One of the worst things that can happen as a driver is getting stranded on a busy road. Whether it’s a dead battery or you’ve run out of fuel, it’s important to carry the right emergency items in your car at all times.
Luckily, we’ve put together this handy guide that contains a list of all the essentials that may come in handy while you’re on the road. You can tailor this list to the type and condition of your vehicle as well as the weather when you typically travel, especially if you live in a snowy, icy place.
A first aid kit
This is a very important piece of emergency equipment that you should always have stored in the boot or glove box of your car. If someone gets hurt while you are on the road, a first aid kit can help you manage the situation quickly.
You can keep items such as plasters, anti-sickness medication, antiseptic and some adhesive tape. It may also be a good idea to keep a few bottles of water and some energy bars inside too, in case you get stuck in traffic or your car breaks down and you are waiting for help to arrive.
Light source
It’s advisable to carry a torch and extra batteries for it in your car so you can see under the bonnet clearly if you need to. A multi-use version that also flashes may be the best option as you can use it to warn other drivers where you are, too.
Keeping a reflective triangle in the boot is also a good idea, as it’s essential to warn other drivers of where you are stranded, and it should be placed on the roadside behind your vehicle.
Trolley jack
A trolley jack is used to lift vehicles easily and safely so that the underside of the car can be accessed, and you can change a tyre. They use hydraulics to raise the car securely and then lower it carefully to avoid damaging it.
Most trolley jacks have wheels and are easily portable. Even if you don’t know how to change a flat tyre, someone else might, so it’s a good idea to keep a small one in the boot of your car alongside the tyre, without it taking up too much room.
Fuel can
If you have forgotten to fill your car up, or the warning light is broken and you run out of fuel, keeping a small can of fuel in your car gets you back up and running in no time.
A five-litre fuel can provides enough to get you to the nearest petrol station without having to call breakdown services. It is also a good idea to keep your fuel in a green can if your vehicle runs on petrol, or a black can if it runs on diesel to avoid confusion.
Winter accessories
Driving during the winter is a lot riskier than driving in the summer as the cold weather acts as a catalyst for breakdowns. If you live in a particularly cold and icy climate, or drive a lot in the snow, keeping a few essential winter accessories in your car can help to keep you moving. These could include:
- an ice scraper
- a spray bottle with washer fluid
- a set of snow chains for your tyres
- extra screen wash
- a shovel
- blankets/warm clothes
Author Bio
First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk