Road trips can be fun adventures for everyone involved, but accidents and issues can happen. Are you prepared for the unexpected when you leave home? Here are 18 essential items that you should always have in your car when you go on the road.
Emergency Roadside Kit
An emergency roadside kit is a great option for covering most of your bases. The California Highway Patrol says that some basics should include “12-foot jumper cables,” “a HELP sign at least 8 inches,” and “extra vehicle fuses.” Staying prepared can prevent panic during an emergency on the road.
First Aid Kit
Even if you’re not in a traffic accident, minor injuries can happen to you or your passengers while in the car. First aid kits with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers are a smart choice to keep in the car. Another good idea is to bring personal medications that you might need.
Spare Tire and Jack
Flat tires can be a huge problem if you don’t have a spare tire and jack in your car. Avoid this issue by making sure a properly inflated spare tire is always in your vehicle, as well as a jack and lug wrench for changing the tire.
Portable Phone Charger
Delays can happen during any car journey, so if your phone isn’t charged enough, it might run out of battery. Keeping a high-capacity power bank with you, which is compatible with your car, will ensure that you’re not left without your smartphone. This is important for safety and navigation.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
CNN recommends keeping a “battery-powered flashlight, extra batteries, and flares” in your car in case of bad weather during winter. But it’s also a good idea to take one with you in any season, as your journey could be delayed – and if you break down in the dark, a flashlight can be essential.
Tire Pressure Gauge
It’s important to check your tire pressure before you go on a long road trip, and you may also need to check it before you start the return journey. You should keep a reliable, accurate tire pressure gauge in your car, and if you buy a new one, make sure you know how it works.
Blanket and Warm Clothes
Always consider the temperature and weather before you set off on a long car journey. If there’s any chance of low temperatures, even if only at night, you should bring extra layers of clothing. Blankets can also be useful and can also help with kids who may want to sleep during the journey.
Non-Perishable Snacks and Water
Bottled water is always a good thing to keep in the car; it will be more hydrating and refreshing in the long run than sodas. Non-perishable snacks like granola bars and nuts are also great to have, but make sure you’re sensible about how quickly you eat them during longer journeys.
Multi-Tool
As the name suggests, a multi-tool can be useful in a variety of situations and has a lot of different uses. The CDC states that “motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and kill over 100 people every day.” A multi-tool just might save your life in an accident.
Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter
Another important thing to have in your car in case of a crash is a combination window breaker and seatbelt cutter. You’ll be able to cut your seatbelt in case it gets jammed in an accident and break your window for a quick exit. This tool can give you much-needed peace of mind.
Vehicle Fluids
When you own a car, there are many things you have to keep on top of. Surprisingly, a lot of them fall into the same category: fluids. Keeping extra bottles of oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid in your trunk means that you won’t have to make a pit stop if your car runs low.
Road Maps or Atlas
You might think that the age of the road map is over due to smartphones having quick and accurate GPS abilities. But if the signal goes out, you could end up stranded. A paper road map is an excellent backup option as long as you know how to use it.
Car Manual
When something goes wrong with your car, you can usually figure it out by yourself on the roadside. But sometimes you’ll need a little help, which is where your car manual can be useful. You should always try to keep this in your vehicle when you go out.
Cleaning Supplies
They might not save your life, but some basic car cleaning supplies can make your life a lot easier—and cleaner—on the road. Spills can be wiped up with a microfiber cloth or a cleaning wipe, and keeping a trash bag in the backseat can help manage children’s mess.
Fire Extinguisher
Normal-sized fire extinguishers aren’t suitable for cars, but there are small ones intended for vehicles that will fit perfectly. In areas prone to wildfires, the U.S. Department of the Interior advises you to “carry a shovel, bucket, and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires.”
Extra Set of Keys
Keeping a spare set of keys in your car isn’t a bad idea, especially if you commonly lose yours. You should keep it secure in your car and out of the sight of potential thieves, but you could avoid locking yourself out of your car by bringing a spare key with you.
Sunglasses
Driving on a sunny day can be a beautiful experience, but if the sun gets in your eyes and you don’t have any sunglasses, it could quickly turn deadly. Sun glare can distract you, reduce your vision, and cause accidents on the road. One missed hazard could be the end of your journey.
Cash and Important Documents
Finally, you should consider keeping small amounts of cash and copies of your important car-related documents in your vehicle. Too much cash isn’t a good idea, as it could be stolen, but a reasonable amount can help out in emergencies. Equally, having your insurance and registration on hand is a smart idea.
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