Disability and Lifestyle blogger Sarah Alexander-Georgeson has been a Scheme customer for a number of years and in this article talks about the essentials that are in her car for every journey.
I have been driving for almost fifteen years and in those years I have luckily (frantically tries to find wood to touch), never had a breakdown. I have, however, had to call out the RAC when I have been out at a day event, came back to my car and found a punctured tyre. I didn’t have to wait long and I had all my essentials with me so it wasn’t a harrowing experience.
Breakdown assistance and cover
Your Motability Scheme car or WAV is covered for breakdown assistance for the whole of your lease. Cover is provided by RAC Motability Assist, which provides full breakdown support for Motability Scheme customers.
Albeit, I have been in my fair share of long traffic delays, and let me tell you, they are never fun, as I am sure you are aware. On the first few occasions I was stuck in traffic on the motorway, I was not prepared in the slightest. I was hungry, thirsty, cold and in pain. I had nothing to eat nor drink, I was wearing a thin t-shirt, and I couldn’t reach my medication in the boot; I also couldn’t have taken it without something to drink anyway. Rookie mistake, I know. And trust me, I learnt from it.
Since then, I have never been on any journey, long or short without my car stocked with emergency items. Some of them I take with me to the car each time I go out, others are kept in there and used as and when. It is better to be overprepared than underprepared. You may not ever have to use some of these items but it gives you peace of mind knowing that they are there. Here’s what’s on my list:
- First aid kit – make sure you keep it stocked up.
- Hammer/belt cutter – an emergency car hammer and seatbelt cutter for desperate situations.
- Car manual – each year I forget how to turn my fog lights on, so having my manual handy is a must.
- Map – Sat Nav’s are great but if you don’t have an inbuilt, up to date one, and your phone is not working, you may have to revert back to the good old days.
- Breakdown info.
- Blue Badge.
- Toll road exemption info.
- De-icer/ice scraper – especially as the weather is getting colder.
- Blanket – a passenger might require one, or if you breakdown, it comes in handy.
- Pillow/neck cushion and lumbar support – I have multiple cushions and supports
- Warm clothing/waterproof coat.
- Gloves – my hands cramp when they’re cold and I’ve been driving too long so I always keep a pair of gloves available.
- Braces/splints – my wrists get painful when driving so having my wrist splints in the car is helpful.
- Phone charger.
- Sunglasses.
- Torch – in case your phone battery dies, and you forgot your charger.
- Medication – I take this out with me each day.
- Bottle of water – I take a fresh bottle on each journey.
- Non-perishable snacks – cereal bars, dried fruit, nuts and seeds etc.
- Wipes.
- Umbrella.
- Face mask.
- Hand sanitiser.
I always travel with my dogs so I also take:
- Dog poo bags
- Dog seatbelt/crate/harness – however you travel with your dog/s, make sure they’re safe
- Portable water/food bowl – I have a collapsible bowl that stays in the car
- Bottle of water – this time for the dogs
- Food/treats
Obviously, this list is non-exhaustive, and I struggle with my memory, so I am sure there are a few things that I have missed off.
I would love to know what you keep in your car, tweet me @FromSarahLex with your vehicle essentials.
Read more from Sarah at www.fromsarahlex.com
About the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive package. If you are in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand new, reliable vehicle of your choice. As well as a great choice of cars, we also provide a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs.
If you’d like to find out more about the Scheme, request an information pack below and we’ll send you all the information that you need to make the right choice.
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