What To Keep In Your Boot
What do they say in the Scouts (apart from Dib Dib Dob Dob) – Always Be Prepared!
They were onto something when they came up with this slogan. Preparation is key, failing to prepare means preparing to fail…. Anyway, over the years we’ve learnt that preparation is the way forward.
And to that end, this blog is about the emergency items you should always keep stashed away in the boot of your car, in PREPARATION for an emergency.
They won’t take up too much space, cost much money or cause excessive additional weight in the car and you’ll be pleased you will have done it.
1. Torch
Let’s start with an obvious one! If you’re broken down after dark, you’ll be spotted by other motorists and the rescue service much more easily. Make sure the batteries are working, a quick check each month should do the trick.
2. Portable phone charger
A breakdown is bad enough. But a breakdown and a dead mobile phone? Disaster! Portable chargers are easy to come by these days and don’t cost much. Ensure you have the wire as well, and like the torch, just check the battery monthly to make sure it has enough juice in it to charge your phone to make that all-important SOS call. (what on earth did people do before mobile phones?!)
3. Water and snacks
Who knows how long it will be before roadside recovery can get to you? Maybe you were on your way to a meal with an already rumbly tummy? Keep the snacks and water stocked up in your emergency kit. Cereal bars and crisps are the obvious choice here and should help to keep you sustained for long enough. Keep an eye on the Use by/Best Before dates. A breakdown coupled with an upset stomach could be catastrophic!
4. All the high vis
To see and to be seen!! In Europe, they make it compulsory to have these in your car at all times (why we don’t follow that rule is a mystery, it’s such a wise idea).
High Vis, reflective jackets can also provide warmth if you’re stuck in the cold.
If you want to keep the costs down, simple high vis accessories will be a good alternative and easy to get hold of (Amazon will always stock a large range of these items)
Emergency triangles will alert other vehicles and cost very little.
5. Ice scraper and de-icer
In the colder months, these are essential items for your car daily.
6. Screenwash & antifreeze
Screenwash is a legal requirement, if your screenwash tank is empty, you will be breaking the law. Always have this in the boot of your car ready to refill as and when is necessary. Add in antifreeze for the colder times of the year to help prevent the jets from clogging and the windscreen from freezing.
7. A snow shovel
Okay, so it depends on where you live. If you live in a big city, you may not deem this as important, but if you live on top of a hill in the middle of the countryside, then a snow shovel could be as necessary as a morning cuppa. Okay, so this MAY take up a little extra space in your boot, but you would only need it for the Winter months when snow is forecast. However, if the snow is very heavy, then it may be wise to avoid travelling altogether.
8. Warm, dry clothing
If you’re stuck in super cold conditions, an extra coat, thick socks and blanket in the boot of your car could be your saviour. OR imagine having to change an unexpected flat tyre on a rainy day and you get soaked through – you’ll be glad of the outfit change tucked away in your boot!
If you have any more ideas for emergency items for your boot, or some ‘nice to haves’ in case of a breakdown, be sure to let us know!