
Which vehicle do you own? Regardless of the make or type of the car, there are essential things you should always have in your car. These things come in handy if you get into an accident, during breakdowns, or when you suffer some inconveniences on the road. While most of the items might depend on personal preferences, some are a must. This article will discuss some essentials you should not hit the road without them. Check on the list below.
License, insurance, and car registration details
While this may seem too obvious, some people don’t have such things in their vehicles. At all times, you should ensure you have your driving license, insurance policy details, and car registration details. When your insurance card is new, it might take some months to have its details on the head, so are the license and the registration details. In line with SR-22 coverage, you don’t carry these things to avoid being pulled over by the traffic police, but they help a lot during emergencies.
These essentials make your ride safe and smooth all the way.
Car repair information
It is important keeping your car repair information, insurance details, and the owner’s manual at the same place. Why is car repair information important? Your vehicle might break down anytime or might be involved in an accident. The insurance company, the police, and the mechanic will want to know where the problem started and the only document to prove your car is okay or faulty is the maintenance and repair booklet. This booklet becomes helpful when selling your vehicle, when you want to give your vehicle history and when deducting your business expenses.
Spare Tire, Tire Jack, Lug Wrench
While this should get counted as one thing, some people might have a spare tire but no tire jack and lug wrench or vice versa. Your vehicle should have all these essentials, even when it has new tires. Why is this pack essential? The spare tire and its essentials come in handy when you have a burst or a flat tire. They will enable you to change your bad tire with the spare one with ease, thus enabling you to proceed with your journey. Without them, you can get stuck in dangerous areas of the road, which will compromise your security. Ensure all these things are present all the time and the tire is in good condition.
Jumper Cables
Your car battery can fail you anytime, especially if driving an old vehicle. Jumper cables come in handy when your car can’t start. They enable you to connect to someone’s car battery and jumpstart your vehicle. It is crucial having jumper cables and, if possible, an emergency battery booster you can use when your car battery fails. While most people will depend on their insurance companies to rescue when their vehicle fails, such can take longer than anticipated. It’s essential having this kit to jumpstart your vehicle and continue with your journey. A jump starter kit is one of the essentials you have in your car for emergency purposes.
First Aid Kit
When driving, you might not know when you will require using a first aid kit. Many things happen on the road that you need to prepare for, especially when driving with kids. You might get involved in an accident, get into an accident scene, someone becoming sick, children getting sick and much more. A first aid kit enables you to handle minor accidents and other dangers as you seek medical services. With it, you can treat bruises, bandage a blister, and clean up a cut, among others. Your first aid kit should be up-to-date all the time. It should have all the essential items, including gauze pads, scissors, gloves, band-aids, pain killers, and much more. While most first aid kits come complete with crucial things, you can add some according to your preferences. Ensure the items aren’t spoilt or expired. If you want to make sure you know what you’re doing, it is highly advisable that you take a First Aid course. Those are even available online. After you are done with it, you will be CPR and First Aid certified.
Cleaning Items
Your vehicle should be clean at all times. This enables it to retain its looks and last longer. When you have clean and hygienic items in your car, you will enjoy a smooth ride and avoid many frustrations. You should have the necessary cleaning items stored conveniently in your vehicle. Such items include tissues, water bottles, car trash cans, zipper-lock backs, reusable shopping bags, and disinfecting detergents and sanitizers. These items are also essential at this time when people are fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Ensure the items in your vehicle aren’t toxic and flammable, especially when carrying children in your car.
Additional Car Essential: Accessories
On long drives or when parked, your car will be at the mercy of the elements. Every responsible car owner should always have protective accessories for their vehicle. Full car covers and sun shields for the windows are great for keeping your vehicle cool and protected when parking outdoors. Fitted covers for your dashboard can also prevent unsightly cracks and fading caused by sun exposure. Plus, they can even fend off annoying glare while driving!
Remember to load up on entertainment, especially if you and your family are fond of lengthier road trips. Headrest monitors can be a good addition if you have kids who get bored easily. Tray tables can also double as surfaces for coloring books or tablets. If your car doesn’t come with Bluetooth, you can buy a Bluetooth receiver to seamlessly play music, podcasts, or audiobooks while on the road.
The list of items you can carry in your vehicle is long and can’t be exhausted in this article. However, the ones listed above are the most essential, which you should have at all times. You must get items like insurance covers from reputable providers and renew them before they expire to avoid inconveniences.