How To Be Prepared For Auto Disaster Wherever You Are

by  |  On March 23rd, 2016  |  In Tips & Guides

Disaster can strike anywhere. Anyone who has owned a car for more than a year can very well attest to that. It could be a failing the car itself, an accident or a part that needs replacing. As a car owner, you have a responsibility to take care of your auto. Of course, you also want to get back on the road as quick as possible. So, how do you ensure you’re prepared for disaster on the road? Following the tips we’ve compiled below, you should find yourself more prepared than ever.

1) Having the best insurance for you:

Of course you have insurance, but do you have the right kind? Depending on where you live and what you drive, different packages could have very different benefits for you. Getting a great deal on your car insurance will always be a priority, as expensive as it is to own a car in the first place. But before you go for the cheap option, consider how well it’s going to cover you. This is particularly pertinent in overly cold places, for example.

2) Being aware of the dangers:

There are a lot of dangers on the road to be aware of. We can’t expect you (or us for that matter) to know every potential disaster when you’re driving. But too many drivers nowadays are acting like they are exempt from the dangerous behaviours that lead to crashes. This includes things as avoidable as drink driving and not giving enough space and consideration for the bigger vehicles on the road. It’s also about keeping your drive free of distraction. These sound like things we should all assume, but the truth is not enough people are careful enough with their driving.

your-emergency-kit-at-the-readyImage by Christchurch City Libraries

3) Have your emergency kit at the ready:

You can find yourself needing to pull over at any minute. Car troubles won’t care how far you might be from any kind of civilization. Having the right emergency kit can help you out in all kinds of problems. A spare tyre and jump leads could solve your problem outright. If not, keeping a charged cell phone could help you get in touch when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Keep a fully stocked emergency kit in your car at all times.

4) Recognising car trouble early:

A lot of accidents and stoppages on the road could be easily avoided. The problem is that a lot of car owners ignore symptoms of trouble for a lot longer than they should. Many owners will recognise the screeching of worn brake pads, for instance, but what about cracks in the wheel? What looks like a superficial issue could spread and cause real damage. A sweet smell in the car could very well be leaking coolant. Learn some of the more dangerous symptoms so you take care of your problems early.

5) Maintenance when you’re not at home:

We’ll all see it or experience it at some point. You’ve taken the car away for a week or a weekend when disaster strikes. In a lot of cases, you’re going to need to pony up to take it to a new mechanic. Often at more cost than you would get for the usual. However, if you know how to replace them yourself, you could order replacements, like car tyres online, as well.

6) Doing it yourself:

One way to mitigate the damages of your car showing problems on the road is to learn a bit more about how to sort them yourself. There are a lot of things a car owner can learn to fix on their own. Replacing parts like tyres and brake pads should be considered essential skills. If you can get the parts you need, becoming a more independent driver can help you save money, too.

7) Knowing when not to do it yourself:

Of course, there are some problems that require a professional touch. Some parts of the car are getting more complex by the day. As well as knowing the repairs you can make, know the repairs you shouldn’t attempt yourself. For example, though you think you may be able to do it yourself, it’s best to leave the transmission to your mechanic. These are complicated systems with hundreds of tiny parts you could end up doing more damage to.

Preparing for disaster on the road is mostly about being aware of what to do and what not to. It’s also about being prepared, having the tools you need on hand and the know-how to get it fixed. There are some situations you just can’t prepare for, but this guide should help for everything else.

Aqeel Arif is fond of reading and hence writing about the fastest cars, supercars as well as love to explore about classic cars.

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