Items you should have in your Car for Emergencies-DirectAsia

Even if you’ve got your comprehensive car insurance ready to cover you for road emergencies, every driver should still be prepared with an emergency car kit of sorts. Why? Because no one can anticipate when an emergency or accident will occur, so instead of twiddling your thumbs and waiting for help to arrive, the following items could help you with the situation on hand. Here’s a checklist of 8 vital items that you should pack in your car.
 

1. First Aid Kit

Needless to say, a good first aid kit can always come in handy during an emergency. To make things easier, simply purchase a pre-packaged one from the pharmacy. Essential items in the first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, plasters, antiseptics, burn and antibiotic cream, painkillers, antihistamine (for allergies), cotton pads and swaps, as well as a hand sanitiser.
 

2. Fire Extinguisher

One of the greatest fears of drivers is to find their cars burst into flames. This can be extremely dangerous since you are dealing with combustibles such as petrol. After a car crash, a small fire can escalate into a big one so if you can extinguish the fire before it gets worse, it can help to alleviate the situation.
 

3. Spare Tyre and Tyre Repair Kit

Do you know how to change a car tyre? Even if you do not, it’s a good idea to keep an inflated spare tyre in your boot. If you aren’t sure how to change it manually, you can always get a tyre repair kit that can help you patch up the puncture temporarily before you get to the workshop. Do remember to get your tyres checked regularly too!
 

4. An Emergency Signal

One of the most dangerous aspects of being stuck on the side of the expressway is the risk of collision with passing vehicles. Placing an emergency signal at a safe distance from your vehicle can warn other motorists that your vehicle is stalled. Always choose a road sign that is reflective.
 

5. Working Torch and Battery

While Singapore’s roads are pretty well-lit, you never know when you’ll need it if you car stalls at night. A working torch can come in handy when you are trying to change the tyre on the road, to get attention for help or to simply take a look at what’s gone wrong in the engine.
 

6. Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are a must in every car. Many drivers have experienced forgetting to switch off their lights which can easily drain car batteries. In such cases, jumper cables are essential in getting your car started. Most car manuals include instructions on how to safely perform a jump-start your car.
 

7. Seat Belt Cutter and Hammer

You might have heard of horror stories on how drivers have their seat belt jammed after a car accident. At such moments, it is crucial to get out of the car as soon as possible.  Having a seat belt cutter in the pockets of your car doors can thus save your life. You might also consider having a hammer that can help you break the windows if the car doors are jammed too.
 

8. Car Manual

Although not essentially an “emergency item”, you’d be surprised how useful it can be to have your car manual in the boot! The car manual acts just like any kind of instruction booklet to help you troubleshoot your machine - changing fuses, decoding weird dashboard lights, interpreting warning signs and even how to operate a tyre jack.

Have you done a recent check on whether you have these vital emergency items in your car? If not, it’s time to stock them up! At DirectAsia, we offer optional benefits for customers to choose their own workshop for repairs, as well as 24-hour breakdown support. Since most of us may not be so handy at troubleshooting breakdowns, these services might be extremely relevant to you! Contact us to find out more today!