Important Things to Keep in Your Car for Every Journey
It never hurts to be prepared, regardless of the situation. Which is why it is important for every car owner to always be prepared.
Whether it is for simple convenience on a day-to-day basis or unexpected emergencies, having the right items in your car can make a significant difference. Here we’ll go through all the essential things to keep in your car, ranging from everyday necessities to emergency preparedness tools.
Emergency Supplies For Your Car
Emergency situations require specific supplies to ensure safety and a quick recovery. Consider keeping a first aid kit in your car that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, gauze, adhesive tape, and personal medications.
Emergencies extend beyond taking care of ourselves. Jumper cables are crucial for reviving a dead battery. We recommend keeping a manual or a cheat sheet with the cables if you don’t feel confident remembering how to properly use the jumper cables. A reliable flashlight with extra batteries is indispensable during night time breakdowns. You also need to be prepared in the event that you get a flat tire. Make sure you have a spare tire in good condition, a car jack, and a lug wrench in your trunk. Knowing how to change a tire can save you a lot of trouble, so consider keeping a guide in your car if you’re unsure of the process.
Finally, a multi-tool is another versatile item that can be useful for various minor repairs and adjustments, making it an essential part of your emergency kit.
Essential Items for Daily Use
Every driver should always have their essential documents readily accessible. Always keep your car registration and insurance papers in the glove compartment. These documents are crucial during traffic stops or accidents. The owner’s manual for your vehicle should also be stored in your glove box as it provides valuable information about your vehicle’s features and troubleshooting tips.
For everyday comfort, it helps to keep tissues and hand sanitizer in the car. These are helpful for spills and maintaining hygiene on the go. An umbrella stored in the trunk can save the day during unexpected rain showers. A pair of sunglasses is also helpful to protect your eyes from glare and improve visibility while driving.
We are living in a tech-driven world. Having a phone charger in your car is highly recommended. Ensure your phone is always charged, especially for navigation or emergency calls. While most smartphones have GPS, having a dedicated GPS can be useful if you are often driving in areas where phone service is spotty.
There are a few other things that are not necessarily essential but could be helpful. If you have a tire that regularly loses air, having a tire pressure gauge could help you avoid flat tires. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to have a bottle of water and a small snack available in case you are stranded in the winter or stuck in gridlocked traffic on a highway.
Things to Keep in Your Car During Winter
Season changes call for extra preparedness. During winter, keeping a blanket in your car can help you stay warm in case of a breakdown when there are frigid temperatures outside. An ice scraper is essential for clearing ice and snow from your windshield. A small shovel that folds or collapses can help in the event your car gets stuck and you need to dig around your tires to get some traction. If your car doesn’t handle the snowy roads very well, you may want to consider winter specific tires or tire chains for your existing tires to improve traction.
Having these items in your car can help you with being prepared for everyday situations as well as unexpected emergencies. Regularly check and update your car emergency kit to ensure everything is in good, working condition. Always stay safe on the roads and be ready for any journey.
