You have your new car stereo installed, some new seat covers, and a cute air freshener to top it all off. Is your car missing something though? It’s important that you consider what you would need in the event of an emergency, such as a breakdown, accident, or flat tire. With roadside assistance programs becoming ever more popular, we can relax a little bit, but it’s still always best to be prepared. Here’s a list of items you should always have in your car in the event of an emergency.
TIRE CHANGING SUPPLIES.
Most cars sold by dealerships come with a spare tire, jack, and tire iron, but it doesn’t hurt to double check. Even in the case that your car does have one, you’ll want to check that the sizing is sufficient. Many manufacturers will supply cars with tools that are technically usable, but, are too short or too small for your tire and tire nuts.
JUMP PACK AND JUMPER CABLES.
Jumper cables are useful when there’s another car to connect them to, but depending on where you’re traveling, there may not be one around. In this case, it’s best to have a charged-up jump pack with you so you can kick-start your battery all on your own, along with spare jumper cables. Remember to keep the jump pack charged, though. You don’t want to find out your jump pack is dead when you really need it!
FIRST AID KIT.
You never know what can happen on a drive, so we highly suggest having a first aid kit on hand, especially if you have children. If you’re out and about and someone skins their knee or ends up with a nasty cut, you’ll be prepared to help. While waiting for an ambulance in a serious emergency, a first aid kit can make all the difference in saving a life.
BOTTLES OF WATER.
In the unlucky situation that you’re stranded for a while, you’re going to need to stay hydrated. Make sure you keep some sturdy bottles filled in the back of your car and refresh them regularly. We suggest having a small cooler on hand for long drives to keep any water nice and cold – especially during the summer months.
REFLECTIVE TRIANGLES.
If you’re in the position of needing to use these, you’re already having a rough day, so you’ll want to reduce the possibility of an inattentive driver hitting you. Setting up a few triangles around your car will help drivers see you so they can slow down and give you a wide berth. Always take precaution when parked on the side of the road.
PAPER MAPS.
We all use GPS on our dashboards and phones nowadays, but in the case that your GPS should fail, you should have a paper map, or a couple of maps, with you to help with your navigation. Store any maps and guides in a safe and dry area in your car, such as the glove compartment. You don’t want a dead GPS and a wet map! Even a relatively short trip to a neighboring town could end up becoming an emergency. In the event of a flat tire, dead battery, or just getting lost, you’ll feel confident in getting yourself through it by taking these precautions. Safe driving to you!
