Just like every home should have a basic First Aid kit and other emergency items “just in case”, so too should you keep a basic kit in your vehicle in case of an emergency while you’re on the road. This includes tyre changing tools, roadside safety gear, and First Aid items. It’s also a great idea to keep certain personal comfort items in your car (or other vehicle) as well.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Every vehicle should have a safety kit kept in the back or the boot in case of an emergency.

• Your car safety kit should include items such as your vehicle user manual, a roadworthy spare tyre and tyre-changing kit, a First Aid kit, a torch, a phone charger cable, and more.

• Keep your roadside assistance membership up to date and keep details (or your membership card) in your glove box so they are at hand if and when you need them.

From day-to-day city driving to road trips where you’re driving rurally or remotely or for long distances, there is always a chance you’ll need certain tools and emergency supplies. These should be kept in your car at all times.

What is a Car Safety Kit?

A car safety kit comprises the essentials you might need in an emergency, such as a breakdown, accident, extreme weather, or another unplanned or unexpected situation.

• Your Vehicle’s User Manual

This comes with all new vehicles and should be included if you buy a second-hand vehicle. It is usually kept in the glove box and explains everything you need to know about your vehicle’s features – including emergency troubleshooting.

• Your Tyre Kit

You should always have a properly-inflated, roadworthy spare tyre and tyre-changing kit in your vehicle. A flat tyre can happen anywhere, anytime – and even if you need to call roadside assistance to have it changed, having your spare tyre ready to go (with your own tools) makes the process much simpler and smoother.

• A Torch with Spare Batteries

While smartphones do indeed have a torch, using this function for any length of time can significantly drain the life of your phone’s battery. A decent handheld, battery-powered torch can be very handy, especially if you break down in the dark. It can also be used to signal for help. Keep some spare batteries on hand.

• A First Aid Kit

This can literally be a lifesaver. You can buy Vehicle First Aid kits from pharmacies, hardware stores, and online, including from providers like St John’s Ambulance, the NRMA, and the Red Cross. You could, alternatively, create your own. Essential items include a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitiser, band aids, gauze, dressing pads, bandages, scissors, tweezers, and over-the-counter painkillers. If you take regular medications, keep a small supply of these in there as well – just in case.

• A Spare Phone Charger Cable

Almost all of us have our mobile phones with us at all times. You should always keep a compatible charger in your vehicle – either a USB charger (if your car has a USB port) or one that can charge directly from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter if USB is not available. You may also choose to keep a fully charged power bank in your glove box or central console.

• An Umbrella/Rain Jacket/Sweater

If you don’t have them with you, at some point you’ll really, really wish you did!

Optional Extras

• A Small Fire Extinguisher

Another optional, but important addition to consider for your car’s boot. Accidents can cause fires, and having a small extinguisher can help prevent a small fire from becoming a bigger danger. Secure it so that it doesn’t roll around in your car.

• Drinking Water

Access to bottled water is important not just for drinking, but also for hand washing, cleaning up in case of motion sickness, topping up window washer liquid, and more.

• Non-Perishable Snacks

If you’re driving any distance or ever experience issues like low blood sugar, or you or another traveller are diabetic, having snacks on hand when you need them can be very important. Consider carrying a small supply of dried fruit, muesli bars, or sweets like barley sugar, butterscotch, or jelly babies.

• Jumper Leads

You might never need them, but having a set of jumper leads in the boot of your car is worth it when your battery won’t start – and this happens with little to no warning. It also enables you to help another when they’re in a fix.

• A Rug or Blanket

Can be used to sit on, for warmth, for shade, to protect against broken glass, or to provide First Aid for shock.

• Glass Cleaner

There’s nothing worse than trying to see out of a windscreen that’s dirty or smeared, and your external window washers can only do so much. Having a roll of paper towel and a spray bottle of window and glass cleaner makes all the difference – and helps boost your safety on the road.

Final Thought

Being prepared for the unexpected makes all the difference when you are on the road. As well as the abovementioned items, you should always have your roadside assistance membership card with you – keeping it in your glove box is a great idea.

Relocating an auto business is a beast of a project.

Moving isn’t just furniture and file cabinets. You have motorcycles, cars, ATVs, and thousands of dollars of merchandise that all need to arrive safely. One scratch, bang, wreck…

And your bottom line takes a hit.

