I made a deal with myself to make sure I took driving lessons and actually passed my test. I did just that, last year. I am the kind of person who thought I would never want to, or have to drive. For the most part that is still true! The things that used to bother me were things like, checking the oil (what even?), checking the tyre pressure, air filters, changing the oil, changing a tyre and don’t even get me started on the other random ‘fluid’ checking. It’s not that I am stupid or anything, turned out I can handle what I need to with no problem at all I even loved car shopping online. Obviously, just like when I have a cold I took to the internet to Google things like, how to tell when your oil needs changing and what kind of first aid kit I need in my car. I came across some things that you might find useful if you are thinking about getting ready to drive or are already a driver!
First aid kit:
- plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
- small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings
- at least two sterile eye dressings
- triangular bandages
- crêpe rolled bandages
- safety pins
- disposable sterile gloves
- tweezers
- scissors
- alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- sticky tape
- thermometer (preferably digital)
- skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
- cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
- antiseptic cream
- painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen
- cough medicine
- antihistamine tablets
- distilled water for cleaning wounds
- eye wash and eye bath
(NHS recommended)
Emergency Items:
- 2 liters of drinking water
- First Aid kit ( handy list above)
- Working torch
- Warm jacket
- Rain poncho
- 6 X 8 foot tarp
- 50 feet (15.2 m) of thin rope (parachute cord is ideal)
- £30 in fives and some change.
- If you live in a colder place or just for the winter you may want to add an extra bag in the winter months that contains:
- An extra warm winter coat
- Warm winter gloves
- Extra pants or thermals
- Extra socks (wool)
- Winter boots
These items are really useful if you breakdown and are left stranded!
Things to learn about your car as soon as you buy it:
- Know when your oil should be changed – if your car is second hand check when it was last done
- Know where your cars engine light is and what it looks like, and that when it comes on it is potentially serious.
- Find a local an reputable mechanic (I just did a quick google to find a huge list!)
- Insurance – which coverage, wtih who and how much!
- How to jumpstart your car (and make sure you have a kit just in case)
