Do you know your Car?

Waking up this morning felt like a complete oxymoron of emotions to me. First day back at Campus and the weather was so absolutely bleak and dull, but at the same time I was so thankful for the rain after our water crisis so thank you to everyone that did the rain dance yesterday and managed to get Durban in puddles! Despite the stay under the blankets weather I still maintained my optimism for the day but I came to realise that I am not Katniss Everdeen and the odds aren’t always ever in my favour!

I arrived at my brother’s school at the time that he normally finishes, thinking that his soccer match would be cancelled due to our much anticipated down pour. Turns out that you haven’t lived until you have played soccer in the rain and the show must go on. Unlike most teenagers these days my little brother is seemingly allergic to his cell phone and had it switched off, which left me waiting 30 minutes. I guess it wasn’t a very smart idea to leave my car head lights on while I waited for him I guess frustration won this time because it left me with a flat car battery and an iPhone with 10% battery life and a useless car charger , every possible battery gave up on me !

Being one of those people that don’t have jumper cables in my car I can’t say I was shocked at the lack of people with cables, but the lack of men who knew how to use them was simply appalling. My 10% battery managed to get me a phone call to dad who works 25 minutes away from where I was , and a few of my close friends because no I will not save battery I would rather vent or stress eat or both simultaneously (which I did) . I finally managed to find a lovely woman with jumper cables but who was as clueless as I am ,and an old uncle who was such an absolute sweetheart that managed to help me get my car active again .

Things I learnt from this experience:

• There are many kind strangers in this world who I am extremely grateful for.

• It is vital that we all, woman especially, are aware of how to deal with our vehicles in different situations. I even started watching YouTube tutorials on how to change a tyre. please drop me an email or comment if you are aware of any workshops etc that are held that put you in simulated situations that your car could put you in.

• Always ensure that you have1) A spare tyre

2) Jumper cables

3) First aid kit which include a flashlight and extra batteries

4) Tyre inflator and sealer

5) Your cars manual

6) Tape , you seriously have no idea how heroic tape is

7) Seat belt cutter window breaker in case of emergency

8) Reflective triangle or flares which are invaluable at night

9) Emergency money / spare change

10) Mylar space blanket.

The list is exhaustive so I chose the top 10 that I thought are most necessary, but needs and circumstances vary.

Be safe on the roads, and let me know what would be on your top 10?

X Radhia.

#car #safety