We spend so much time focusing on what car we want and how we can get it, that once we finally get behind the wheel, we fail to pay appropriate attention to what we should be keeping in our cars. Here are just a few items that could prove really helpful, or even life saving!
A Fully Stocked First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential in any vehicle. You never know when you might need one! A standard first aid kit should include:
- Gloves
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Antiseptic Cream
- An Eye Bath
- Bandages
- Gauze Pads
- Dressings
- Tape
- Safety Pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
A Paper Map
Sure, nowadays most of us use sat nav systems or our phones to guide us along the roads in real time. But you can’t count on these 100%. Your battery might run out, you might lose signal, or you might run into a host of other issues. It’s always a good idea to have an up to date paper map of your local area, or other areas you may be frequenting or travelling through, somewhere in your car. This will help you to find your way if you do become lost.
Air Fresheners
Nobody likes a musty car. Air fresheners can make your car smell of whatever scent you like, making it a much preferable space to enter and spend time in. Consider custom car air fresheners to find the perfect option to create something that matches your car’s looks and gives off your favourite smells!
Spare Glasses
If you require glasses to drive, chances are you’ll already have them on when you get into the car. But it’s always a good idea to have a spare pair tucked away in the glovebox – just in case. You never know, you may lose your own glasses while you’re out and about (perhaps you might take them off and leave them somewhere) or they could easily break. Having a spare is a great idea, as you’ll always be able to at least get yourself back home until you can order a replacement pair for your lost or broken frames. Spare glasses are also a good idea for those of us who wear contact lenses. If your lenses begin to irritate you, you can then always take them out and rely on the glasses in your car while you drive instead.
Sunglasses
In a similar vein, it’s also a good idea to have a pair of sunglasses in your car – prescription sunglasses if you require prescription lenses to drive. Sometimes, you may find that the sun is bright when you’re driving and the sun visor doesn’t offer as much help as you may require. A pair of sunglasses can prevent you from squinting and help you to focus on the road ahead much more effectively.
An Empty Fuel Can
People think that you don’t need a fuel can if you always keep your tank topped up. But at the end of the day, you never necessarily know where the next open petrol station is going to be and whether your fuel will definitely last you until you get there. Having an empty fuel can on board means you can at least always walk to the nearest station and fill up!
A Spare Tyre
Hopefully, you don’t ever find yourself with a flat or punctured tyre. But it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry, so it’s a good idea to have a spare on board at all times. This way, you or a roadside assistance specialist can replace your tyre and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
A Tyre Jack
Of course, if you’re going to have a spare tyre, you’re going to need a tyre jack too! This is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who intends to change your tyre.
Jump Leads
Another common issue that many drivers experience at some point or another is a flat battery. This can result from a host of situations, but often, it’s the result of leaving your car’s headlights on for a long period of time – namely once you’ve gone into your home, a store, or other location. Having a pair of jump leads can help you to restart your car with the help of another vehicle.
Your User Manual
So many people remove their user manual from their car. Many even discard it. But how are you supposed to decode any issues you may be experiencing without it? Very few people will automatically know what all of the dash warning lights mean. Make sure to have your user manual on board at all times. You never know when you might need it!
A Warning Triangle
Reflective warning triangles won’t take up much space in your boot, but they can come in really handy. If you break down, you can place the warning triangle behind your vehicle, alerting other road users to your vehicle’s stationary positioning within the road ahead.
De-Icer
Sure, your car isn’t likely to frost over in the summer. But it’s good to have de-icer on board year round, just in case. This is a particularly useful tool to have on hand in the winter if you want to head out, but don’t have much time to wait for your car to defrost when you turn the engine on.
A Torch
Torches are great if you break down at night in locations where there isn’t much light. They can help you to make your way out of the car and to the nearest point of help. Make sure to have spare batteries to hand, or you could even consider a wind up torch!
Bottled Water
You never know when you’ll need water. Perhaps you’ll feel dehydrated at some point or another. Maybe you’ll need to top up your screenwash. Maybe you’ll need to top up your radiator. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have some bottled water on board.
AUX Cable
We all like to listen to a little music while we’re driving. So, make sure you always have an AUX lead in your car. This can allow you to connect your phone and play your music of choice, rather than always relying on the radio!
A USB Charger
You should always have a battery on your phone. You never know when you might need to get in touch with someone or when someone else might need to get in touch with you. So, keep a USB charger in your car. You can then charge your phone while you’re driving and can help your battery remain topped up at all times.
Change
It’s also a good idea to keep some spare change in your car. This can come in useful if you want to pick up a snack in the garage, if you need to pay an unexpected toll road, or in a host of other situations. Just make sure it’s not on display.
An Umbrella
Sometimes the weather can take you by surprise. Keep an umbrella on board so you don’t get soaked if it begins to rain!
These, of course, are just a few suggestions for things you should consider having in your car. Each has its own benefits and can really help you out in a time of need! So, they’re more than worth investing in!
