst many cars come with spare tyres, it’s always important to make sure you have fresh one loaded up and ready for use. Spare tyres vary in size, from full on replacements to space savers that are much thinner and only intended for temporary use. Space savers are a good option if you have a smaller car or don’t want to compromise on boot space.
Of course a tyre jack as well as the know-how to change a tyre is required, so make sure you’ve also packed a jack and know how to use it.
2. Tyre Pressure Guage
Ideally, you’d want to avoid damaging your tyres in the first place. A great way to do this is by frequently monitoring the pressure of your tyres using a gauge. If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, it’s important to inflate or deflate the tyres to get them to the correct pressure.
Most cars have a sticker on the inside of the door that tells you the correct tyre pressure that you should be using. If you can’t find a sticker on the bodywork, you should be able to find the details in the user manual.
Bonus: correctly inflated tyres can boost your mileage per tank by up to 3%, so it’s both safe and economical to keep your tyres healthy!
3. Jump Leads
We’ve all been there. You’ve accidentally left your lights on for a few hours, the battery is dead and the car won’t start. That’s why jump leads are one of the most important car essentials to have in your vehicle at all times. All you need is another willing motorist to help jump start your car and get you on your way.
4. User Manual
Whilst much of your car’s information can now be found online, it’s still important to keep a reliable paper copy of your user manual in the glove box. This way, even when your phone is out battery or you have no signal, there’s a one stop shop for all the information you could ever need about your car.
5. Warm Clothing
You never when you’re going to breakdown. If you get stuck in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures, you’ll be glad you remembered to pack a nice thick jacket and a few jumpers. This is especially important if you need to leave your vehicle to find help.
6. Food and Water
It’s important to keep up your energy levels and stay hydrated whenever you’re on the road. Keeping some drinking water and non-perishable snacks like energy bars in your car is crucial, especially for those longer trips. The water can also double up as a top for your car’s radiator if you ever need it.
7. Hi-vis jacket
Hi-vis jackets are considered so important that they’re required by law in many European countries. Whilst it’s not illegal to drive without one in your car in the UK, they’re still essential items that take up very little space in your car. If you ever need to walk away from your vehicle on a dark, rural road, a hi-vis jacket could mean the difference between being spotted by a passing motorist, or hit by one.
8. Warning Triangles
Warning triangles have a reflective coating that alerts all approaching traffic that your car has stopped. By placing one at the front and another one at the rear of your vehicle, all motorists regardless of the direction they’re coming from, should be able to see you clearly. This is an essential step ensuring that breakdown situations are kept safe and secure.
9. UV-400 Sunglasses
If it’s clear weather and the sun is low in the sky, it could be shining directly into your eye line. To ensure that you maintain full visibility of the road, and also protect your eyes, it’s a good idea to keep a pair of UV-400 sunglasses in your car.
10. Road Atlas
Road maps may seem redundant in this day and age but they could be the only thing that saves you when you get lost. Whilst modern satnavs are incredibly advanced, they still rely on phone signal and battery to operate, both of which you could find yourself without, especially in rural areas. A trusty, old fashioned road atlas on the other hand, will never run out of battery.
To determine if your car battery is flat, there are several key indicators to consider. Firstly, if the engine struggles to start or fails to turn over altogether, it is a strong indication of a flat battery.
Additionally, dimmed headlights or dashboard lights are tell-tale signs. Another symptom includes the absence of any sound or a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key.
If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to test the battery voltage with a multi meter. A reading significantly below 12.6 volts confirms that you have a flat battery in need of recharging or replacement.
During the winter months, it is imperative to keep your car stocked with all the essentials to ensure safety and preparedness. An ice scraper is indispensable for clearing frost from your windscreen, enabling clear visibility.
A wind-up torch can be a lifesaver in case of breakdowns or emergencies, providing reliable light without the need for batteries. Additional items such as a blanket and extra warm clothing are also advisable. Keeping these essentials in your vehicle will help you navigate extreme weather more safely and comfortably.
In the event of a breakdown, it is prudent to keep certain emergency supplies in your car to ensure safety and preparedness. A well-equipped emergency kit, including a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a torch with extra batteries, is indispensable.
Additionally, proper tools, spare tyre, tyre jack, and a lug wrench will enable you to address common tyre issues. Reflective triangles and a high visibility clothing can enhance your visibility to road users, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
It is also advisable to have water, non-perishable snacks, portable power bank, phone charger and a blanket on hand to stay comfortable while awaiting assistance.
Whilst stuck waiting for a car recovery service, it is imperative to prioritise safety. Ensure your vehicle is moved to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible.
Activate hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence. Remain inside the vehicle with the doors locked, especially if you are in an unfamiliar or potentially hazardous area.
Contact family or friends to inform them of your situation. Gather any essential documents and personal belongings in case you need to leave the vehicle. Stay calm and patient, as help will arrive shortly to assist with your car recovery needs.
Storing food in your car for emergency situations requires careful planning and consideration. Opt for non-perishable items that can withstand varying temperatures such as canned goods, cereal bars, protein bars, and dried fruits.
Ensure these items are stored in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and prevent contamination. It is also advisable to keep a manual can opener and utensils alongside your food supplies.
Regularly check the expiry dates and replace any items as needed to ensure they remain safe for consumption. Additionally, consider the storage location within your car to protect the food from excessive heat or cold, which can affect its quality.
New drivers should ensure their car is equipped with essential items to enhance safety and preparedness on the road. A well-stocked first aid kit is indispensable for addressing minor injuries promptly.
Additionally, having a spare tyre, jack, and tyre iron is crucial for handling unexpected flats. Basic tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers, alongside jumper cables, can be invaluable in unforeseen circumstances.
Furthermore, carrying a high-visibility jacket and warning triangle ensures safety during breakdowns. It is also prudent to have a torch and extra batteries for emergencies. Overall, being well-prepared can significantly minimise the stress of unexpected situations for new drivers.
The duration of a road-side car repair can vary significantly depending on the nature of the issue and the availability of necessary parts and tools. Minor problems, such as a flat tyre or a drained battery, might be resolved within 30 minutes to an hour.
However, more complex issues such as engine malfunctions could require several hours or even necessitate towing the vehicle to a garage for comprehensive repairs. Overall, the time required for roadside car repairs is contingent on the specific circumstances and the proficiency of the road-side assistance provider.
Storing an empty fuel can in your vehicle is generally considered a prudent precaution. In the event of an unforeseen fuel shortage, having an empty fuel can allows you to safely procure and transport petrol from the nearest service station.
However, it is essential to ensure that the can is securely fastened to prevent any movement that could lead to damage or leaks.
Additionally, ensure that the can is specifically designed for fuel storage and complies with all relevant safety standards. Regularly inspect the can for any signs of wear and tear to maintain safety and reliability.
Handy vehicle documents such as your driving licence, the vehicle registration certificate, proof of insurance, and a valid MOT certificate if applicable are all good to have.
Keeping these documents readily accessible can prove invaluable during routine traffic stops or in the event of an accident. It is also prudent to have a record of recent service history and emergency contact numbers. By maintaining these essential documents, you ensure that you are well-prepared for any situation on the road.