(Newswire.net — August 10, 2019) — Whether you’re driving to the grocery store down the street or you’re taking a month-long road trip, there are several essentials you should always have in your car. If you’re injured in a car accident, you’ll want to have plenty of supplies to deal with those injuries. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, you’ll need to make basic repairs and stay safe.
Fortunately, most of these essentials are easy to find and inexpensive—so there’s no reason not to have them!
Basic Paperwork
Let’s start with some of the basic paperwork you should have on hand at all times:
- Driver’s license. This one should be obvious, but carrying your driver’s license is a legal requirement to operate a vehicle. Don’t leave it behind just because you’re going on a quick trip.
- Registration. You’ll also want to make sure you have your vehicle’s registration on hand, in case you’re pulled over.
- Proof of insurance. In most areas, you’re required to have basic insurance coverage. You’ll need some way to provide proof of that coverage if you’re pulled over or involved in an accident.
- Owner’s manual. Your owner’s manual can tell you a lot about your vehicle. If you’ve lost your original owner’s manual, you should be able to find a replacement copy online.
- A map. These days, most people rely on their phones to navigate, but if there’s spotty coverage, it’s a good idea to have a paper map of your local surroundings on hand.
Roadside Tools
If you get stuck somewhere or if your car breaks down, you’ll probably be glad to have these:
- A spare tire (and changing supplies). Flat tires are one of the most common problems faced by drivers, so it pays to be prepared. Keep a spare tire in your trunk if you can, and make sure you have all the items necessary to put it on, including a jack, a tire iron, and possibly sealant to patch any leaks temporarily.
- Jumper cables. If your car ever fails to start because of a dead battery, jumper cables can save you. Just make sure you know how to use them before you attempt it solo.
- A pressure gauge. Underinflated and overinflated tires are both problematic, but you can always be sure you fill your tires optimally if you have a tire gauge to check your pressure. Use this regularly to make sure you’re driving on stable tires.
- A gas can. In a perfect world, you’d never run out of gas, but if you’re ever stranded somewhere or if your gas gauge isn’t working properly, you’ll need a portable gas can to help you get the gas you need back to your vehicle. Better yet, keep the gas can filled so you always have some extra.
- Duct tape. It’s a running joke that duct tape can fix anything. This isn’t exactly true, but it can fix a lot—and help you get a broken or damaged car to a repair shop.
Other Emergency Tools
These peripheral tools may not help you repair your vehicle, but they’re important to have in most emergency situations:
- A first aid kit. There are several items you need for a basic first aid kit, but the complete contents are somewhat optional.
- A flashlight. Flashlights can help you see in the dark, or under the hood, where lighting is less than ideal.
- Road flares (or similar items). If you’re broken down on the side of the road, road flares or reflective triangles can help you stay safe.
- Water bottles and emergency food. A couple of nonperishable food items and a few bottles of water can help you stay alive and comfortable if you’re stranded.
Seasonal Considerations
If you live in an area or you’re traveling to an area with harsh winter weather, these extra items may be valuable:
- Clothes and blankets. If you’re stuck in your car overnight, the cold weather could kill you—but an extra coat and a blanket could keep you warm in a survival situation.
- Kitty litter (or something similar). Kitty litter provides traction if you find yourself spinning your tires on ice or snow. It’s not the only option; you could also use salt or any other granular substance that provides traction.
- Scrapers and a brush. If you can’t see out the front or back windshield, you’ll be at a much higher risk of an accident. Scrapers and brushes can help you keep them clean.
It may take you a few hours (or days) to track down all the items you need to make sure your vehicle is adequately stocked for any situation, but it’s well worth the effort. Make it your first priority, ideally before you go on any extended trip.