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Original poster

To remind people to have a breakdown bag in their car?

204 replies

JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:26

This is a seriously un-smug post, as I do have a breakdown bag in my car, but today I have broken down in a vehicle that is not my car, and I do not have my breakdown bag.

I have therefore been shivering by the side of a motorway for nearly 2hrs getting colder and colder wishing I had my breakdown bag.

so if you don’t have one, I would thoroughly recommend making one. Mine has a hat, gloves, warm jumper, waterproof mac, small towel, water, biscuits, torch and a phone battery in it.

Never have I wanted that old hat and pair of gloves so much, and am trying to work out at what point the risk of hypothermia overtakes the risk of sitting in the vehicle…

OP posts:
Dispairrepair · 16/10/2023 21:21

Thank you op, I agree its a great idea, esp biscuits and some water. May I add some loo roll to the bag?

BellaTheDarkOverlord · 16/10/2023 21:24

We have in my car a blanket, first aid kit, gloves, socks, spare raincoats, spare change and one of those blankets that keep heat in that paramedics use. I’ve used these blankets so many times during my job it really helps to have one handy for emergencies.

35965a · 16/10/2023 21:24

Hope you get cosy at home soon! Thanks for the idea, I’m going to find an old bag and fill it with things for situations like this. I don’t drive often but I realise how I haven’t been prepared before.

Dispairrepair · 16/10/2023 21:26

@roseinthedark

What type of Ziplock Bags please.
So you can charge a charger and it will retain charge even in possible low temp?

Minttee · 16/10/2023 21:29

Thank you op, I don't have anything for an emergency and I live in a rural area so tomorrow I'm going to get a bag and pack a few things. Hope you're at home now warming up!

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 16/10/2023 21:30

I regualry druve in France so always keep my breakdown stuff in the boot, including a big waterproof coat. Broke down just last month on a busy motorway so was very glad of all my stuff!
Stay safe Op xx

bevelino · 16/10/2023 21:30

I am definitely creating a breakdown pack for my car after reading this thread. I hope OP has been rescued now.

ATerrorofLeftovers · 16/10/2023 21:32

Gosh, really poor that they’ve left you stranded in the dark by yourself for that long as a lone woman. Which breakdown organisation is it?

Also, thanks for my advice re a breakdown bag. I don’t usually carry quite so much stuff, but I will now I know how long I could be waiting!

ExtinguishTheLight · 16/10/2023 21:37

LemonySippet · 16/10/2023 21:12

I really can't believe somebody working in the industry is recommending this. Do you know the life expectancy of somebody stranded on the hard shoulder? I imagine you should, given your line of work. I knew it was under 15 minutes, but I just googled to check and it is 11 minutes. Always, always, get out and wait as far back as possible.

Show quote history

By those statistics, the OP's car would have been hit already several times over.

Hypothermia can kill or result in amputation. So this is why I have checked that 1. the OP is not in an active lane and 2. the hazards are working so that the vehicle is visible and why I have given advice to sit nearside with the seatbelt on if it is perishingly cold.

You may not like it, but that's professional advice.

Sheisready · 16/10/2023 21:37

What is the small towel for?

Iturnedmyfaceaway · 16/10/2023 21:38

When I broke down I headed on in a taxi. It was an emergency trip though

ExtinguishTheLight · 16/10/2023 21:38

People should also consider one of these for their emergency kit -

HONYAO Survival Sleeping Bag, Emergency Bivvy Bag Emergency Rescue Blanket Reusable for Outdoor Camping, Hiking https://amzn.eu/d/8kMm6yE

https://amzn.eu/d/8kMm6yE?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-4921518-to-remind-people-to-have-a-breakdown-bag-in-their-car

PermanentTemporary · 16/10/2023 21:39

Thank you! I've been feeling positive about clearing out my car but need to rethink that. Hoping that you're somewhere warm by now.

roseinthedark · 16/10/2023 21:42

Just folded neatly in ordinary food zip lock bags, makes it very easy to grab the outfit for the affected person! It’s just a cheap £5 charger but it has never lost its charge despite months between uses in icy cars.

