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How to prepare for car breakdowns and dealing with roadside emergencies
As we approach the festive season, I want to cover the basics of preparing for roadside emergencies and deal-ing with car break-downs. I have had my fair share of roadside emergencies and breakdowns.
My experience includes minor incidents such as punctured tyre, malfunctioned windshield wiper, drained battery, and locked in key. And the more serious stuff like overheating, engine failure, and sliding off the road into a ditch during a heavy storm.
Well maintained car is the best medicine against roadside emergencies
One of the best things you can do to avoid or minimise breakdowns and emergencies is to keep your car in the best shape possible. Beside from the regular maintenance, you should:
- Check the air pressure in all tyres, including the spare — a good tyre gauge is a must in this case.
- Check tyre thread wear.
- Check all fluids to make sure they are properly filled between the max and min line.
- Check all belts and hoses for signs of deterioration and fluid leak.
- Check all lights
Learning how to do these basic inspections on your own will save you a lot of money. However, you should consult a mechanic if you’re not sure.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Beside a cellphone and the stuff that comes with the car — ie, spare tyre, lug wrench, and car jack — you should invest in a good roadside emergency kit. However, you might have to buy individual pieces if you want the really good stuff. Here are a few important ones that I want to highlight.
- Unsecured items, including cell- phone, will be thrown about if you are involved in an accident. Make sure you keep vital items like your cell phone and escape hammer in a secured but easily accessible location.
Flashlight
Unless you are planning to travel only when the sun is out, carrying a good flashlight in your car is essential. I prefer the ruggedized and water resistant type, but any flashlight with a good set of batteries will work fine. Another good option is to get a flashlight that comes with magnet or clip-on attachment, or a headlamp that you can wear on your head, so both hands are free.
Heavy Duty Jumper Cable (Power Booster Cable)
Alternator and battery can fail unexpectedly, and you can leave your lights on by accident. A good jumper cable is a must, especially for older cars.
If you’re really desperate, you could also use the jumper cable as a temporary tow rope to pull your car out of a ditch.
Tyre Sealer Inflator
A tyre sealer inflator can help you get to the nearest shop.
Other Items You May want to carry
- Portable air compressor with gauge
- Reflective warning triangles
- A pair of work gloves
- Rain poncho
- A roll of duct tape
- Cable ties
- Basic tools, such as a pair of pliers, flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, utility knife,
- First-aid kit
Survival Supplies
In addition to roadside emergency supplies above, you may also want to carry some survival supplies in your car.
Food — You can keep a couple of chocolate bars or even canned food in the car
- Water
- Candle and matches — Flashlight can’t start a fire or warm things up. Besides starting a fire, a candle can warm up canned food or water in a metal cup.
- Car escape tool
Roadside Safety Tips
Being out of the car on the highway is one of the most dangerous things you can do; however, it might be a necessary thing for you to do. If your car breaks down on the highway, you should employ every means possible to maximise your visibility.
Here are some roadside safety tips:
- Try to pull as far away from the roadway as possible while staying on the paved road.
- If you are dealing with a flat or blown out tyre, try to pull over into a flat area so that you can safely jack up the car.
- Turn your wheel away from the roadway so that it doesn’t accidentally roll into the oncoming traffic.
- If you are travelling with child-ren and/or pets, move them to a safe location away from the car. If this isn’t possible, make sure they are properly secured inside the car.
Ralph Magunje can be contacted on email address: [email protected]
Online Reporter