Always be prepared

Many of us don’t keep our cars or trucks equipped with things that might come in handy in an emergency situation. It makes good sense to keep at least a few items to help us in a tricky situation. If you’re a new driver then you might be grateful of the extra peace of mind, knowing that if you get stuck in a long tail back or get stranded with a mechanical issue then you can at least stay safe, be fairly comfortable and have a means of communication. For Driving Lessons Wellingborough, visit http://promotion-driving.co.uk/driving-lessons-in-wellingborough/. Here is a list of some of the things that we should consider storing in our vehicles:

Firstly, an emergency safety kit which includes a booster cable, flashlight, first aid kit, and many other items is very important but you probably have these items lying around so you can easily make up your own DIY kit. Breaking down at the side of the road is always awkward and inconvenient but realising that your spare tyre is a flat from the last time this happened, is going to be a serious pain in the neck. So these are the things you’ll be glad you have in your boot:

• Spare tyre – make sure it’s in good condition and also keep tyre jack and tyre iron as without them you won’t be able to fit the spare tyre if you’re on your own. Also, if your wheels require a special security key, make sure that’s always in your car too.
• Manual for your vehicle – which you should find in the glove compartment already.
• Jump leads – a flat battery can happen anytime and anywhere so it’s good to familiarize yourself with your car’s engine and refresh your memory on how you jump start a car. There’s loads of videos online showing you how it’s done. Alternatively, you can pack an emergency battery booster to save you the effort.
• Tyre pressure gauge: checking tyre pressure regularly can improve handling, increase your fuel economy and increase the life of your tyres.
• Duct tape and WD-40 – you never know when these could come in handy.
• Car repair information – A business card for your local auto repair shop, the number for your roadside assistance, if you have it, and car insurance claim forms should all be kept in your glove compartment.

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Along with maintenance kits, you should also think about things you might need if you’re a little bit further from home and get stuck in a situation. Things you would need for personal safety include:

• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Multi tool (that incorporates several useful tools in one unit)
• Matches or other means of starting a fire
• Energy bars or snacks
• Water bottles

A few car-specific items:

• Seat belt cutter and window breaker. Keep this in your glove compartment, not in your boot.
• Flares or reflective triangle, so you don’t get hit at the side of the road in the dark.
• Yes, the paper kind because you won’t always get a signal.
• Ice scraper
• Space blanket to keep you warm during a blizzard.
• Cardboard or carpet remnant you can place under tyres for traction in the snow.

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A few other optional items could include:

• Tissues or a roll of toilet paper
• Pencil and paper
• Umbrella
• Spare change/emergency money
• Change of clothes: also an emergency item, because if you get drenched in rain or snow, it’s not good for you to sit around like that in the cold.
• USB mobile device charger