Being involved in a roadside emergency, whether a car crash or a flat tyre, is never pleasant, so it’s good to be prepared for when it happens.
According to the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (Sambra), there are several items every motorist must keep in their vehicle at all times that will enable them to address basic emergencies.
These include:
- Cash
- Snacks
- Tow rope
- Duct tape
- Flashlight
- Multi-tool
- Road maps
- First-aid kit
- Tyre jack
- Tyre iron
- Tyre pump
- Tyre sealant
- Space blanket
- Plastic poncho
- Pen and paper
- Jumper cables
- Drinking water
- Reflective jacket
- Fire extinguisher
- Cellphone charger
- Emergency triangle
- Emergency documents
- Paper towels or wet wipes
- Well-inflated spare wheel
“Staying calm and being prepared can make all the difference while awaiting professional help,” said Sambra.
Must-have skills for every driver
While having the tools for the job at hand is important, they’re not worth much if you don’t know how to use them, therefore, the necessary expertise are equally as vital to have as the equipment.
According to Eugene Herbert, CEO of advanced driver-training company MasterDrive, every motorist must know how to change a deflated tyre, identify and replace a flat battery, and handle an overheating engine themselves.
In the event that your car’s wheel gets a puncture, it is essential to know how to replace it to avoid sitting stranded next to the road while waiting for a friend, family member, or emergency services to arrive, which can be highly dangerous.
If you’ve never replaced a flat wheel before, spend time at home to practice doing so with someone knowledgeable to assist so that you know what to do if you’re caught in the situation while out and about by yourself.
Keep in mind, however, that not all cars come with spare wheels as certain models are fitted with “run-flat tyres” that can still drive at a reduced speed when they’re deflated until the driver can find assistance or get to a safer area. It’s worth making sure which one your vehicle has.
Early signs pointing to a failing battery include sluggish starting, malfunctioning features, dim cabin and exterior lights, a swollen or misshapen module, and corrosion and residue around the terminals.
If your ride exhibits any of these characteristics, first check if there are no electronics unnecessarily drawing power, no loose cables, and no corrosion on the battery.
If the problems persist, it could mean it’s due for a new battery, and you should get it tested by a professional to determine whether the power unit is the cause of these issues or something else.
The battery may die while you’re out on an errand, in which case it’s also recommended to have a set of jumper cables in your car, as well as to know how they work.
In a worst-case scenario you may encounter an overheating engine during your daily travels, the first indication of which is usually a spike in the temperature gauge on the dash.
If the temperature is not rising rapidly, you should not immediately pull over and switch off. Keeping the car moving is what will get the radiator and water pump going
However, should the needle move upwards considerably in a short amount of time, find the nearest filling station or a safe place to pull over and let the car cool down.
Do not open the water tank immediately as you risk getting serious burns, but if possible, do top it up with coolant once the engine temperature has subsided before you continue with your journey.
To lower the possibility of this situation happening to you, it’s wise to regularly check your vehicle’s coolant levels and top them up when necessary, especially before a lengthy trip.
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