Here’s the good news:

With a good plan (and good partners), you can relocate an entire dealership floor without losing your sanity (or your inventory).

This article explains precisely how to move your automobile dealership inventory… the efficient way — and where trailer cargo shipping comes into play.

Let’s jump in!

What you’ll discover:

• Why Auto Business Relocations Are Different
• How To Plan Your Inventory Move
• Open-Air Motorcycle Transport Explained
• Protecting High-Value Stock
• Common Mistakes To Avoid

Why Auto Business Relocations Are Different

Moving a home is one thing. Moving an auto business? A whole different animal.

Think about it:

Each unit on your lot should have a title, VIN and price tag. It also should arrive in showroom condition. Scratches on a tank or ding in a fender mean markdowns, delays or worse … lost sales.

Here’s what makes it tricky:

• Multiple vehicle types on one lot
• Tight timelines between the two locations
• Insurance and paperwork for every unit
• Customers still expecting stock to be ready to sell

Auto transport companies have built their entire business around this type of work. In fact, industry revenue hit $10.1 billion in 2024, underscoring how reliant businesses are on professional carriers to transport inventory.

Which is why working with a reliable auto transport company for your open-air motorcycle transport needs really is a no-brainer. They know how to load, haul and transport multiple motorcycles safely to your destination without you ever having to lift a finger.

Cool right?

Let’s talk about how to plan the move.

How To Plan Your Inventory Move

The biggest mistake auto business owners make?

Trying to wing it.

When moving high-value stock, planning is key. Doing your homework up front will save you a lot of hassles (& $$$) down the road.

Start with this checklist:

• List every unit by VIN
• Photograph each vehicle before pickup
• Note existing scratches, dents, or wear
• Group units by transport type (car, bike, ATV)
• Set a delivery window with buffer days

Pictures are key. If there is an issue in transit, you have proof of the condition at pickup by the carrier for each unit.

Next compare prices from several carriers. Freight costs vary depending on distance, load and time of year. Don’t automatically go with the lowest bid… Inexpensive carriers may cut corners on insurance or service.

Look for these three things in a carrier:

1. Licensed and insured (check FMCSA)
2. Experience with dealer stock
3. Positive reviews from other businesses

After you’ve settled on a carrier, prepare your documentation. Titles, bills of sale, inventory sheets, etc. should all be in order before pick up day.

Open-Air Motorcycle Transport Explained

Let’s talk about the bikes on your floor.

Open-air motorcycle transport is the most common method for shipping motorcycles long distances. As the name implies, open-air shipping means your bikes will travel on an open trailer, not an enclosed one.

Here’s why so many dealers use it:

• It’s more affordable than enclosed transport
• It has better year-round availability
• Multiple bikes can ship together
• Delivery times are usually faster

Now, some dealers ask… “Aren’t bikes safer inside an enclosed trailer?”

That is a valid question. Covered transport does provide additional protection against the elements and road debris. However, when transporting regular stock bikes, an open trailer will suffice.

Motorcycles are soft-tied down, chained to wheel chocks and frequently loaded onto purpose-built motorcycle trailers. Everything is done to ensure they remain upright.

Recent transport statistics show SUVs accounted for 46% of total vehicles moved in 2024. Motorcycles and specialty vehicles account for a small (but very important) portion of the market share. You get the picture — carriers haul all types of inventory daily and know how to move it.

Outdoor shipments will almost always be your best option for a bulk dealer move. It’s cheaper and just as safe.

Protecting High-Value Stock

Not every unit on your lot is a standard model.

You may have vintage models, custom bikes or premium sport bikes. Whatever type you have, they will require special attention.

Here’s what to do with high-value inventory:

• Ship it in an enclosed trailer
• Add extra insurance coverage
• Request a dedicated (non-shared) trailer
• Document every angle with photos and video
• Schedule pickup and delivery yourself

It’s more expensive, yes. But consider that one totaled custom bike could eliminate any savings from cheap shipping. When you’re in doubt, overspend on irreplaceables.

Additionally, maintain your inventory sheet throughout the day. Strike through each piece as it is dropped off. You will be able to easily identify any pieces that are lost or late.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even seasoned dealers slip up during a move. Watch out for these common blunders:

Hurrying schedule: Packing too much into a couple of days will cause rushed loading and damage.

