Whether you are going on a long journey or simply from home to work, you can never know what is just around the corner. You might puncture your tyre and have to replace it, or you might be in an accident due to heavy traffic. This is why an emergency kit is vital to keep in your car at all times, so you are covered for any eventuality.
Before you go out and look for cars for sale in Limpopo or the surrounding areas, you should create an emergency kit for keeping in your car. While many car dealerships in Limpopo will offer a first-aid kit as a gift for your car, you should add in extras to be sure that you can deal with any situation. Not sure what to include? Below is some advice on what to keep in your car for emergencies.
Tyre changing supplies
Most used cars for sale in Limpopo will be equipped with a spare tyre, but the rest of the supplies might need to be provided by you. This includes a tyre jack to lift the car before changing the tyre, a tyre iron to remove the tyre, the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts and a triangle so oncoming traffic knows you are stopped.
The best place to keep these supplies is in the boot along with the spare tyre. This way, you can access them easily and efficiently for any tyre changes. And you should always ensure that your spare tyre is inflated correctly and using the same pressure as your other tyres. This will ensure that, when you swap them, your car still has an even ride and is not labouring on one side.
A first aid kit
A first aid kit should be one of the very first things you purchase to keep in any used cars in Limpopo that you are interested in buying. This kit does not have to be expensive, but it should include the basics needed for injuries and illnesses.
For example, you should have bandages and plasters to treat wounds as well as antiseptic creams. Allergy medicine or antihistamines are also good to keep on hand, in case of children or family members reacting to something on a road trip. Hand sanitiser, cotton swabs and pain relief medication are also important to have. You should also keep emergency numbers and personal information such as blood type and allergies in the kit in case an ambulance needs to be called. Keep this kit in your cubby hole or underneath the passenger seat.
Jumper cables
No matter if you are looking for luxury vehicles or cheap cars in Limpopo and surrounds, you will need to keep jumper cables in your car or bakkie. While you yourself might not stall often or have a dead battery, you can help out another driver, which will save someone time, effort and money.
Be sure that your jumper cables are in an easy-to-reach place, such as your boot along with your tyre changing supplies. Keep them clean and rust free, so that they work every time you need them. And look for cables that are suited to your car’s battery. Not everyone has jumper cables, so if you find yourself stranded, it is best to have your own set handy. In order to prevent yourself from experiencing a dead car battery, always ensure that all lights have been switched off when you are parked at home or work.
Water bottles
Keeping water bottles in your car is not only to help keep you hydrated on hot days. You can also use this water to cool down your engine or refill the water if you become stranded. Be sure that if you are going to be drinking the water, you empty out the bottles and replace the water at least once a week, or keep them in your boot to avoid being affected by the heat.
It is advisable to keep a water bottle or two in your cubby hole or under the passenger seat to alleviate dehydration on very hot days. You could even keep a cooler bag in the back of your car to keep the water cool and refreshing. You can also use larger, empty water bottles to transport petrol if you run out and are within walking distance of a station, but be sure that you do not reuse these bottles for anything else.
Always be prepared
It is better to be over-prepared than not prepared at all. You should have these emergency items ready to go before you choose your new car, saving yourself time and extra money. Tyre changing supplies and jumper cables are essential to any car owner. And you should always have a first aid kit and clean drinking water readily available, especially for those long road trips over holidays. If you have these items in your car, you will be set for any eventuality, giving you more peace of mind while you drive.h