Drivers told to pack three things to not be caught unprepared in emergency
With autumn well underway, drivers have been advised to make sure they have a number of essential items in their car that could help them in an emergency.
The hire car insurance excess service Reduce My Excess has warned motorists to pack three key items in their car ahead of long trips this autumn.
With the temperature starting to fall and the nights growing longer, drivers need to make sure they are prepared for all situations when taking to the roads.
In a blog post, Reduce My Excess highlighted the importance in creating a checklist of important items that drivers should pack in their car before setting off.
They advised: "It’s never worth taking a chance, so ensure you have emergency supplies in the back of your vehicle in case you break down. In the UK, it’s recommended to have a red warning triangle so that you can warn others of your presence.
"You may also want to keep spare clothes and snacks in case you end up stuck for several hours waiting for roadside assistance."
With more drivers travelling in the dark during the autumn and winter months, breaking down can be an even more stressful experience.
Packing a warning triangle made from a reflective material can help stranded drivers stay visible to surrounding road users in any weather.
Keeping a change of warm clothes and a few snacks can also help motorists and other occupants in the vehicle keep comfortable before they can be recovered.
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Reduce My Excess also suggested that motorists travelling during autumn regularly check their vehicle's tyre pressures, with the drastic changes in temperature causing them to lose air at a much faster rate.
They continued: "Many cars these days have a built-in system which alerts you when a tyre needs inflating. Get clued up on the correct pressures (measured in PSI, Bar or both). This can differ depending on the load you’re expecting to carry, and often varies between the front and back axels.
"You can often find the tyre pressures on a sticker just inside the door aperture of your car, in your car manual, or by asking your car hire company."
Finally, the company's blog advised drivers to check and, if necessary, top up the washer fluid level to reduce the risk of having an obscured windscreen.
They added: "Take the time to top up your screen wash before your trip, as you never know what kind of weather you’ll encounter on the road.
"Even if the forecast predicts sunshine, you could still have your windscreen obstructed by pollen or squashed insects."
