You have every reason to feel safe and secure in your classic car (especially if it’s just been into a specialist for service and/or restoration work). But whether it’s your daily driver or you only use your classic car for a couple of events a year, there’s always the chance of running into some unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances whilst out on the road. Classic cars are by nature, over 40 years old. Unexpected events are going to happen, and it’s always good to be prepared.

For that reason, there are a few items that we always recommend clients keep in their car. So we’ve put together this useful list so that you can make sure you’re covered for all future journeys.

A Fire Extinguisher

We hope you’ll never have to use this one, but a fire extinguisher is an important safety item in any vehicle, not just a classic car. Car fires spread incredibly rapidly and with wiring and petrol in the mix, can cause explosions. Having a fire extinguisher in your car can also give you peace of mind that you’re well equipped, should the worst happen.

Reflective Jackets

You can guarantee that if you get a puncture it will happen on a busy road, in the dark (and probably torrential rain!). So reflective jackets are a must to keep you safe and visible to traffic, especially if you’re planning on changing your wheel/investigating a breakdown yourself. These jackets are low cost and easy to obtain, and will give you added visibilty if you should find yourself on the side of a road.

Warning Triangles

Again, these are low cost and easily accessible to everyone. A warning triangle is used to alert other drivers to a stationary vehicle on the road. it gives them time to slow down which keeps them, and any passengers who may be standing on the side of the road, safe. Warning triangles should be placed at least 45 metres (147ft) behind your car.

A Work Light or Torch

If you’re planning to have a look at the potential problem yourself then carrying a work torch with you is essential. Many of them are magnetic and will attach to the underside of the car so that you can keep your hands free for working. Even if you don’ t want to get involved in the mechanical side of things, a torch is an absolute must-have item to carry with you. If your mobile phone battery dies and you’re left with no light, a torch will keep you and your passengers safe if you breakdown at night.

An Electric Tyre Pump or Tyre Inflator Sealant Aerosol

Electric tyre pumps can be really useful to have in case of unforeseen circumstances, for example if you have a slow puncture or need to adjust tyre pressures unexpectedly. Aerosol puncture sealant can also be useful to seal punctures up to 6mm and can sometimes provide a temporary solution in an emergency. However, it’s worth noting that many tyres will almost always need replacing after using tyre sealant. Sealant can harden making the tyre difficult to balance, or can clog up the tyre valve, and is very difficult to clean out.

Wheel Changing Apparatus

If you’re intending to change a wheel yourself, then it’s always important to check that all of the wheel changing apparatus is safely stored in your car (Including the wheel chock, a jack, wheel braces and of course the spare wheel!). Occasionally items do mysteriously get misplaced or moved to another part of the car. So it’s always worth checking that the wheel changing apparatus is where you believe it to be.

First Aid Kit

This one is definitely very self explanatory, but these are so useful to have. A first aid kit can sometimes save someones life, or lessen the impact of an injury until the emergency services arrive.

Additional bulbs

These are not essential but can be very handy to have. Having spare bulbs in your car in case one ends up blown can be a useful safety measure if you’re confident in replacing the bulb yourself.

RAC/AA Breakdown Cover Card

Of course you don’t have to go with the RAC or the AA but we have used both and found them to be really reliable. If you can’t/don’t want to investigate a breakdown or a damaged tyre yourself, then breakdown cover is essential. They will change a wheel for you, do any repair work that they can, and/or recover you home. Many of our clients will choose to recover their vehicle back to us when they breakdown and we’re always happy to help. Breakdowns are very rare, but they do happen!

Spare Fluids

It’s never ideal to have a boot weighed down with spare top up fluids, but if you have a classic car that requires a type of fluid that isn’t easily obtainable at a petrol station, it can be useful to keep some (small) filled bottles in the car. Things like LHM hydraulic fluid or RR363 brake fluid are not readily available everywhere but are worth having for any unforeseen circumstances. Spare coolant and water can also be extremely useful to have (even if you’ve just run out of screenwash and need to use water to wash your screen to continue your winter’s journey).

If you’d like help putting together a basic toolkit for your car, or you’d like to purchase small bottles of fluid for emergencies, then do please get in touch on 01376 571174 or [email protected].

Happy motoring!