Every Prepared Driver Has These Great Essentials in Their Car
Whether you’re just heading to work or enjoying a long road trip with friends or family, it’s wise to be prepared for emergency situations. Traveling with children in particular calls for much more care and preparation than traveling alone, because kids can be messy, and hard to keep calm when the unexpected happens.
When you’re on the road, you can’t predict breaking down or getting stuck in standstill traffic for hours but sometimes these situations are unavoidable. The last thing you want in the event of an emergency or major inconvenience is to be ill-equipped to deal with the situation. To help you be prepared in a bind, we listed some important essentials to keep in your car for dealing with almost anything on the road.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR
First aid kit
The first item all drivers should carry in their car is a first aid kit, which could be as simple as some band-aids and antiseptic wipes. A basic first aid kit could come in handy if anyone is mildly injured while traveling, or if you’re caught up in a small traffic accident. It will allow you to give yourself or your fellow riders basic treatment while waiting for help.
You can easily upgrade your first aid kit to include any medications you might need while away from home. We suggest keeping painkillers and anti-sickness medicines for days when you aren’t feeling your best. If you have any seasonal allergies, you should also keep antihistamines and tissues in your car. Keep in mind that medications and other items have an expiration date, so it’s good to go through your first aid box at least once a year to verify that all items are still safe to use.
Car interior wipes
When you’re traveling, especially with kids or pets, you should be prepared for a mess in your car. It’s a smart idea to keep car interior wipes in your vehicle to clean up after your little ones. Car interior wipes also come in handy to clean your dirty hands after examining or fixing a mechanical issue in your car.
Jumper cables
Jumper cables are a must-have in every car in case your battery dies. Cars are more prone to have a dead battery during cold temperatures, or if you leave them sitting for a long time. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use an electric car to jump-start another vehicle because it can damage your car’s battery.
Winter car kit
If the temperature in your area is always cold or drops significantly during winter, you should get a winter car toolkit with all the basic items. This is in case you have to drive in bad weather and break down or become trapped. It’s not necessary to get a super bulky kit, as having a few basic things can help you stay warm in your car and keep moving in cooler temperatures. These include a flashlight, ice scraper, snow shovel, emergency blanket, and pair of waterproof boots.
You can also easily make a more comprehensive kit by including your favorite snacks, a comforter and blankets, extra clothes, a winter scarf and gloves, and other items you might want if you’re stranded in your car during winter.
Water bottles
We suggest keeping a case of water bottles in your car at all times to keep yourself hydrated, if you get stranded or stuck, clean wounds in case of accidents, or fill your car’s windshield washer. It’s better to use clean water that can sit for extended periods, so you should always store unopened bottles that can be tossed out and replaced once used.
Cell phone charger
We all rely extensively on our phones these days for different uses other than just making emergency calls. You use your cell phone as a navigation system to help you find your route, to search for guest houses or travel destinations, to call a tow truck, play music, and more. That’s why you should invest in a cell phone charger that plugs into your car so you can recharge your phone to always stay connected.
Warning triangle
While no one wants to be in an emergency situation, accidents can happen to anyone and it’s better to be prepared to deal with any mishaps. When your car breaks down and you have to wait on the road, it’s a good idea to have a warning triangle. A warning sign or triangle can alert oncoming traffic about the upcoming danger to prevent another accident.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family or friends, you should always have some essentials in your car to ensure everyone’s safety. Although no one can anticipate unforeseen circumstances, being well-equipped and prepared for emergency situations helps you react and respond to them better.