August 24th, 2022 | Updated on August 30th, 2022
We never want to think about “should the worst happen”, but it’s necessary to make sure you’re prepared. A car breaking down is no once in a lifetime event either.
It could very easily happen to you and being prepared can save you a lot of stress. Take a look at our suggestions for what you need in your car to handle a breakdown.
Bottles Of Water
You don’t know how long you’re going to be stuck by the side of the road, so bottles of water are important to make sure you’re hydrated while you’re waiting.
Sure, it would likely take a long time to get seriously harmed by the effects of dehydration, but you’ll start to feel those initial effects quickly.
Plus, they’re useful if the cause of your breakdown is just your radiator needing water, or even the wipers needing water in that perfect storm of rain that simply streaks across when you turn on the wipers.
And some snacks that aren’t about to go off anytime soon, like chips or nuts, would be a smart move.
Reflective Sign
If you have to stop pretty suddenly, and you’re not likely to go anywhere anytime soon, it’s best to have a couple of warning triangles on you.
Especially if the plan is to wait for help inside the car. That’s obviously a decision that’s best approached on a case-by-case basis. Either way, you don’t want to obstruct anyone else’s path and cause another accident, so put a triangle at either end of the car to warn people to slow down.
Hi-Vis Clothing
If you do have to venture out of the car, make sure you have a hi-vis jacket so that you can be located should you wander off, and be seen when other vehicles approach.
And think about adding some boots to that equation too, as you might need to leave your car to get gas, get help, or you might need the extra traction in the boots to get your car out of an icy spot.
Empty Fuel Can
Speaking of getting gas, this is where an empty fuel can come in really handy. If you break down due to a lack of fuel, you’ve got something you can carry gas in and get it back to the car. It’s useful for those of us who are feeling the gas price rise.
Dashboard Cam
More and more people are investing in a dashboard camera, and even more modern cars are also coming with them already fitted.
Not only does it act as the Jiminy Cricket on your shoulder telling you to be more careful, but should anything go wrong, you will have a recording of exactly what happened for quick proof to your insurance – or a judge – as to what went down.
Film Cam
As a backup, a traditional film camera, a disposable one will do, is useful. Film can’t be tampered with the way camera phone photos can. They can be helpful when hitting a parked car as proof of what happened to insurance.
Spare Tire
This one is a given. Always keep a spare in the car. Your dad told you that, your instructor told you that, your tester asked you what to keep in your boot at all times: a spare tire.
However, you might also think about getting a few tire repair kits to store in the car. Some tires can be salvaged, and quickly too. If a plaster is all that’s needed to get the car moving again, that’s better than throwing out the entire tire.
Tire Jack
Of course, a spare tire isn’t going to be much use without a tire jack. A child is supposed to be trapped under it to summon the strength to get a car off the ground.
And while we’re on the subject of tires, you might want to look into a portable tire inflator. If it’s a slow puncture refilling the tire and getting back on the road might be enough to get you closer to help.
Phone Charger
This is the 21st century and we are entirely reliant on our phones. And during an emergency, you’re going to want it nearby, for ironically the thing we use it least for nowadays: making a phone call.
That and determining where you are on the map, getting the tunes on while you wait for help, etc. But it’s always at the worst moment when you look at your phone and see you’ve got 5%.
Keep a charger on you, complete with a plug, because even if you don’t have a car with a USB plug, which a lot of modern cars do today, maybe a lovely neighbor or a service stop café will let you plug in your phone.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is a jack of all trades. It can hold a door closed (temporarily), it can hold a broken door handle (temporarily), it can make a sharp window shard blunt (or at least, less sharp) and a multitude of other moves that can help you out in a sticky situation.
But to be clear, duct tape on a broken car is a band-aid on a bullet wound and is a temporary solution until you can get to a mechanic.
