Seven things you should never drive off without

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, especially when driving.

With this in mind here are 7 items you would be wise to keep close at hand when taking to the open road.

1. Jumper cables:

Trust me when I say that pushing a car or bike isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Price: About R200.

2. Portable first-aid kit:

The small kit contains all of the essentials including bandages, plasters, anti-septic and scissors.
Price: About R300.

3. Multi-tool:

These are particularly handy and range from something as simple as a Swiss Army Knife to a Leatherman which will ensure that if something goes wrong, that you have tools at your disposal to sort out the problem. Price: From R200 to R3 000.

4. Seat belt cutter and window breaker:

This is a vital tool if you are ever involved in a serious accident. The concealed blade is extremely sharp and can cut a seat belt in seconds while the small tip on the other end ensures that with one jab your side window will be broken. Mine even came with adhesive on its side, allowing me to mount it to my door pocket.

5. USB charger:

These handy little items plug into either your cigarette lighter or your vehicle’s 12V socket. They can normally accommodate two mobile device cables and will charge your device while you drive. Price: From R120

6. Tyre repair kit:

The little canisters will inflate your flat tyre and allow you to drive to the nearest tyre shop. The time saved and avoidance of potential road-side dangers makes having one of these kits worthwhile.
Price: From R250

7. Loose change or small bills:

Keep small amounts of cash in a concealed area of your car. You never know when you might need that money for an unplanned toll gate, an irate car guard, a traffic light merchant, for a snack or even for that last few litres of fuel to get home.

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