Car essentials range from emergency items to maintenance supplies. Whereas some improve convenience, others ensure preparedness for unexpected situations on the road. So, the next time you’re taking a short trip or going on a long journey, make sure you have these 12 essentials!
What Should You Keep in a Car at All Times?
Emergency & Safety
First, we’ll go through the must-have emergency and safety items for the road. These can prove invaluable during emergencies or breakdowns and help you handle minor injuries, signal for help, or address common vehicle issues.
First Aid Kit
First aid kits can be a godsend. They are very crucial in addressing minor injuries and providing temporary relief until help arrives. Make sure you have bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, and gloves in yours.
Roadside Emergency Kit
A roadside emergency kit is literally the most important emergency kit for roadside help. These tools can assist you greatly in breakdowns or during other emergencies. You’ll find items like a reflective vest, warning triangles, flares, tire pressure gauge, multi-tool, duct tape, rope, and so on.
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables allow you to get out of a fix if your car’s battery gets discharged or dies.
Flashlight
A flashlight, reflective triangles, flares, and a fire extinguisher are all add-ons that you can carry separately in your car to stay extra safe.
Maintenance Supplies
Everybody wants optimal performance. That’s why we have this list of vehicle maintenance supplies. These are essentials that you should try to always carry in your car to help you handle everything from tire changes to minor repairs.
- It’s always good to have car maintenance supplies such as lubricants, a jack, spare tires, a portable air compressor, and a tire pressure gauge when you’re on the road.
- Basic tools like lug wrenches can also come in handy. You can also just get a basic toolkit.
Comfort & Convenience
Don’t skip on personal comfort and convenience items. Even small things can make a big difference on road trips—Especially on long journeys or during unexpected delays.
Water and Food
Apart from plenty of water bottles, you should ideally include non-perishable snacks, blankets, extra clothing, wet wipes, tissues, phone chargers, USB cables, and a portable phone mount, among other things.
Travel Pillow
A travel pillow can provide much-needed neck and head support. This is particularly good for long drives when you’re a passenger. Maintaining a comfortable posture helps prevent neck strain.
Umbrella & Trash Bags
An umbrella and trash bags are also good add-ons to carry in your car. They can come in handy in unexpected situations.
Documentation & Communication
Important documents and communication tools are pretty important. These items help you navigate legal or communication needs that may arise when you’re on the road.
Vehicle Documentation & Drivers License
Make sure that you’re carrying all critical vehicle documentation such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
Map
Having a physical map never hurts. A map is very useful when your phone runs out of juice or you find yourself in an area with no network. It can save you a lot of time, especially in unfamiliar territories and remote areas.
Emergency Contact Information
Always keep emergency contact information in the car. This can be a list of people on a piece of paper or a printed page inside the glove compartment. Include your insurance company’s number and trusted family and friends who can provide support in case of an emergency. For your own reference, you can just store this data separately on your phone and additionally include the contact details of local towing services and roadside assistance.
Did you check all the boxes?
Great! Now, you’re ready to increase your safety, preparedness, and overall peace of mind while driving. And don’t forget to replenish the supplies and ensure everything is in good condition.
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