When driving, it’s critical to be prepared for a variety of scenarios, including breakdowns, in order to remain safe on the road.
When you’re out of the house, your car serves as your base camp, whether you’re going to the grocery store or planning a road trip. In addition to the tools you’ll need to change a tire—a lug wrench, sealant, pressure gauge, and, of course, a spare tire—keep a few extras on hand in case you need them for other situations. You should be able to carry all of these items in your trunk while still having room for luggage.
Useful things to keep in your car
Some of the things to have in your car in case of emergency include:
High-vis clothing
If you break down, it’s a good idea to have a high-visibility jacket on hand. Although it isn’t legally required in the USA, it can aid other road users in spotting you when you’re standing by the side of the road, particularly if it’s dark. Carrying a high-vis vest in your car is required in many European countries.
Jumper cables
Don’t assume that the person who comes to assist you has cables. You might also be asked to assist someone else. This dead-battery fix is not only faster, but also less expensive than calling a garage repairman.
Red warning triangles
Red warning triangles can be purchased online or from car dealerships and specialty stores. If you break down and it is safe to do so, place a triangle at least 45 meters behind your vehicle to alert other drivers to the obstruction. Just keep in mind that putting one out on the highway is not a good idea. In most European countries, having at least one warning triangle in your car is required.
Warning triangle
If you break down, this can be used to alert other drivers. If you’re on a dual-carriageway, place a warning triangle on the road at least 45 meters (147 feet) on the same side of the road as your broken-down vehicle. Always use extreme caution when putting them down or retrieving them, and never use them on highways.
Warm clothes and blankets
Although some drivers prefer to drive without a thick coat, you should always travel with one in the car.
Because a breakdown could mean a long wait without heat, it’s a good idea to have some warm clothing on hand, such as a large coat, gloves, a spare sweater, a hat, and gloves.
This isn’t just for the driver. Ensure that all passengers have warm clothing to wear in order to stay comfortable in the cold.
First-aid kit
If you ding yourself while changing a tyre or your child scrapes his knee at the park, you might need more than that old adhesive bandage stashed in your wallet. Obtain a kit from a non-profit organization such as the Red Cross. All of the small necessities should be included, such as sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, Band-Aids, and scissors.
Tyre pump
If your tyres begin to go flat while you’re driving, it would be helpful if you could pump them back up to the proper pressure until you can have them checked properly. As a result, having a foot pump or another type of tyre inflator in your vehicle could be beneficial.
Spare tyre
Keep a spare tyre in your car if you have the space. If you get a puncture and have the proper equipment, you may be able to change the tyre yourself if you know how. If not, you can contact your breakdown service, who should be able to fit the tyre for you instead of taking you to a garage.
Jump start cables
Flat or dead batteries can occur in any car, regardless of age or time of day, but they are far more likely to occur in cold weather.
Always keep a set of jump start cables or jump leads in the car to help jump start the battery and get the car moving again, whether you get help from a passing motorist or a RAC roadside recovery.
Shovel
In deep snow, it’s all too easy for a vehicle’s wheels to become stuck, especially if you’re driving on smaller, less-treated roads.
A shovel can literally help you dig yourself out of such a situation; if boot space is limited, consider a foldable model.
Empty fuel can
It can be humiliating and stressful to run out of gas. However, if you have an empty can in your vehicle and are near a gas station, you can fill it up and then fill up your car to continue your journey.
Spare bulbs
Spare bulbs can come in handy if one of your car’s headlights fails, especially if you’re driving in the dark. If you know-how, you can replace the bulb and continue driving without putting other road users at risk. Keep your car safe in Metal Carports or RV Carports. RV Carports keep your RV and Cars safe from severe weather conditions. Check out the selection of high-quality, durable, and affordable metal RV covers for your cars and RVs.
