As the climate continues to change and weather conditions become more violent around the world, Australia is no exception! Record heat levels, unseasonal storms, flooding, wildfires- it’s all happening down under so you have to be prepared, especially if you are out on the road!
While most Australians are prepared for extra hot conditions these days, and have their snap shades for the front windscreen ready to deploy when the mercury rises, you really need to have a plan for a wide variety of emergencies when you are out driving! We have some expert advice to share with you on the subject, so please read on, your life may one day depend on it!
Here is a list of things that you should make sure you have taken care of that are useful for any road conditions, not just emergencies!
Insurance – It’s very important that you have insurance coverage for your vehicle, you never know when you might need it, and when you do you will be able to rest easy knowing you are covered! If you are planning to travel across state and territorial lines make sure to be aware of their local insurance laws, there are differences from region to region.
Spare Fuel – It’s always best to carry a spare fuel supply stored safely in an appropriate container, even if you are on a short trip, you never know when you might develop a fuel leak and need that extra boost to get to the next petrol station! This is absolutely critical if you plan on travelling across long distances in rural areas!
Clean Windscreen And Lights – Your life depends on you being able to see what’s coming ahead of you while driving, so it’s crucial to keep your windscreen clean and free of debris at all times! If you are driving with a dirty windscreen and hit a sudden rain squall, your window to the road can instantly transform into a streaky mess and have you running blind! Your headlights, tail, warning, turn, and brake lights must also be kept clean at all times. A storm can make the day as dark as night, so you need to be able to rely on having clean, bright headlights, and your car’s set of signalling lights tell other drivers about your current status, and warn them as to what you intend to do next which will help prevent collisions!
Check Your Tyres – This is where your car meets the road and they must be kept in good condition to keep you moving safely! Be sure to check that you have good tyre tread, usually around 1.5mm deep across the whole tyre width, and that they are inflated to the proper pressure. Always make sure to carry a spare that is in good condition, in case of a blowout!
Phone Or Radio – At one time you needed to have a two-way radio in your car for emergencies, but these days it’s a lot easier thanks to the cell phone! Make sure it’s charged so you can call for help if you ever need to!
All right, you are good to go now! Stay safe out there and enjoy the ride!