Travelling by car can bring all sorts of surprises, from meeting a nice hitchhiker, interesting views out of the window, to unpredictable weather conditions and, unfortunately, also minor breakdowns. It is impossible to predict how a journey will go, so we wish those going on the road "good luck" - although a good word may not always be enough.
What can you do to prepare for any eventuality? Apart from frequent maintenance at a trusted service centre and knowledge of the rules and regulations, it is worth having a few products on hand to rescue you in stressful situations. We have compiled a list of items that are essential, but which you will also appreciate having when you need them.
The following four tips are like the four wheels on a car, so you can confidently treat them as the foundation of a successful journey!
Essential tools to have in car
Products that will surprise you
When it gets dark
Energy+ system
Tip 1 - essential tools to have in your car
It turns out that many of the tools we have at home are also great for minor car breakdowns. However, unless we were lucky and the breakdown occurred in the driveway, it's worth having a few items in the boot to save the situation far from home - or even any civilisation.
It is a good idea to equip yourself with pliers (universal or extended) to help hold a component or reach for an unruly cable deep inside the vehicle. A shovel will prove invaluable when stuck in mucky ground or a snowdrift, and a starter kit - a mainstay in emergency situations - will restore power to our or another car's engine.
Tip 2 - underrated products that will surprise you
Have you ever wondered how important adhesive tape, zip ties or hand wipes are? The answer will probably be yes when you have had an emergency situation where... you ran out of these items at your fingertips.
It turns out that even the most inconspicuous products are worth their weight in gold when we need them. Many of these items take up little space and are not expensive, yet they are often overlooked when it comes to car equipment. Pipe pliers, for example, make it easy to tighten a cable tie, unscrew a jammed nut or remove a nail stuck in a tyre. You can also use duct tape to fix loose parts and silicone spray to lubricate gaskets so that they do not stick together.
A tool bag or box will be essential for keeping things tidy and finding the desired item quickly. Good organisation means fewer stressful moments during the breakdown itself.
Tip 3 - when it gets dark
A breakdown after dark is a double problem - not only has our car just refused to work and we won't get there in time, but we can't see much and by stopping at the side of the road - we endanger ourselves and other road users.
To ensure safety, it is a good idea to have, among other things, a reliable torch in the car to light up the engine or a floodlight - to be conveniently positioned at the side of the road for a stronger source of light. However, when you need two hands for manual repairs, a head torch, a torch cap (which also protects against the cold) or one of the models of workshop lamps - which can be hung or mounted anywhere - will be great.
An absolute essential will be a warning triangle, a waistcoat or reflective harness. Although these items do not take up much space, their presence in the car is essential in the event of an accident.
Tip no. 4 - The modern Energy+ system in your car
Did you know that rechargeable batteries remain fully charged even when not in use for several months? If you want to save space in the boot, but still feel prepared for almost any eventuality - it is worth carrying power tools that only need one battery.
Examples include a compressor to help inflate a wheel or a handy hoover - especially important if you often transport children or dogs and just happen to have your biggest idol asking for a lift that day! The Energy+ power tool range offers many products that are useful in the car, but also in the workshop, at home or in professional service. More information about the one battery system from the GRAPHITE Energy+ is available in the link below.
Find out more about GRAPHITE Energy+ system
