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What you must always have on your person
- Car Keys
- House Keys
- Driving License ( current)
- Identification Card – (National ID or Work ID)
- Mobile phone ( all emergency numbers should be in it)
- Sufficient mobile airtime on your to make an emergency call if you are on a pre-paid tariff
- Employment id ( comes in handy if you don’t have your personal id card)
- Medical insurance card
- Cheque book or Credit , cash or Atm card
- Auto Assured membership card
- Passport and ( in the case of cross border travel )
What you must always have in your glove compartment
- Torch/Flashlight :- consider using those that don’t require batteries
- Pocket Knife or Multipurpose tool – this has unlimited uses and could be very important in the event of an emergency or accident
- Extra Batteries for both your torch and camera
- A map of the city you live in and its environs
- A campus if you are traveling off road or long distances
- A camera ( disposable or otherwise)
- Film for the camera
- Tissue box or paper towels
- A note book
- Pen
- Your insurance certificate copy(provided by your Insurance company/broker/agent)
- Auto Assured Rescue Guide and Membership card (this should be stored in your car at all times for use by anyone driving your car)
- List of Emergency Numbers ( also stored on your phone )
- A list of medical facilities as provided by medical insurance provider ( especially when traveling out of town)
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen/Sun block are especially important when traveling on hot days - make sure your sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays. And bad sunburn can make any trip unbearable, so take some sun block.
What you must always have in your boot/trunk
- Hazard Triangles or ‘Lifesaver” for use during a car accident (link to how to use a hazard triangle)
- A whistle and or a small mirror for purposes of signaling at night and in low visibility areas
- A blanket , where available an emergency blanket (Lightweight plastic foil blanket)
- First Aid Box: This might seem pretty obvious, but it can be forgotten easily. You should take a basic first aid course before you go, because a first aid kit is almost useless if you don't know how to use it. Check with your local Hospitals and Medical Emergency Services Organisations for classes.
- A bottle of clean drinking water. You can either take a small filter/purifier pump, or you can take iodine tablets or drops.
- A Jerry can ( multipurpose – fuel delivery , water delivery etc)
- A small shovel ( for off road driving)
- Gum boots /Wellington boots for the principle driver ( in cases of bad weather or off road driving)
- A rain coat
- Umbrella
- A bottle of Battery water
- A can of Coolant
- A bottle of Engine Oil
- An extra Fan belt (where applicable)
- Fire extinguisher
- Extra Clothes especially when traveling on a long trip especially a warm jacket and rain gear. Always take at least a little more clothing than you think you'll need no matter how long your trip is.
- Extra Food – this is especially important when traveling over 3 hours with or without children. Always carry food that requires no cooking
- Fire starter or Waterproof matches – A First Aid Kit Essential
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
How to use your hazard Triangle 'Lifesaver'
- Get your vehicle off the road if possible and warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights, particularly if your vehicle is causing an obstruction. If you have a reflective jacket, put it on.
- If you have any fear that your vehicle may be struck by other traffic make all your passengers get out of the car and get well away from the traffic. Question whether it is safe for you to fix the car or whether you need professional help.
- If it is safe and you have one, put your warning triangle(LIFESAVER) or other permitted warning device on the road at least 45 metres (50 yards) in front and behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road. Use its stands to support it upright. Always take great care when doing this.
- Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor.
- Do not stand (or let anybody else stand), between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
- At night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights.
- Use your mobile phone, or any other available phone, to summon assistance. Make sure you know where you have broken down. (for AUTO ASSURED RESCUE call 020 2711420/1 or 2727908/14/15 if calling from a mobile, 0722752543/0733730763
- If you have used a warning triangle remember to retrieve it, with care, when the breakdown is over.
NB: Auto Assured Members Contact Us today and get a pair at a special discount!
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