Tool Box

In my last blog l promised to continue with safety tips, and am on to it, these are a few kind reminders about road safety and personal safety.

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PPEs. Do you have personal protective equipments. These include reflective clothes, jacket, glooves, noise mask, safety boots and helmet etc. Most times we tended to think you only need these equipments while working at sites, but l came to realise that one must own two or not all of these items. You dont know when you will need them, let it be part of items you add in your car or bag. They come in handy. I got used to having a reflective jacket that l would pack it first in my bag. Just as Salvation is a personal decision, so should your personal safety be. Think about your personal safety and it will be easy for you to help out others, it starts with you.

How knowledgeable are You about your CAR?

Steering wheel unlocking; One morning l was rushing for a meeting and l started the car only to realise the steering wheel was locked. I called my mechanic in panic, he said; insert the key into ignition, turn the key gently or wiggle the wheel as you apply varying pressure in one direction till you feel the lock begin to release, eventually l unlocked it. I felt like a champion unlocking it minus paying money. As l was discussing this incident with my friends, l realised many have paid money to mechanic for unlocking for them the steering.

Tailgating; Most drivers are found of doing this, driving too close behind another vehicle. This isnt a good practise while on road, especially if your brakes are not so good and predictions aren’t good. Always give some space this could help you save a serious accident.

Free wheeling; l know of friends who are graduates in freewheeling. Commonly known as “Kuba endobo” driving in Neutral, But have you ever thought of the brakes failing as you go down that slop. The fact that its economic isnt comparable to saving the life of another road user. It takes personal discipline to be a good driver on the road.

Tool box and Spare trye; when was the last time you checked if you have these items in your car? Atleast have the basics, wheel spanner, Jeck, Spanners 8mm,10mm,13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 18mm, Pair of pliers, an alien key, WD40, and Jumpers. If you dont have them, plan on buying them, buy decent tool not cheap. Once you buy cheap, you will buy twice. If you give the car to a mechanic, sometimes they interchange spanners if you are not careful, but if he knows you pay a little attention to your tool box he wont tamper with your tool box. Sometimes you get stuck on the road, yet what you need is to tighten a nut or after a function and your battery fails, yet all you need is a jumper and continue on the your journey. Take care of your car by checking and spending on the tool box.

Regular Checks:

• Engine oil; Check on your Engine oil and coolant. Do this only when the engine is stone cold.
• Service; Check on the kilometers you have covered and plan on your next service. It will save you from an engine knock.
• Trye pressure; Always check on the pressure and have it filled and balanced. To avoid getting stuck in a place where you cant get access to pressure.
• Windscreens and wipers; Check the windscreen fluid reservoir to see if it’s full or you need to fill it and ensure the wipes too are working well or plan to fix them.
• Lights and indicators; Try out each light and ensure its working, if it’s not lighting then you will need to change the bulb.

Banging Noise; Be sensitive to noise that comes out of your car. This is always an indicator that something isnt right.

Knowing and doing these few basics will save you from some cash given to mechanics. The devil is hidden in the details.

Road safety starts with personal safety and discipline.