Tools and equipment to keep in your car incase of a breakdown or emergency
Every car should have basics in case of a breakdown and every driver should know how to use those basics. The further away from civilisation you move, the more comprehensive your basics should be. But even in the biggest cities, you will travel in areas that seem pretty empty and you would want to be totally empty if you get a flat tyre. The difference between the good and the not-good Samaritan will only become apparent when they are very close to you.
Tools To Change A Tyre
A flat tyre is the most likely mishap Make sure you have a properly inflated spare tyre, wheel spanner and jack in the boot and that you know how to use them – your friendly car dealer will show you in a jiffy, or five minutes at home with your car’s manual will tell you where the jack hardpoints are. This will allow you to lift the car instead of pushing the jack through the floor. Should you have an external spare wheel with one lockable nut, make sure you know where that key is.
Jumper Cables
Always carry a decent set of jumper cables and learn how to use them. YouTube is your friend here. It seems that it is usually someone else getting the flat battery – that little old lady at the mall who left her lights on, allowing you to be the knight in shining armor. But sometimes it is your battery that is flat and jumper cables are easy to carry, quick to use and will make your life much better.
General Equipment
Every vehicle comes with a set of basic tools that should cover any mishap that can be dealt with at the side of the road. Check your manual and get any items that had gone missing. Another very important piece of kit is a reflective warning triangle, but remember to place it a bit further away from you to warn oncoming cars that you are stopped around the corner.
A proper tow rope takes up almost no space, but can literally be a lifesaver. Just make sure you know how to use it. A good flashlight and spare batteries have to be part of your kit as well.
What To Take With When Leaving The City
These are the basics for those of us who normally only drive around town. If you ever travel on the open road or off the beaten track, you would need more.
Make sure you can charge your cellphone in your car. Carry a first aid kit, preferably one designed to be carried in a car where the contents will not just perish after a few months of vehicle heat. You should have bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic, painkillers, a blanket, scissors, a thermometer, cold compress and burn shields. A fire extinguisher is a must-have that you will hopefully never have to use, while duct tape will be used at some stage.
Think about the terrain you will be driving in. The Karoo get very hot during the day, so you will need a hat and water. At night it can get freezing, so a blanket will be essential.
Roadside Assistance Is Vital
It is important to know if your car is still covered by its roadside assistance plan and have the number listed on your phone. If it is not, it would be wise to join an organisation such as the Automobile Association, where you can probably also get a dedicated car first aid kit. You can also look at auto parts places such as Midas for first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