ThirtyThrillionThreeTrees · 16/10/2023 21:42

WhatAPalaverer · 16/10/2023 20:46

Tarp, groundsheet, trangia, ration pack meals, full first aid kit, blankets, fluorescent jacket and a shovel in mine.

You're all sorted for an emergency breakdown or an emergency murder!!

975zyx · 16/10/2023 21:45

I have a fair amount of useful stuff in the car, but more to do with being disorganised with tidying the humongous boot than by being prepared. Currently a sleeping bag, two coats, three? pairs of shoes, spare t shirts, shorts, water, juice cartons, Kendal mint cake, boiled sweets, cereal bars, torch, tool kit, first aid kit, a couple of blankets, foil survival blankets, probably a kitchen sink…

Arrestedforit · 16/10/2023 21:48

It’s a timely reminder to at the very least keep a couple of fleecy blankets and something waterproof in the car. I’ve got a couple umbrellas, and some old ponchos left over from trips to theme parks. Touch wood, never needed them, but they don’t take up much space.

Sundaynightphobia · 16/10/2023 21:51

We used to have this and no idea what changed! I must redo one asap

We also have an "if there's a fire" bag in the downstairs hall cupboard.

my previous neighbour had a fire. My bag was amazing while we were evacuated and had to stay with people overnight. Literally grabbed it and ran out the door...

RagzRebooted · 16/10/2023 21:54

DaftQuestionForToday · 16/10/2023 21:13

I hope you've swapped with DH Now.

my boot has always had emergency stuff. But A few months ago I had to completely empty the car & it's been so nice having an empty boot, like other people.

but I've been meaning to restock it, just in case. I will do it tomorrow & I'll be back tomorrow night to confirm

I need the accountability!!

Same here. Did have a load of emergency kit, but got cleared out one day and never properly replaced (used to be really into prepping). I still have warning triangles and emergency blankets, thick gloves and a bottle of water. But really need to get the rest of the kit back in now it's winter. I often leave for work with just thin trainers and a cardigan. So need to put a coat in, at least! Especially as I work in a town 15 miles away on a hill that gets a lot of snow.

takealettermsjones · 16/10/2023 22:04

I've got young kids so I'm definitely in the 'take everything just in case' stage, so I've always got spare clothes, snacks etc. I have always had an emergency car kit too, with first aid kit, warning triangle, foil blankets etc.

A couple of things I added recently -

An emergency candle, because I read that one single candle in a car will provide enough heat to stop you getting hypothermia overnight. But reading this thread I might get some air activated heat packs, I'd never heard of those!

Snow grips/crampons for shoes, in case I get stuck in heavy snow/ice. I thought that was easier and took up less space than always having boots in the car. Also means that if I'm with DH we can swap them between us, if one of us has to venture out and the other stay with the kids, etc.

OdeToBarney · 16/10/2023 22:10

Can someone link the air activated heat packs please? Looking on amazon I can only see the tiny ones!

OP I really hope you've been rescued by now 🙏

baileybrosbuildingandloan · 16/10/2023 22:11

My dad used to do a lot of long distances and so do I. I'd add a spade to previous posts, and cardboard- helps in the snow!
Great thread btw!

QuestionableMouse · 16/10/2023 22:13

The candle thing is bunk, too. A typical candle gives out a small and finite amount of heat, and unless you have a massive candle it's not going to heat much.

MsAdoraBelleDearheartVonLipwig · 16/10/2023 22:15

I live on the Suffolk coast and we don’t have motorways in East Anglia so whenever I venture near one, I’m usually staying away overnight and have a bag of stuff anyway but always handy to have a few bits with you just in case. I usually keep blankets in the car because this one doesn’t have heated seats in the back and the teenagers moan that they’re cold.

I’m impressed at how prepared some of you are though.