Oh how I loved my treasured Audi A1, and felt so much sadness when having to trade it in earlier this year. I made the decision to do so as I was expecting my first baby, and lets face it, a 3 door car isn’t ideal. I’m a real weakling, so picturing myself struggling to put the baby in the back seat baby seat while stretching through the front car doors wasn’t pleasant.
Plus, it’s all about the boot space. So I made a handy upgrade to a Fiat500x – more of a compact SUV, which has a spacious boot for the pram, changing bag, and all sorts of ‘baby emergency’ items. You never know when you’re going to need those essentials, like blankets, dried food, and even a good quality edc flashlight.
I was lucky enough to trade in my Audi A1 at a good price which left it easier for me to upgrade, but if I hadn’t been in that position, I would have considered leasing. I mean, when looking at personal leasing, you have more flexibility to choose the car you desire, without a hefty, large down payment being the problem.
It’s also big enough to ensure that not only am I equipped for the baby and her emergencies, it covers general emergencies too. When starting a family, it’s even more of a scary thought if you break down and become stranded, or something happens to the car while you and the baby are alone in it.
Now and then, even your very good quality vehicles can get stuck in the mud or you may experience circumstances that are inappropriate – like fire and motor breakdown. With the chance of these things occurring, it is always advised to come prepared for undesirable occurrences like these. Saying this, your mechanic might be hundreds of miles away.
So to speak, underneath you’ll find a list of the important things that you should keep in your car when you now have the added responsibility of a child to travel around with too.
Early warning devices (EWDs)
These are indicators that warn oncoming pedestrians or vehicles of a car breakdown ahead of them. This way, they can slow down significantly to avoid slamming into your vehicle. They can also call the attention of people who can possibly help you in cases when you need a tow or if you need someone with an expertise in auto mechanics.
But still you need 100% back up and in such cases, and the importance of breakdown coverage cannot be under looked. Breakdown assistance is always handy to have. Even more so when you have a family. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a motor accident too, your breakdown assistance can also be called to the scene if your car needs it. In the unfortunate circumstance of injuries associated to a motor accident, it can be beneficial to have an attorney in mind, one like Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys who can help with personal injury claims. You ideally need an attorney who can help if you or others have been injured, or if you have lost loved ones in a bad motor accident.
First aid kits
At all times it is necessary to carry a first aid kit with you which can at least be used to treat minor cuts or wounds while trying to perform repair works. You might feel this is not necessary until you are faced with such a situation.
Fire extinguisher
You will never realize how helpful this is until you are faced with a fire crisis. This can happen when you smoke inside your vehicle or in any case your car begins to indicate smoke. On the off chance that this happens, you can keep your vehicle from exploding with the help of a fire extinguisher.
Flashlight
Imagine you need to find something that has rolled under the seat. You’ll also need a flashlight to look under the dashboard or in places where the interior lights are not bright enough. Use it outside if you need to check the vehicle tires, motor operation, fluid levels, flat tires etc.
Hammer
This is necessary if you are in an accident and cannot open a door or get through a window. The only thing you will be left with is a hammer to break open whatever cannot be opened. Some insurance policies will cover the cost of such damage.
Scissors (seat belt cutter)
An accident can damage the seatbelt clasps where they will not release on demand. Seat Belts are difficult to cut without a sharp tool. You might even use it if you get stuck when the clasps malfunction in normal operation for you or your family. Try to keep it close to the driver’s seat.
Tyre nuts and accessories
Those tyre nuts and various tyre accessories are necessary in case a they catch fire or run flat. These can be used to change the tyre and mount the spare.
Tyre pressure gauge
It is always necessary to monitor your tyres at your earliest convenience. Why not take advantage of the system that lets you plump up your tyres at the petrol station while refueling your car? There’s nothing worse than that feeling of driving with low pressure tyres – especially as this may happen more often when you are carrying larger weights.
Shovel and sand
A shovel is needed to clear the snow away especially if you run into a snow pile and have to dig yourself out. It’s something that doesn’t happen often here in the UK, but during the Winter seasons, it’s best to be prepared. No child wants to be stuck in the car in the snow!
Blanket (hand or feet warmers)
You will definitely need something to keep you warm if you get stuck in one of those crazy winter storms.
Snacks and water
You should consider having non-perishable snacks and water in your car at all times in case you are stranded in the middle of nowhere. If you have a baby, think about spare bottle making facilities, like pre made formula.
If you prepare for your trips by loading your car with such tools as mentioned above, you are sure to have a successful trip whether you have a breakdown at some point or not.
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