Johannesburg - Don’t be caught on the side of the road with a broken down car and no solutions. Keep these emergency essentials ready.
1. Spare tyre
A tyre in good condition, along with a jack and wheel brace must be in your car. If your wheels require a special security key, ensure it’s always in your car. Keep a portable tyre inflator and sealer in case disaster strikes again.
2. First aid kit
Ensure your kit contains band aids, antiseptic solution or wipes, gauze, sterile cotton balls, safety pins, hand sanitizer, tweezers, painkillers and a list of emergency numbers.
3. LED torch
If you’re stuck on the side of the road at night, you’ll need efficient lighting. LED lights have a longer battery life than conventional lights. Be sure to keep charged batteries on hand so you aren’t left in the dark.
4. Jump starter kit
A dead car battery needs all the help it can get. Invest in an easy-to-use, multi-functional jump starter kit like the GB20 Ultrasafe Lithium Jump Starter available from www.batteriesonline.co.za for R2200. Ideal for new and old vehicle models, it won’t get damaged if clamps are accidentally connected in reverse or break easily if dropped.
With up to 20 jump starts per charge, this spark, dust and splash-proof gadget also has seven light modes including a flashlight and emergency strobe. You can also use it to power up your phone battery.
5. Reflective warning triangle
Without one of these, oncoming traffic might not see your stationary vehicle in time to avoid an accident.
6. Rope
A long towing rope will make it much easier for someone to help tow your car to safety – or for you to do the same for someone else.
7. Duct tape
For little mishaps it’s the must-have thing for a quick fix of, for instance, a loose bumper or side mirror. There’s little that can’t be repaired, at least temporarily, with duct tape.
Star Motoring