It’s always important to be prepared for the least expected. You never know when you may get a flat tire, have your check engine light go on or experience an unexpected snow storm. These are a few things that you should keep in your car at all times to always be prepared:
- Spare Tire
No one likes getting a flat tire but let’s be honest; it happens when we least expect it. If you keep a spare tire in your vehicle, you will be able to fix that flat tire quickly and easily. If you can change the tire on your own, you should also keep a tire jack, lug wrench, and tire iron in your trunk to complete the process. If not, keep the spare tire in the trunk and call for help to get your tire changed so you can get back on the road.
- Car Manual
Keeping your car manual on hand at all times is helpful if you have a light go off on your dashboard. What do you do if your check engine light goes on? Check your car manual for any unusual lights that go on while driving. Keep this in your glove compartment, so it doesn’t get lost!
- Tire Pressure Gauge
The light goes off in your car that your tire pressure is low OR you feel your tire and it feels soft, what do you do? If your tire pressure is low, go to your nearest gas station and fill up the tire with the air compressor. How do you know if you have added enough air or too much air? This is where the tire pressure gauge comes in handy. Use the tire pressure gauge once you have added the air to see if you need to add more air. It is a very handy tool to keep in your car.
- Jumper Cables
You get into your car, put the keys in the ignition, turn the key, and your car doesn’t start. What do you do? Don’t panic or rely on someone parked next to you to lend you their jumper cables. By keeping jumper cables in your car, you are always prepared in case this occurs. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with how to use them beforehand, so you know exactly what steps to take if your engine doesn’t start.
- Flashlight
What happens if you have car trouble at night? Have you tried changing a tire in the dark? It’s not easy unless you have a flashlight to assist you. Keep a flashlight on hand in case this happens, so you can see and get the task done easily.
- First Aid Kit
Your child is drawing in the back seat and gets a paper cut and starts crying. What do you do? Or, you stop at a rest stop to go to the bathroom on a road trip, and you scrape your knee after you trip stepping up on the sidewalk. Now what? You never know when these unexpected “boo-boos” will happen, so it is important to have a first aid kit on hand to help with all the unexpected scrapes and cuts.
- Ice Scraper
Now some of you may not live in a location that experiences snow, but for the people that do, this is important to have in your car during the winter. Snowstorms can happen with no warning so be prepared for when you have to clear the snow off your car.
- Car Adapted Phone Charger
This is 2018, and we live in a world where we use a phone for everything. Using the GPS on your phone can use up the battery quickly. By keeping your phone fully charged and plugged in during the car ride, you won’t have to worry about not being able to get in touch with help if you need it. If you are having car trouble and need to call for help having a phone charger in your car is essential.
- Water Bottles
What happens if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and help can’t get to you for a little while? Having water in your car can keep you hydrated in a time of need.
- Duct Tape
This is something that is good to keep on hand for temporary auto repairs. You never know when this can come in handy!
These are all things that can help you at an unexpected time and takes up minimal space in your car. Better to be safe than sorry! Make sure you are prepared for anything that can come your way while driving your car. Drive safely.
Related: 10 Tips & Alternatives to the Screen While Road Tripping with Your Kids
