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This is an associated site of Newbury Weekly News Group |
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Spares
Carry a selection of spare light bulbs, one for each type of car light. It saves you, not only from being stopped by the police but from accidents. It is essential to see and be seen. A spare fan belt is not essential but useful if you don’t belong to a motoring organisation and it breaks when you are far from a garage. Always carry a torch, you never know when you might need it - don‘t forget spare batteries for it! A warning triangle is a good way of warning oncoming vehicles that you are parked where you are. In winter, carry extra warm clothes, a warm blanket, snacks and a hot drink. You will also need de-icing fluid and a scraper. If you doubt your ability to carry out small repairs, your best bet is to join a motoring organisation that offers an emergency break down service. However, make sure you have a mobile ‘phone with which to call them.
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Spares should include wheel-brace and jack suitable for your vehicle model. Make sure you can use both. It is essential for safety that you apply the jack correctly to the correct part of the vehicle and that it is standing on a firm, level piece of ground so, in case the flat tyre occurs on a soft grassy verge, carry a thick square of wood or block board as well. It need not be more than 12 inches (30cms) square, but large enough to stand the jack securely on it. If your wheels are secured with lockable wheel nuts, be sure to have the right key to undo them. Make sure your spare tyre is in good enough shape to get you to the nearest garage by having it checked every time the car is serviced and check it yourself each time you check and add air to your road tyres. Make sure you have a spare! Always carry a tough, waterproof sheet on which to kneel or sit when changing a wheel. A packet of wet wipes too, for clean hands afterwards is also useful.