A breakdown in a car on the side of the road is already an unpleasant experience, and in South Africa, it can easily be very dangerous.
Motus car dealers say that one’s ability to deal with these emergencies can often depend on the contents of their car.
Therefore, it’s essential to have certain items in your boot at all times to ensure that if it’s something minor, such as a flat tyre or battery, you can deal with it yourself or with little help from others and won’t have to wait hours for roadside assistance to arrive.
In-car essentials
According to Motus, in order to handle the most basic of emergencies, motorists must keep the following items safely stowed away in the boot:
- Tyre jack
- Tyre iron
- Tyre pump
- Tyre sealer
- Jumper cables
- Reflective triangle
- Well-inflated spare wheel
Road users who do not have these items in their vehicles are not as prepared as they should be, according to the company, and if you have them but are not too sure how to use them, it’s recommended to practice first before being caught in a situation and not knowing what to do.
The good news is that most of the gear can be relatively affordable to come by and the payoff for doing so has the potential to be immeasurable.
Apart from the spare wheel, equipment such as the tyre iron, pump, jack, sealer, cables, and reflective triangle can usually be purchased from the closest hardware store in your area.
For the spare tyre you may have to pay a visit to a dealer if you are looking for an extra full-size example to fill the boot, or if not, a normal tyre and wheel shop should suffice to get a steel version.
“The right gear can help you deal with the unexpected and stay safe,” said Motus.
“Even while you may not need the items in your boot for months or even years, it’s reassuring to know that you are prepared for whatever the journey throws at you.”
Keyword: 7 essentials to have in your car