Your Car’s Emergency Kit Checklist

As excited as you are by the prospect of a summer holiday road trip, you should put your feet back on the ground for just a moment and do a few sensible things before you and the family head away. One of the first things to do is to give your vehicle a comprehensive pre-holiday service. Simply book in at our workshop and we’ll make sure everything is in good working order by doing a car service in South Auckland before you leave. Another good idea is to ask us to check the condition of your tyres. There’s no point in getting your car serviced if the tyres are not up to scratch.

There is something you can do yourself that is just as important but often overlooked. That is, putting together an emergency kit for your car. It’s amazing how many people hit the road without taking the precaution of assembling a few basic items that will be a big help if the unexpected happens. Any decent emergency kit should include:

• A first aid kit
• Water
• Blanket and an umbrella
• Blade and a life hammer
• Multi-purpose utility tool
• Hi-Vis jacket
• Torch
• Reflective warning triangle
• Extra non-perishable food while waiting for assistance to arrive
• Jumper cables
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Rain poncho

These are just a few items you should put into your emergency kit. The AA is a good place to contact and get a few opinions on what else to include. They even sell emergency kits that are already assembled, which is an easy and convenient way of doing things. But, in all honesty, you’ll probably save a few dollars if you do it yourself. However you do it, make sure the kit is easily accessible if it is required. Don’t leave it in the boot under all that holiday luggage.

As well as putting together an emergency kit for your car, and booking in your car with us for that all-important pre-holiday service, make sure you have some form of roadside assist lined up. Even if your car and tyres are in great shape, things could happen out there that might need some professional assistance to get you sorted. Add that to your checklist and you and your family can hit the holiday road knowing you’re as well prepared as you can be. Chances are you won’t need that kit or roadside assist, but you’ll feel much more assured anyway and that’s a nice frame of mind to take away with you.