Outback breakdown

So you've made finally it into the outback, you're all set to have the time of your life and disaster strikes.

Your car breaks down, runs out of petrol or you're running low on food and water.

• Don't panic: think calmly about your predicament. Try to get a small campfire going because station hands or local landholders will usually investigate any sign of smoke
• Stay with your vehicle: if your vehicle has broken down stay with it, even on a little-used track, as a car is easer to spot than a single person. Your vehicle will also provide shelter, increasing your chances of survival
• Set up a signal: carry some materials, preferably white fabric (for example an old sheet), that you can use to form a signal that can be easily seen from an aircraft if things get tough. A ground signal for motorists needing help is simple and the following two codes should be used:
  • SOS, which means that a motorist has a survival problem, and
  • An 'X' means the motorist is unable to proceed.
• Use your rear vision mirror to signal to passing planes by flashing it into the sun. Occasional flashes from any nearby high outcrop could also attract attention

What are some 'quick-fixes' if I break down?

Here's some emergency repair measures if you are stuck in the middle of no-where - they must only be used if it's an absolute emergency and, with these 'quick fixes' in place, you should only drive your vehicle as far as is needed to find help

Broken fan belt

• Always carry a spare fan belt or two
• If you have an older vehicle, you should fit new belts before you leave and carry the old ones as spares
• In an emergency, use a nylon stocking, cord or rope to give some traction over water pump and fan belt pulleys. Keep engine revs low until you can replace the temporary belt with a proper one

Broken brake lines

Fractures in hydraulic brake lines should be repaired by cutting or breaking the line at the fracture and sealing it by flattening the end of the brake line, folding it back and then flattening it again. Both ends should be treated in this manner.

If the break occurs in the line leading to the wheel and the line is sealed off, the system will only suffer the loss of one wheel brake and the remainder will still work, although they'll have a tendency to pull violently in one direction.

Be careful to keep your speed down. Hydraulic fluid lost from the system must be replaced. If you don't have any spare hydraulic fluid then castor oil, methylated spirits or water will suffice, but do not use engine oil as this will destroy rubber components very quickly. Do not repair hydraulic brake lines with plastic hose.

Broken fuel lines

Fractures or breaks in fuel lines can easily be repaired with plastic hose. Slip the end of the hose over the end of the broken fuel line and secure its position with wire.

Damaged fuel tank

• The easiest and most effective way to repair a broken fuel tank is to use a two-pack epoxy resin and proprietary brands of two-pack putties
• Failing this, you could try using a wooden plug slightly larger than the hole in the tank and spreading silicone sealant or chewing gum around the bung
• If the tank can't be repaired, a plastic hose from a fuel container connected to the intake side of the fuel pump could be used
• If plastic hose is not available, the existing fuel line from the tank to the pump can be disconnected at the tank and redirected into a fuel container

Fuel pump failure

If your vehicle's engine is not fuel-injected, you can effect a gravity-feed system by connecting a container of fuel to the carburettor by means of plastic tubing. If you're carrying a sufficient amount of spare fuel line, the roof rack is good place to locate the fuel container. Make sure that the fuel you are using is clean and strain it if necessary. Carrying fuel on your roof rack is dangerous, so only do this if it's an absolute emergency.

Leaking radiator

• Add the contents of one bottle of Stop Leak to the radiator and block the hole with proprietary brands of two-pack putties. Note: Remove the cap on pressurised systems with this type of repair
• Core damage can be fixed in the same way as brake lines; you can cut the tubes, flatten the ends, fold them back and flatten them again
• Frequently check water levels following any temporary radiator repairs and make proper repairs as soon as you can

• Turn off the engine immediately - this stops water getting into the engine
• Use a snatch strap and another vehicle to tow you out
• If there are no other cars present, you'll need a shovel, an axe and an air compressor. A winch and tree trunk protector could also come in handy
• Try deflating the tyres to about half the normal pressure. This allows tyres to gain added traction
• If these methods fail, jack up the vehicle and put some form of hard material under the wheels such as branches, stones, leaves, grass or twigs. Keep the wheels as straight as possible to give them traction
• An inflatable exhaust jack will save a lot of time and can gain a few metres at a time if it is used to drive off, but beware of damaging the bag with sharp metal parts underneath the car
• Keep up momentum until you are well clear of the bog and once out, remember to inflate your tyres with a portable 12-volt compressor.

How do I conserve food and water?

In 38°C heat you can usually survive:

• five days without water
• a week with five litres of water
• a fortnight with 25 litres of water

How to avoid dehydration

• Don't exert yourself
• Drink as little as possible during the heat of the day and keep flies away from food
• Conserve water in tanks by burying it, and your food rations, in a hole underneath your vehicle. This will keep your supplies relatively cool
• Lessen your salt intake because salt causes the body to lose water and dehydrate. Salt should only be replaced if you are stranded for a long period of time, say for about 10 days, and have little food but plenty of water
• Sugar is also a valuable emergency item to carry in the outback. As food supply decreases, more water is lost from the body - consuming sugar produces more water and combats this loss.

Can I find drinking water in the outback?

You can construct a desert still. You'll need

• 1m (square) of clear plastic sheeting
• a clear plastic container, preferably with a pouring lip

How to create the still

1. Dig a hole in the earth or sand, place the container in the middle of the hole and surround it with shrubs, leaves and roots. Roughen the underside of the plastic sheet and cover the hole with it, then cover the edges with dirt to hold it in place and make it airtight
2. Place a small stone in the middle of the sheet to depress it above the container. In a day you can expect to make about 1.5 litres of water from condensation.
3. Each morning, the hole should be enlarged and fresh green material added

What bush food can I eat?

Available foods may include:

• native birds
• fish
• animals including snakes, lizards and frogs (eat only the hind legs)
• bamboo shoots
• wild fruit
• witchetty grubs
• bottle tree seeds
• orchid bulbs
• pandanus seeds

Cook items first if possible. If native plants taste of bitter almonds, it probably means they are toxic.

It might be useful to read up on bush tucker before you go (for example, Les Hiddins's 'Bush Tucker' series), so that you can easily identify edible foods.

These tips are intended as a guide only. Other precautions not mentioned may also assist in personal safety. This list may not include every possible precaution required.