Do you skip insurance? Regular cargo insurance might not cover high value stock. Inquire about additional coverage.

Not inspecting at delivery: Walk around with driver before signing any paperwork. Once signed, it’s your unit.

Work with brokers: Don’t. Brokers will dump your load on whomever they think will do it the cheapest. Direct with carriers gives you control.

Get these things right and your move goes smoothly.

Bringing It Home

Moving auto business inventory can be a daunting task. With these few tips it does not have to be overwhelming.

Think of each unit as the asset that it is. Take pictures. Use licensed carriers. Understand when it makes sense to pay a little more for high-value merchandise. As far as motorcycles go, open air transport is the preferred method for most dealers — it’s cheap, quick and offers adequate protection for your everyday inventory.

To quickly recap:

• Plan every step before pickup day
• Use open-air motorcycle transport for standard bikes
• Reserve enclosed trailers for high-value units
• Inspect every unit on delivery
• Keep paperwork organised

Follow these steps and your inventory arrives ready to sell.

Fewer headaches, less downtime and more time concentrating on operating your business in your new location.

For car enthusiasts and everyday buyers alike, buying a vehicle requires a careful eye to ensure you are getting a reliable ride rather than a mechanical money pit. 

Whether you are hunting for a weekend project or a daily driver, your inspection should cover everything from the paperwork and vehicle history to the engine and suspension.

Don’t know what you need to check when buying a vehicle? Look nowhere else. Here’s an ultimate enthusiast-style checklist for you. 

1. Vehicle History & Paperwork

Before you even pop the hood, you need to verify the car’s background and legitimacy.

Vehicle History Report: Use services like Carfax or AutoCheck to look for past accidents, title issues, and odometer rollbacks.

VIN Verification: If you plan to buy Mazda CX-70 SUV, ensure the Vehicle Identification Number matches across the dashboard, the driver’s door sticker, and all ownership documents.

Service Records: Ask for maintenance logs to verify that critical services (like timing belts, transmission fluid, and oil changes) were done on schedule.

2. Exterior & Frame

Inspect the body in direct sunlight to spot hidden damage or poor repairs.

Panel Gaps: Check the gaps between doors, the hood, and the trunk. Uneven gaps or mismatched paint can indicate previous collision damage.

Rust Inspection: Look closely at the wheel wells, door sills, exhaust system, and undercarriage.

Tires & Brakes: Check the tire tread depth and look for uneven wear, which indicates poor wheel alignment or failing suspension. Inspect the brake rotors for a deep lip, which signals they need replacing.

3. Under the Hood

This is where true autophiles dig into the heart of the vehicle.

Fluid Levels & Condition: Pull the dipstick to check oil color and level (gunky, milky, or gray oil is a major red flag). Check brake and transmission fluid for clarity and proper levels.

Signs of Leaks: Use a flashlight to look under the engine block and transmission for fresh oil or coolant puddles.

Belts and Hoses: Check for cracks, fraying, or dry rot on rubber belts and hoses.

4. Interior & Electronics

Climb inside and test every single feature—fixing broken electronics can be very expensive.

The “Smell” Test: Musty or overly sweet smells can point to mildew from water leaks or a failing heater core.

Controls & Switches: Turn on the ignition and check all lights, windows, power locks, the radio, and the air conditioning. 

Make sure the dashboard warning lights (like the Check Engine Light) turn on and then off properly when the car starts.

5. The Test Drive

You should drive the car in various conditions—city streets, highways, and over bumps—with the radio off.

Engine & Transmission: Listen for strange knocks or whines. Transmissions should shift smoothly without jerking or hesitation.

Braking & Handling: The car should track straight on a flat road. Test the brakes firmly in a safe spot to ensure the car stops straight and the pedal feels firm.

Suspension: Listen for clunks or excessive bouncing when going over speed bumps.

6. Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

Even if you are an expert, a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by an independent mechanic is essential. Putting the car on a lift allows a professional to see hidden undercarriage damage and run deep diagnostic scans.

The Bottom Line 

From vehicle’s background to its all components, checking everything can save you from buy an inefficient vehicle. To put it another way, keen attention to detail will result in a reliable vehicle investment.