The 10 Most Important Things to keep in Your Car
Whether you’re planning for a big trip, or just getting a brand new car, its always important to know what you need to have in case of an emergency.
Here is our list of the top 10 most important things to have in your car at all times!
1. Spare Tyre, Jack, and lug Wrench
It happens to the best of us- you’re cruising along the most scenic of roads, and then it hits you. You have a flat tyre. But there’s no need to panic, most people can change a flat tyre with a car jack, socket wrench, spare type, and a bit of elbow grease. If you don’t know how to change a flat tyre, your vehicle owner’s manual should be able to help you out. Or, you can print out our in-depth guide on how to change a flat tyre here and keep it with you. We recommend that you practise changing a tyre if you have a few minutes to spare- just so you’re not stuck trying to figure out how to do it in the middle of a crisis.
2. Jumper Cables
Whether you left your lights on by accident, or it just not your lucky day, car batteries have the tendency to die on us. Keeping jumper cables with you could very well save your hide on the road. A quick jumpstart from a fellow driver would get you right back on the road again. Ready to roll, so to speak. On the other hand, maybe you might be the saviour who gets someone else back on track with a quick boost.
3. First Aid Kit
In case something urgent happens either in your car, or at your new destination, it is always highly recommended to keep a first aid it with you. If someone is injured or hurt, you will be very glad to have it on hand.
4. Water
Dehydration can be just as dangerous as a car accident. If you get into an accident or are stuck somewhere, or even if you’re driving, it is important to stay focused and hydrated at all times.
5. Flashlight
We talked earlier about flat tyres happening to the best of us. Imagine trying to fumble through your vehicle owner’s manual and changing a flat for the first time in pitch darkness. Not a fun experience, we would say. Always keep a flashlight in your car to avoid this sort of thing. Who knows- maybe changing a flat tyre for the first time can actually be a bit of fun.
6. Maps - yes, the paper kind
Technology is great, and with all of the GPS apps we have available to us today, the paper map has gone extinct. The only thing is that sometimes technology has the tendency to fail us. Either by losing reception or even what we like to call “sudden inexplicable death”. As an extra measure, most GPS apps have the option to download the map of a selected area so you can use them a navigate even when you’re offline. In case you’re travelling in uncharted territory, it’s great to have a paper map on hand so you’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere.
7. Insurance and emergency information
For accidents, if you’re pulled over, or if you find yourself in need to assistance, keep your insurance, license, and registration information with you at all times. If your insurance also offers roadside assistance, make sure to keep that information with you as well so you can always call for help.
8. Battery power bank
If you phone suddenly dies and you’re in need of emergency assistance, you’re going to be stuck and on your own! If you keep a charged battery power bank with you in your car, you can make sure that your phone always has the ability to charge up and turn on again. All you would need to do is plug your phone charging cable into the battery, and wait for it to charge. Crisis averted.
9. Flare/Hazard triangles
If something happens at night time, visibility is your best friend. Having a Flare and Hazard triangles are good tools to make other drivers aware that something is wrong, and to keep an eye out for any people that might be on the road.
10. Vehicle Owner’s Manual
A Vehicle Owner’s Manual is a must-have in your car. Whether it’s for changing that tyre, or figuring out what all of the flashing lights mean on your dashboard.