Items You Should Always Have In Your Vehicle

Most of us have seen those vehicles that look like the owner’s second home. They pack everything they need for the day including food, extra clothing and gear for hobbies. Then there is the minimalist whose vehicle is spotless with an empty cargo space. There are some few essentials that all drivers should be without in case of emergency, whether travelling in decent or severe weather conditions. Have a read for yourself and your vehicle’s occupants.

Tire Maintenance and Repair

If you find yourself with a flat tire, you will want to have a spare, in good condition, and of course, the proper size for your vehicle. You will need to have an air gauge to check the tire pressure and a jack to raise your car while replacing it. The next thing to have handy is a tire iron, which is need to loosen the wheel lugs. If all else fails and you do not have a spare tire, at least make sure you have a tire inflator and sealer for a temporary fix.

Jumper Cables

Have you ever accidentally left your lights on? If so, you know how quickly that mistake can drain your battery. If you are ever stranded with a dead battery, you will want to have jumper cables in the car. It is a good idea to include a battery terminal brush to clean off the terminals of any debris, as well as the jumper clamps. The other alternative is a jump-start kit, which allows you to boost your battery without another car.

Paperwork

You should always have your car manual in the glove compartment. Newer vehicles have electronics that you might have to figure out if you come across something new while on the road, and older vehicles have the chance of running into more issues than you might be prepared for. Your vehicle’s registration and insurance papers should be there as well. They are the first things a police officer will ask to see if you are pulled over.

Duct Tape and WD-40

These two hardware store items provide quick fixes for everything under the sun, including problems you might find yourself with while travelling. Duct tape is capable of temporarily securing wiring, quick-fixing dents and cracks, and holding up a dangling bumper or a broken head or taillight. WD-40 is an efficient degreaser, rust remover, cleaner, and can sometimes polish out scratches. After you are finished a side-of-the-road repair, you can use it to clean your hands.

First Aid Kit

Make sure you have a first aid kit in your car at all times. It should include band-aids, triangular bandages, sterile gauze pads in various sizes, scissors, tweezers, adhesive tape, safety pins, instant ice packs, hand warmers, non-latex gloves, antiseptic soap or wipes, mylar space blanket, thermometer, a barrier mask or face shield, money, emergency numbers and personal contact information and a first aid manual. It should be stored where it cannot get wet and be updated regularly.

Emergency Supplies Kit

You do not want to be stranded unprepared, so always have a tote or backpack filled with enough supplies for an overnighter or evacuation. A complete kit should include adequate water for each person, canned or packaged non-perishable food and a can opener, a change of clothing and shoes, blankets, toilet paper, a flashlight and battery-powered radio, batteries, money, spare car keys, a list of personal information, including any medical issues and toys or comfort items for children.

Safety Supplies

Basic safety supplies for both road trips and daily drives should be stored securely in your vehicle. During winter weather, an ice scraper and shovel are essential. You can also use cardboard, a piece of carpet or a traction mat for added traction under the tires in the snow. If you are experiencing a break-down, flares or a reflective triangle will help passersby know you are in trouble and could save valuable time seeking assistance. In case of an accident, you will also want to have a seat belt cutter and window breaker.

Siphon Pump

Have you ever run out of gas miles away from a gas station? It can happen, especially if you are on a long road trip and lose track of time. Some of the back roads extend further than you might be prepared for. If you are in an area with enough traffic for a good samaritan to pull over will a full tank, a siphon pump will get you back on the road quickly. Otherwise, carry a new gas can, never full or a used one, which can spark fires or explode.

Emergency Cell Phone Charger

Most new vehicles come equipped with a slot to plug in regular cell phone chargers, but what happens if your battery is dead? An external portable battery charger is what you will need. Your phone plugs right into it so make sure it is USB-compatible. Also, ensure it is charged before packing it in your vehicle before a long trip. They usually take a few hours to fully charge. Another option is a non-electric charger, which uses a hand-powered crank to charge devices.

A Red Bandana

Something as simple as a bright-colored bandana can save your life. If you are stranded in a snow storm, snow can pile up on your vehicle quickly and visibility from other motorists is limited. To keep your car in the view of other drivers, have a red bandana tied to the antenna. It will also help you spot your vehicle parked on the side of the road or in a parking lot. There is nothing worse than having trouble finding your car in a snow storm, especially when it gets dark early in the winter months.