No matter how safe you are on the road, emergencies can happen. Whether you’re in an accident or your vehicle breaks down, there are ways to make the wait for help much easier and to enable you to help yourself in some situations. Check out this list of things you’ll always want to keep in your car just in case something happens.
Jumper Cables
Although you can wait for a tow truck to jump your vehicle if the battery dies, wait times can be incredibly long. If you already have jumper cables in your car, you can ask a friend, coworker, or just someone passing by for help getting your car started. Lifehacker suggests considering an emergency battery booster as well so you don’t need help to start your car.
First Aid Kit
Even minor accidents can happen in a vehicle or while you’re out and about. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you handle a number of minor injuries right away, no matter where you are. Keep at least a small first aid kit in your vehicle at all times so you’ll have access to antibiotics, band-aids, and other essentials.
Durable Multi-Tool
The website Thrillist recommends having a multi-tool on hand at all times. You’ll never know when you might need a screwdriver or other tool and having this in your car means you’ll always have a tool you can use. Choose a durable, high-quality multi-tool to ensure it works when you need it.
Flashlight
Have you ever had a flat tire or another issue at night? A flashlight makes it easier to see everything you’re doing and makes it easier for other people to see you when you’re working on the car. Even though you may have a flashlight on your phone, purchase one just to keep in the car.
Carpet Remnant
If you live in an area that snows, keeping a carpet remnant in your car can help you gain traction on slippery surfaces so you can move your vehicle. These can often be found incredibly cheap, so it’s worthwhile to keep a piece or two in the car just in case.
Water and Energy Bars
Energy bars and water can stay in your car for a long time and they’re perfect if you’re stuck on the side of the road for a while waiting on a tow truck. Replace the energy bars as needed to ensure they don’t expire before they’re needed.
Spare Tire and Jack
Many new cars today don’t come with a spare tire, though they should come with a jack. If you’re planning on buying a new car, learn how to save money when you visit Car Buying Strategies for details. This gives you extra money to purchase the spare tire if your car doesn’t include so you can make sure you have it when you need it.
Staying safe on the road means being prepared for what could happen. The items listed here can all come in handy at some point when you’re driving or if your car breaks down. Keep them in a container in your car to ensure they’re always within reach when you might need to use them.