British weather. Its unpredictable. One second we can be in the midst of a heatwave and the next second we are entrapped within a harsh cold snap. Motorists across the world in comparison to Britain seem to always be better prepared than ourselves. Following recent weather conditions, motorists across the UK must realise the importance of carrying a few essentials to ensure safety if one is ever stranded at the roadside.
Cars are not exempt from going wrong, and breakdowns happen. Even if you are a member of a roadside recovery firm, recovery does not always happen immediately, especially if weather conditions are bad there can be no guarantee how long it will take until you are rescued. With this in mind, its probably wise to ensure your vehicle is always equipped with a few simple emergency essentials.
Here at TyreQuote we put together our guide of what we carry, and what you should be too.
1. In car Phone Charger
An in-car phone charger is one investment which can make your life just that little bit easier and perhaps even safer. Many good phone shops stock phone chargers which can be plugged into the cigarette light, or purchase a charger which is powered via AA batteries if your car battery happens to be the reason you are stranded.
2. Jump Cables, Spare Tyre and Tools just in case
Most cars have a space for a spare tyre, but many of us often neglect to check if a) we actually have a spare tyre or b) if that spare is infact safe. Its worth taking the time to ensure both are true, and that you have the knowledge to be able to change a tyre on your car. Its not as difficult as you think and could mean the difference between staying stranded or getting to your destination on time.
3. Water, Blanket, Food
It may sound extreme to keep these in your car, but its actually a very sensible thing to do. Even if you don’t break down but you are stuck in the midst of a 4 hour M25 standstill, small essentials like these can keep your energy up and stop you getting fatigued which is pretty dangerous when you are behind the wheel. Always think ahead.
4. Torch
You can’t always rely on there being a streetlight to aid you when your checking underneath your bonnet. In winter months especially when light is poor, its vital you keep equipment like this in your car.
5. First Aid Kit
You never know what situation you may find yourself in, so stay prepared. First Aid Kits don’t have to cost the earth, and many are made to be compact yet efficient so keep one just in case. It could save someones life.
6. Insurance Documents & Roadside Recovery Policy
Its something which the police and Highways Agency are always insisting we carry, yet many of us never do. When insurance documents are mentioned, they don’t mean carrying round a great deal of paperwork, instead your policy number, expiry date and insurers contact numbers will do. Ensure you have both office hours and out of hours numbers. Make sure you also keep your recovery policy in your vehicle too. Know where you stand, and whats actually included within your policy. Sometimes its very easy to be caught out.
These may seem like common sense items to carry, but the fact is many of us don’t. Across Europe it is the Law to carry such essentials otherwise motorists could face a hefty fine. Carrying these essentials may seem a bit excessive, but all could save your life this winter. They don’t take up much space, but could make the world of difference.