With the holiday season fast approaching, the familiar buzz of travel planning is in the air. South African families are dusting off the cooler box and plotting their routes to beloved coastal towns and bushveld hideaways. While we all know to check the tyres, oil, and water, there’s a whole other checklist of less obvious items that can transform a potential roadside headache into a mere footnote of the adventure.
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First on the list is a sturdy, old-fashioned blanket. This isn't just for a impromptu picnic, though it's brilliant for that too. A thick blanket is a multi-purpose marvel. If you find yourself changing a tyre on a scorching tar road, it provides a clean, comfortable kneeling pad. More importantly, if your car decides to take an unscheduled rest on a cold Karoo night, that blanket becomes a vital source of warmth while you wait for help. It’s a simple piece of comfort that every boot should have.
Next, consider the humble cable tie. These small, plastic wonders are the MacGyver of the motoring world. A loose bumper threatening to scrape the tarmac? A wobbly piece of trim about to fly off? A few sturdy cable ties can perform a temporary but secure repair, getting you safely to the next town without a costly tow. Toss a handful of different sizes into your glove compartment; you’ll be astonished at how often they come in handy.
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Another often-forgotten essential is a portable power bank for your phone. In an emergency, a dead mobile phone is more than an inconvenience; it’s a serious safety risk. While many of us have car chargers, these are useless if the car's battery is flat. A fully charged power bank, stored in your glove box, is your guaranteed lifeline to call for roadside assistance, update worried family, or use mapping apps without draining your car’s power.
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No South African travel kit is complete without a spare pair of sunglasses. We are blessed with magnificent, brilliant sunshine, but it can be a hazard when it glares off the bonnet or reflects from the car in front. Losing or breaking your only pair can make driving squinty and uncomfortable for hours. A cheap spare pair tucked away is a simple trick that keeps your journey safe and pleasant, especially during those long, bright afternoon drives.
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Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is a small stash of cash, including some coins and lower-denomination notes. In our increasingly cashless society, it’s easy to forget that not every situation accepts a card. A friendly farmer who helps you out of a ditch, a small rural farm stall that only takes cash, or a quick toll road where the card machine is offline – having a bit of kontant on hand smooths over these little bumps effortlessly.
So, as you pack the beach towels and braai meat, take a moment to add these five unsung heroes to your car. They might not be as exciting as a new playlist, but they are the quiet guardians of a smooth, cheerful, and truly lekker South African road trip.
Happy and safe travels to all.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly CHANGECARS
