6 Things You Should Always Have in Your Car

If you’re always on the road searching for exciting adventures or you frequently use your car to commute, you want to make sure you have the right tools to face any unforeseen situations. Regardless of whether you decide to go on vacation to the mountains, hop on a quick trip to the beach, or just get to work, some essential items should always have a spot in the back of your vehicle. Are you prepared to face an emergency or help another driver in need? 

Here are six items you should always carry with you in your car.

1. Jumper cables

This item should be on top of your checklist anytime you buy a new car and want to prepare it for the road, whether you’ll be in the city or going through the wilderness. Sometimes you may leave the vehicle with the radio or air conditioner turned on, and that can drain your car battery and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere! Knowing how to jumpstart a car is a crucial skill all drivers should learn as a baseline before sitting in the driver’s seat. Not only will they help you restart your car’s battery, but you may also help another stranded person from a potentially dangerous situation. 

2. First-Aid Kit

In case of a medical emergency, it would be wise to carry a first-aid kit with the necessary supplies to deal with the situation until you’re able to reach a medical center if things go south. The list should include any prescription drugs that any member of your group needs, anti-bacterial spray, medical tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, fabric or adhesive bandages, and alcohol cleaning wipes. You can add more supplies as you see fit, especially if you’re planning a trip that will take you more than an hour away from the nearest city or town.

3. Flashlight

As Murphy’s Law has shown us countless times, if something can go wrong, sooner or later, it will happen in the worst moment possible. While driving at night, if your car starts to malfunction, or you need to make an emergency stop by the side of the road, it’s a good idea to carry a flashlight with spare batteries. Not only will you appreciate having a reliable light source to check your environment and your car’s engine, but even during broad daylight, you may need a flashlight to check underneath the vehicle properly. 

4. Ice Scraper/Snow Brush

If you live in a cold climate, you already understand how important it is to keep your windshield as clean as possible. Reliable sites are useful not only to learn how to adapt your car for moving around in cold weather but to understand what type of gear you’ll need for setting a proper campsite. You can find helpful guides and if you check out their website, you’ll be able to have a clearer idea of how to prepare for snowy areas and selecting the perfect tools for the occasion. It’s also good to keep a bottle of washer fluid at hand since water can freeze and cloud your view, which will make your driving even more dangerous.

5. Spare Tire

Ensure that your vehicle comes with a road-ready spare tire since some manufacturers only include an inflator kit to fix basic thread punctures. On your checklist before going on a big trip, check its inflation pressure if you have stored it for prolonged periods in the back or bottom of your car. On that same line, learn about your vehicle’s PSI when you check the owner’s manual or look for a sticker inside the driver’s side door. You won’t get any reasonable use of the spare tire if it’s already flat! 

6. Fire Extinguisher

Some countries’ legislation demands that every driver know how to use a fire extinguisher and always carry one in their cars to aid during a road emergency when possible. In that case, it’s important to check its expiry date and change it accordingly. Water bottles may not be as efficient to put out engine fires, but you should also consider carrying a few of them to help with an overheating or smoking radiator and keep everyone properly hydrated while on the road. 

While there are a lot of items and tools that will make your life safer on the road, you need a few necessities stored in your car for convenience. Just to give an example, purchasing a cell phone charger exclusively for your car will ensure that you will always have battery power for making calls and look at their GPS map when needed. Depending on your destination and preferences, add and personalize your checklist however you please for your next road trip!