Car-related issues and everyday emergencies appear when you’re least expecting them to. However, having the proper tools on hand to address these emergencies can be the difference between a minor annoyance and your weekend plans being derailed. To help diagnose any issues, get back on the road faster, and to help those small cuts and bruises heal faster, here are seven items you should always keep in your car.
Jumper Cables
Batteries die, and sometimes, you aren’t close to anywhere to purchase a new one or don’t have time to wait for roadside assistance. Jumper cables should always be kept in your trunk, as it’s the easiest way to ensure that you can get where you need to when you need to.
Spare Tire
Flats happen, and not all cars have run-flats! Always make sure you have a spare tire in your trunk and make sure to replace it (or put the spare back in the trunk) after you repair your flat.
- Visit your local auto repair shop to order the right spare tire.
First Aid Kit
Whether you have a nasty blister or your child has fallen and hit their head at the playground, having a well-stocked first aid kit for your car will help clean up small injuries.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Usually very small in size, throw a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment. When your tires look low, take a moment to measure the pressure, and you’ll know just how much air to put back in them to avoid any issues.
Blankets
Blankets always come in handy. Whether your battery dies on a cold night and you need to stay warm while waiting for roadside assistance, you have a spur-of-the-moment picnic, or just need to prevent messes in your backseat when traveling with kids, you’ll never regret throwing an extra blanket in the trunk.
Jack and Lug Wrench
What’s the point of having a spare tire in your car if you don’t have the tools to replace a flat tire? A jack and lug wrench take up a tiny amount of space and will make changing a flat tire much easier!
A Durable Multi-Tool
A durable multi-tool will have all of the tools you need in case of an emergency, or even if your child just wants to open their new toy before getting home!
Warning Triangles
In a perfect world, all vehicle breakdowns would take place in a parking lot or on a quiet street during the middle of the day. Unfortunately, this is not the world we live in. When parked on the side of a busy street to change a tire or wait for a tow truck we highly recommend using DOT approved warning triangles. Doing this will boost your visibility not only for the oncoming traffic but also for your scheduled tow truck.