Let’s face it, we spend more time in our cars than we do with our families. Whether we’re stuck in traffic or on a leisurely drive, it feels like we practically live in our vehicles. That’s why packing the right car essentials can be a lifesaver (literally). From emergency kits to snacks for the road, you won’t regret having these necessities on hand. So buckle up and get ready for a smoother ride with these must-haves.
To ensure that you see clearly in low-light situations, a flashlight is an absolute must-have. For optimal performance, I suggest investing in a rechargeable LED flashlight with a lumen rating of 1,000 or higher. With a brighter and more powerful beam, you’ll be able to navigate even the darkest spaces with ease.
A scissor jack and tire iron are also must-have items that you should keep in your car. A flat tire is a common issue that can happen anytime, anywhere. Having a scissor jack and tire iron can help you change the flat tire with ease. Moreover, make sure your spare tire is in good condition, and you know how to fit it correctly.
Road flares are lifesavers when you need to signal oncoming traffic that there’s an issue ahead. They can help prevent other drivers from crashing into your car when you’re parked on the roadside. Also, road flares can provide light if you need to adjust something in the dark.
Jumper cables can be an excellent backup plan if your battery dies unexpectedly. With the help of another vehicle, you can jump-start your car without any professional assistance. However, if you don’t have access to another car, a portable 12-volt battery jump box can also do the trick. It’s compact and easy to carry, and can jump-start your car in a matter of minutes.
Next up is something often forgotten about: the wheel lock key. Being a prior industry mechanic for several years, I can’t say enough about how much time I wasted digging through a customer’s car looking for the elusive wheel lock key in order to do a service that involved removing one or more wheels off their vehicle. A lot of times, people forget about these. They can be installed from the dealer on newer cars, or by any consumer looking for a level of added security as a preventative measure to protect your wheels from being stolen (no wheel lock is 100% effective, by the way. With enough time, crooks can still get your wheels off if they want them bad enough). But, they are still necessary, in my opinion. So on behalf of all mechanics out there, please keep your wheel lock keys in an accessible place at all times! Also, keep in mind that knowing where your key is would come in handy if you ever find yourself having to throw on a spare tire on the side of the road. You’re not getting your wheel off without it.
After Covid19, hand sanitizer became an essential in life, so it only makes sense to have it with you in your car. I’ve personally made it a habit to douse my hands every time I get gas, or go in/ out of a store. It’s just second nature at this point. Probably good for your health as well, seeing as how it’s good practice to keep your hands clean as much as possible.
And the number one item I believe should be in every vehicle, is a phone charger. Your phone is the key to your communication to the world, however, it’s of zero use if it has a dead battery. Keep that thing charged! You never know if/ when you’ll be forced to be away from your charger for an extended period of time, and I’m sure you’d want the confidence that you can rely on your phone to communicate with whomever you may need to.
Honorable mention: Now, napkins. Preferably from Chipotle, since you can usually take as much as you can hold in your hands as you quickly exit the restaurant before that one employee who cares a little too much about their job catches you. There’s nothing worse than not being prepared to clean up a mess you’ve made on those nice leather seats or floor mats. Wipe that French fry salt off your kid’s mouth, or smush that annoying fly against your windshield, then fold it over and clean up the guts. Keep plenty of napkins, it’s just the smart thing to do.
Breaking down or getting stranded on the road can be stressful and inconvenient, but proper preparation can ease your worries. Keeping essential items on hand, such as a first aid kit, scissor jack, tire iron, road flares, jumper cables, and a flashlight, can determine your safety and make a situation that was once insurmountable a manageable one. Ensure all these items are kept neatly stored in your trunk for easy access so that you can stay safe and prepared during your travels.
