Mark Greene
Essential Items You Should Have In Your Car
Cars are often unpredictable, you’ll never know if you’ll get caught in an accident, trapped in traffic, or a breakdown gets you stranded.
It helps to adopt the Boy Scout’s slogan to “be prepared” in these instances. But what do you have in your car for emergencies?Â
Exterioraccs, as a prominent provider of car exterior parts emphasized that considering what to have can be useful in a stall, and could save lives in extreme circumstances.Â
Here’s a collection of eight items that you should keep in your car;
1. First Aid Kit
You could get trapped in less desirable situations, perhaps far less helpful than getting your wheels stuck on the mud. You should always have a first aid kit in your car in case you get yourself or anyone injured.
You can buy ready-made first aid kits at most grocery stores or make a DIY one. If you choose to go for DIY, don’t forget, including a flashlight, knife, bandages, medicines, pain relievers, and other necessary pieces.Â
2. Spare Cellphone and Charger
A cell phone and a charger are two useful items next to a first-aid kit. Most people have no idea how to fix a blown tire in case of one. Worst is when you get injured, and you can’t manage to apply first aid to your wounds. Thus, it should be a primary concern to have the capacity to call for help.
Also, it is recommended to inform others of your route and arrival time at your destination before hitting the road for longer journeys. Some areas can be scant when it comes to cell reception.Â
Yet, if friends or family members are informed and understand what to expect, they will send someone out to check when you don’t turn up.
3. A Paper Map
Modern conveniences have indeed made people dependent on mobile phones and GPS for navigating. Yet sometimes satellites and internet connection signals can’t reach us.
Having a map in your car is vital, particularly if you’re going to someplace unfamiliar to you. Just be sure that you know how to read and understand an old-fashioned map when anything else fails.
4. A Tool Set
While speaking of a toolset, it doesn’t mean a broad set of equipment in a thick red chest of tools. You don’t need to carry around with you a power drill. Yet be sure to have a tool kit in the car along with the necessary things, including traditional bolts, socket wrenches, clamps, etc.
These tools will assist with replacing a flat tire, secure battery cables, and repair a loose exhaust pipe that drags on the deck. During an emergency, a simple, useful collection of tools will work well and bring people out of unfortunate circumstances.
Only make sure to maintain an inventory of your tools and secure them in a safe toolbox. The last thing you would want is loose wrenches and screw-drivers under your seats.
5. Tyre And a Jack
When punctured, many car tyres can manage for approximately 50 miles or more. Given that fact, it is still necessary to have a spare tyre, even a jack in your trunk, in case you eventually wind up with flat tyres and can’t drive on it.
Many drivers take for granted the importance of carrying a spare tyre around. Yet, unfortunately, they begin to appreciate a spare tyre’s worth at the worst moment—when their vehicle gets stranded on the side of a country road surrounded by cornfields.
Equally necessary is the trusty jack. You will use it to lift the car and take off the wheel.Â
6. Jumper Cables
Second to having a tyre and jack, secure that you have some jumper wires inside your car. As most drivers are aware, batteries die if lights are left on for so long, or the key is in the ignition. Having jumper cables is vital when such a situation occurs.
7. Clean Water
An essential thing that should always be on hand when you are stuck for lengthy periods is water. It only makes sense to keep the bottled water in your vehicle for an emergency. And the best part would be if your water is filtered water. Unlike other beverages, filtered water can never go bad or spoil.
Water is often a versatile substance that may be used for anything other than hydration. Filling up a car’s engine, washing an injury or wound in case of an accident, or flushing a dusty window that is hard to see through are some examples.
Water is also an all-purpose drug and one that can help people while they are trapped or lost before help comes. It’s advised to always have at least 5 liters of water in your car.
8. Non-perishable Food
What’s worse than waiting for a tow? It’s hungry waiting, so have snacks at hand. Have in your car some non-perishable snacks like chocolate drinks or candies. In unfortunate cases, like when you ‘re stuck for an extended period, a trail mix could be a lifesaver.
Granola is another good option to go to. Granolas are light-weight, pre-packaged, don’t melt quickly, and taste good. And while lost and starving, running to a granola bar will provide you with the strength and help you need to keep moving.
And the best thing about granola bars is that their shelf life is exceptionally long. It can handle intense heat and cold, and never spoil quickly or meltdown.
Conclusion
Driving is one of those everyday things that people usually take for granted. This is due in part to how cars become efficient over time.
That being said, while breakdowns can be much less frequent than they used to be, accidents still happen. It’s vital to be alert while on the road.Â
It also goes without saying that it’s important to keep your car interior tidy, and sometimes, it is unavoidable to have spills and dirt in your car, especially if you are travelling with children or with pets. For that matter, you should have easy-to-clean car-floor mats ready, along with wet wipes and other cleaning supplies. You can’t always wait for the next deep-cleaning session before you get rid of the clutter or wipe away the stains. Those little things may cause your car floor to smell bad or be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Having the essential things mentioned above in your car at all times is advisable. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Better ready than sorry!
