The saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” and nothing could be truer when it comes to being on the road. Driving responsibly goes beyond simply obeying the rules of the road and extends to how you take care of your car and even what you keep inside it.
This article will outline some of the most important emergency items to keep in your car at all times – especially when driving long distances – in order to make sure you’re prepared for whatever might happen.
Tire Changing Equipment
First of all, you need to be prepared for a flat tire. A puncture can happen anywhere and to anyone, and you need to be able to change it out so you can get safely to a professional. Your car should have a spare tire and a jack included. You can also invest in a portable tire inflator in case you get a puncture or lose tire pressure a way out from a gas station.
Remember to take care of your tires too, to make sure you’re safe on the road and improve their longevity, and ensure that you know how to change them.
Jumper Cables
Another emergency item to keep in your car is a set of jumper cables. These will allow you to jump-start your car if your battery has run flat.
While these are not an essential, they can save you the headache of having to call a friend or relative, or even ask a stranger to help you out in a sticky situation. Plus, you might be able to save others from near disaster if you keep these around.
First Aid Kit
Keeping a basic first aid kit in your car is a good way to be prepared for emergencies. You never know what might happen on the road or even while you’re out somewhere far from home and end up with an injury or even illness.
Your first aid kit should include bandages, disinfectants, painkillers, and any other medication that might be specifically important to you – such as anything you might need for an allergy.
Spare Chargers
Being able to make contact with those you love is always important, especially in emergency circumstances. Being stuck with a flat smartphone and having no way to get in touch with anyone for assistance can be stressful and feel near impossible to navigate.
Keep a spare charger in your car to make sure you can keep your devices powered up so you can make that phone call or use your GPS to get out of whatever situation you might be in.
Basic Tools
Every man (and woman) should keep some basictools ready in their vehicle, just in case. These can help you out if something goes wrong with the car itself, but can prove useful in other situations as well.
Keep in mind that it’s important for you to know how to use the tools you have efficiently. If you’re not sure, ask for a quick and basic lesson from someone handy in your life, so you’re prepared.
