You know what's practically impossible? Predicting when and where you car might break down. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road with no help in sight. However, there are certain things you can keep in your car that can help in this situation and similar ones.
Being prepared for things that may go wrong can help give you peace of mind. Here is a list of items you should always have in your car. Who knows, not only may they end up getting you back on the road more quickly, they might even end up saving your life.
Tools You May Need
These may come in handy at some point.
- Tire Changing Supplies - Having a spare tire, and the tools needed to put it on, is a must. Having to rely on a roadside service or a tow could take a long time, plus it can be expensive. Therefore, it helps to keep the spare, a tire iron, a lug wrench, a jack and even some WD-40 in the car.
- Jumper Cables or a Jump Starter - The cables will be your best friend when your car's battery is dead. Plus, they allow you to help others in that situation. On the other hand, a jump starter, while more expensive, can be helpful because you don’t need another car handy.
- Emergency Escape Tool - These should be kept near the driver or front passenger, if possible. They are designed to help you escape your vehicle in the event of an accident or other emergency. While variations exist, typically one end resembles a hammer for breaking windows, while the handle has a slit with a razor for cutting seat belts.
- Flashlight - Ever tried to change a tire in the dark? Having a flashlight is a much better alternative. You may be thinking that your cell phone has you covered, but you never know when you'll run out of battery. Keep in mind that some emergency escape tools have built-in flashlights. Look for one of those if you wish to consolidate the tools you keep in your car.
- A Multi-tool - You never know what tool you may end up needing. A multi-tool covers most of the basics and is way more space-efficient than a toolbox.
Others gadgets to keep in mind: a tire pressure gauge, portable tire inflator and sealer, fire extinguisher, duct tape, and work gloves.
Other Items for Your Safety and Benefit
You will also want to keep these useful items in your car.
- A First Aid Kit - There's plenty of circumstances where a first aid kit will come in handy. Basic, all-in-one kits are available at most grocery, department, drug, and auto part stores.
- Road Flares or Reflectors - These help others drivers know you're there when your car has broken down on the side of the road. I'm sure you've seen a semi truck on the side of the highway with reflective triangles set up.
- Emergency Supplies - It's smart to keep some emergency nonperishable food and water bottles in your car. Additionally, it's also a good idea for people in many parts of the country to keep a blanket and extra warm clothing. You don't want to be caught off guard if you are stuck somewhere for hours.
- Washer Fluid - Carrying extra windshield washer fluid isn't expensive and it can keep you safe. Your visibility stands no chance if you are stuck driving in a snowstorm without washer fluid. And poor visibility is one of the leading causes of accidents in bad weather.
Other items: your owner's manual, a gas can, printed paper maps, a phone charger, tissues/toilet paper, a pen/pencil and paper, cash (including some in quarters), and towels.
The Bottom Line
These items that you should always have in your car will keep you well prepared to manage many situations. And they don't have to take up as much space as you might think. A good tip is to try to fit many of them in a well-packed bag or small box that you can store in the trunk.
If, however, you are here looking to get approved for a car loan in order to get a car to keep well stocked, Auto Credit Express can help. We can connect you with a local dealership that is trained to help people dealing with almost every credit type.
Get started today by filling out our free, simple and secure car loan request.
