Getting the most from your car doesn’t just mean knowing how to drive it. It also means having the skills and the equipment you need to keep it in good shape. This means being prepared for a range of motoring circumstances and stocking your vehicle with a few essential items.
Looking after people
In the aftermath of a breakdown or a collision, you’ll want to make sure that all of the human beings involved are safe and comfortable. Having a first-aid kit on board is, therefore, very sensible. It should contain everything you need, including pain relief medication and antiseptic wipes.
When you use anything in the first-aid kit, you should replenish it. In some cases, you might go without using your first-aid kit for long enough that some of the medication expires. Set a reminder on your phone so that you can replace these when the time comes.
If you’re travelling during winter, then spare clothes and a blanket might also be worthwhile. The same goes for food and water. Stock something non-perishable. If you break down in the middle of nowhere, then it might be a while before you’re picked up.
Looking after the car
Of course, ideally, you’ll want to be able to fix the car where it is (or at least, enough that you can get it to a proper mechanic). As such, having a few key tools might be advisable. Your roadside emergency kit should include things like jumper cables, sealant, and a pump.
Establish whether your car comes with a spare tyre, and if it doesn’t, invest in one. Get yourself a proper, rugged toolbox that’s stocked with essentials, including a jack and a lug wrench. Other items, like duct tape, might come in useful, especially if you need to patch up the interior.
Of course, while you’re carrying out repairs on the roadside, or even waiting for a recovery vehicle, you’ll want other motorists to be aware of you. As such, a reflective triangle should be considered indispensable.
Other useful items
There are a few other items that you might find useful. Having a power bank available for phone charging can be useful even if you’re not in an emergency situation. You might also include a torch and a supply of spare batteries. Don’t rely on your phone for this purpose. The same goes for GPS systems and paper maps.
When it comes to stocking up on the items we’ve talked about, you should prioritise according to weight and inconvenience. It might not be worth transporting anything bulky and cumbersome, because it might harm your fuel economy in the long run.
On the other hand, something like a set of spare batteries will impose no such cost!
