December 21, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

7 Essential Items Every Motorist Should Keep In Their Car

vuyi on December 21, 2021

By H&H Admin

Given the amount of time we spend in our cars we could be forgiven for treating them as if they were our second homes; so much so that there are items which we simply must keep in our cars which come in handy in emergency situations.

If you’re unfortunate enough to have a break down, you will need reflective triangles to alert other road users. Similarly, wearing a high-visibility jacket will ensure that you’re seen by other road users — this is especially vital if you’re walking to find help.

It’s a good idea to keep a spare tyre and the tools you need to use it such as a jack, wheel spanner and nut lock — otherwise, you won’t be able to change it!

A flat battery is another common reason for breakdowns. If you have a set of jumper cables, you will be able to get a jump start your car, (with the help of another driver) and be on your way in no time.

Good Samaritans aren’t very common and if you want to avoid waiting around for help, pack a portable phone charger so that you can call for help as soon as you get into trouble. you’ll be back up and running in no time.

Another essential item to keep within easy reach is a rechargeable or solar powered torch. If you can get a water resistant torch you will really have scored well as such an item will come in handy no matter the weather nor time of day (or night as the case might be).

Duct tape is something most people associate with the kid’s school project but you would be amazed how handy it is as a temporary fix for car related problems. Duct tape can hold cables together, keep a globe in place or act as a seal for a leaking pipe. Think of duct tape as the swiss army knife of the tape world and is a must-have in all toolboxes.

Keeping a fire extinguisher comes in handy in several instances ranging from (obviously) putting out a fire in your car as well as assisting others. It may not be common practice in South Africa but it is so important that it is a legal requirement in other countries.

While on the subject of fires, a pair of heat-resistant gloves is a good idea to keep in your car too as they will help you handle hot surfaces (particularly in the engine) while keeping your hands protected.

Other absolute must-have items include:

Wet wipes, sanitizer, an extra face mask, 2 red reflective triangles, a reflective vest/jacket, a well-stocked first aid box, and an umbrella.

These items are small and light and will not take up too much space in your luggage area but will definitely come in handy.

3 Things You Should NEVER Do After Being Involved In An Accident

vuyi on December 21, 2021

Being involved in an accident can be both traumatic and frustrating and in the ensuing panic you may say or do something which could work against you further down the line.

9 Road Trip Games To Help You Survive Traveling With The Little Ones

vuyi on December 21, 2021

By H&H Admin

Long-distance trips can be tiring and arduous, particularly when some of your passengers are young and restless; but more often than not, playing car games can be the answer and will help you maintain your sanity.

Road trips with your children don’t have to be difficult ordeals punctuated with a repeated “Are we there yet?” Here are some car game suggestions which might keep your restless passengers entertained long enough for them not to notice the distance you are travelling.

1. The Grocery Game

The first player is tasked with thinking of an item that can be purchased at a grocery store. Thereafter, all the other passengers must take turns guessing what that item might be by asking a question. Is it something you would find in the frozen food section? Is it edible? No? Guess again!

2. I Spy

This is a well-known game, so it won’t take a lot of instruction to learn how to play. The first person selects something either on the road or in the car without revealing what it is to the rest of the players in the car. Then they must repeat the phrase, “I spy with my little eye something that begins with the letter …” as it relates to the answer.

The other passengers then try to guess what it might be.

3. Song humming game

Take it in turns to hum your favorite song. This could be a song for a TV show or one from your favorite artist. The other passengers then take turns guessing the song as fast as possible! Whoever guesses correctly gets to hum the next tune!

4. Family storytime

This game begins with one of the players saying a sentence to begin an imaginary story. This could be something like “There was once an elephant named Tshepo”. The next player then continues with their own sentence, and so the story continues. This is a great way to let the kid’s imaginations run wild and see what they come up with!

5. Fortunately/unfortunately

This continuous story game involves each person adding a phrase one at a time. Each phrase must start with either the word fortunately or unfortunately. The aim is to make the story entertaining and funny story. Example: Unfortunately Johan’s car broke down at the side of the road… fortunately his friend Mark was driving past… etc.

6. Monotone song lyrics

Say the lyrics of one of your favorite songs but with no tune or melody. The other passengers must try and guess the song from the words alone!

7. In my suitcase

The first player states the phrase “I’m going on holiday and I’m taking …” followed by an item (toothbrush, suitcase, etc). The next person must repeat the phrase, including the previous person’s item, then add an item of their own. Keep going and see how many letters you can get through before someone forgets!

8. The quiet game

This is a great game when attempting to restore order in a car full of squabbling siblings. An adult simply challenges the kids by asking ‘Who can stay quiet the longest?’ Just like that, your car will become a haven of peace and tranquillity. Be warned, the silence may not last for as long as you might like it to in which case offering a ‘reward’ may be a worthwhile consideration.

9. Sing-a-long

The first player starts by singing a few lines of a song. The next person jumps in to connect the lyrics with another song starting with the last word from the previous player’s song, i.e., the last lyrics of player one’s song should be the first lyrics for player two sings). Here’s an example: “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you….” “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy…” “Happy birthday to you!”

We are confident one or more of these games will help maintain order as you make your way to your destination and make your travels more pleasant and memorable.