by It is basically the start of every horror film ever made. You are driving on an unfamiliar road and suddenly you car jolts to a halt. We have all had the fear of being stuck on the side of the road, day or night. Here is a helpful list of what to carry in your car at all times in case of a breakdown.
12 Essentials You Need In Case Of a Breakdown
Here is a helpful list of what to carry in your car at all times in case of a breakdown.
1. Hazard Triangle
This vital reflective triangle could save your life. If you are caught in the pitch dark with your lights are off, other drivers might not see you. Rather make sure that everyone can see you, than risk a more severe accident by being invisible. Also, try and have something reflective to wear to be visible.
2. Break-Down Service Or Insurance Company Contact Details
You might not have access to the web on your mobile if you are out of data range. Make sure that you have a physical copy of emergency contact details in your car to make that phone call to get you out of trouble.
3. Spare Tyre And Jack
Ladies, this is when you have to learn how to change a tyre once and for all. You will probably walk out a lot greasier than you would like to. You will also have to put some energy into it. But, don’t worry, it is not as difficult as it seems.
4. Jump Leads
A surprising amount of people don’t carry jump leads in their car. Should your battery have died after leaving your lights on overnight, all it might take is a jump to get you going again. Make sure to pack this essential in today.
5. Mobile Phone And Charger
We have all seen the movies. The car shudders to a halt. The driver pulls over. It is dark outside. He pulls out his mobile phone to make a call and as he does, the battery dies. Most cars today have a place for you to charge your phone. Whether you buy an adapter that you can fit into the cigarette lighter, or whether it comes with a USB. Make sure you buy yourself an extra charger and keep it in your car at all times.
6. A Two Litre Bottle Of Fuel
Some might disagree with this as it might be more dangerous in a car. However, a small amount of fuel to refill your tank might just get you out of a sticky situation and closer to a petrol station. This could also be refillable. So, if need be, you could walk the rest of the way to take more back to your car.
7. A Five Litre Bottle Of Water
Not only will this sustain you on a long wait for the services to eventually come and pick you up. But, it might get you out of your situation. Sometimes all your car needs is a top up of water and you will be back on your way.
8. Energy Bar
An energy bar, or any kind of non-perishable food, could be your lifeline if you have been stuck for a few hours on an unending road in the middle of the Karoo.
9. Umbrella Or Windbreaker
Not only are you stuck somewhere in the middle of no-where, but you are also soaking wet and freezing cold in the wind. It sounds miserable. Rather leave an umbrella in the boot at all times. One day you will thank yourself.
10. Loose Change
Most of us already carry loose change for the car guards. However, this loose change could come in handy if you are stuck in an area without signal and come across a pay-phone.
11. First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit in the back will never be a wasted purchase. Whether you need a simple plaster or burn cream, you never know what situation you could be in on the side of the road.
12. A Road Map
Bear with us here. You might have sat nav, or maps on your phone, but sometimes there is nothing more reliable than an old fashioned map. We have all gotten into the same situation of following the voice prompted map services and landed up in a totally unfamiliar area. Should you be in a more remote area, chances are, the map will be able to allow you to pinpoint where you are, and the possible road to get yourself back on track.
