Car Essentials: Keep Your Car Ready for Any Situation

Many people say that their car is an extension of themselves and that they couldn't imagine their life without it. This is especially true when you live somewhere where a car is a necessity rather than a luxury. So, no matter if you're going on a vacation or a trip to the store, you have to be adequately prepared in case something goes astray.

Fortunately, a car is also a storage space on wheels, which means you can bring all the essentials with you wherever you go. But what exactly are those car essential items you should have on you at all times? Well, that entirely depends on the situation and individual circumstances, but there are things you simply cannot go without. Let's find out what those things are together, shall we?

Everyday Car Essentials

A lot of people don't realize they need something until they actually need it. For example, do you have your car's owner's manual with you when you go for a drive? The most probable answer is no, because that's just something trivial, isn't it?

However, the owner's manual is actually quite essential, especially if your car breaks down somewhere or you have a flat tire, as the manual has instructions on what to do in such situations. In other words, you should've brought it with you. But what else should you bring? Let's have a look.

Car Documentation

Aside from the owner's manual, the essential car documentation you should always have with you includes license, registration, and insurance. Sure, most people bring these along, but let's be honest here, there are times when you simply forget to do so, and if you get pulled over by the police, you immediately remember that you forgot.

That said, this is precisely why you should have copies of vital documents sealed in a waterproof folder that you'll keep in your car always. That way, even if you forget to bring the originals, it's not that big of a deal.

Phone Charger and Mount

Another essential item you should have in your car at all times is a backup phone charger. The fact of the matter is that we use smartphones for pretty much everything these days, not just communication. That includes using apps, navigation, checking social media pages, reading emails, and so on. As you already know, these activities drain battery life, so if you run out of battery but need to call someone, you're in trouble without a spare charger.

Moreover, a sturdy and solid phone mount can really come in handy. Not only does it allow you to use your phone while driving, it does so in a way that it isn't a distraction. In other words, you won't get a fine for using a phone while driving, and you greatly reduce the risk of getting into an accident because you were distracted.

Other Essential Items to Have

As mentioned before, what you consider essential depends on the circumstances, aside from the obvious choices, of course. Therefore, it could be difficult to decide what to bring along and what to leave behind. But don't worry, we're here to help you out, which is why we came up with a few suggestions.

• Water, food, and snacks - Essential for long trips. You have to keep your energy levels up and remain hydrated in order to drive safely.
• Emergency cash - Sometimes card readers break down, while other times your credit card gets blocked by mistake. Emergency cash saves the day every time, especially at tolls, parking lots, or during emergencies. 
• Duct tape - The universal solution to almost every problem, duct tape is a must-have for every driver. Got a punctured fuel line hose? Just duct tape it, and it will hold until you get to the mechanic. 
• Microfiber cloth - This one really comes in handy when your windshield gets foggy or when your wipers lose effectiveness, or stop working altogether. 
• Shopping bags for groceries - With these, your trip to the store will always be a one-trip only.
• Wet wipes, tissues, and a roll of toilet paper - Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go, so you might as well be adequately prepared. 
• Notebook and pencil - The good-old items for writing things down when technology fails you. 
• Sanitizer - For those who aren't pleased with the presence of germs. 

Emergency Car Essentials

Car essentials can be divided into two categories: the nice-to-haves and must-haves. Aside from car documentation and a spare phone charger, everything we've talked about before can be classified as a nice-to-have, which means they may come in handy, then again, they may not. It all comes down to circumstances.

Must-haves, on the other hand, are items that you should always have with you, regardless of the circumstances. These items are of vital importance and can really save you in a pinch. That said, let's have a closer look at what these crucial items are.

A Spare Tire and Tire Repair Kit

You never know when you might get a flat tire. When it does happen, it's usually at the most inconvenient of times, and usually when you're in the middle of nowhere. This is precisely why you should always carry a spare tire with you. That way, you can easily switch out the flat one and be on your merry way. Of course, you should first drive to the nearest repair shop, but at least you'll be able to drive there instead of being towed, which is a more expensive option.

Other than that, a tire repair kit can also be a lifesaver in such situations. For example, if the puncture on your tire isn't too large, you can use tire sealant to fix the rupture and use an air compressor to reinflate the tire. This is a less reliable option than using a spare tire, but it will get the job done nonetheless.

First Aid Kit

Another thing you shouldn't go anywhere without is a first aid kit. Just like with flat tires, you never know when something bad might happen. When you're on the road, even a minor injury can cause major problems if you don't get proper medical attention.

And, if there's no one in the vicinity to help you out, you can rely on the first aid kit until you get to the hospital or some other medical facility. Not only that, but a first aid kit is also very helpful if you run into someone in need of aid while on the road. Sure, you may not be a medical professional, but even the most basic medical assistance can save someone's life.

Other Emergency Car Essentials You Might Need

Whenever someone mentions an emergency, most people immediately assume the worst. However, an emergency can also mean something far less dire, like being stranded on the road due to a dead battery, for example. Therefore, whenever you find yourself in a situation that hinders or delays you in any way, it's technically an emergency.

That said, you should be adequately prepared, and even though you can't predict what kind of predicament you might find yourself in, there are a couple of things that can help no matter the situation. So, let's have a look at some other emergency car essentials you should bring along.

• Jumper cables - As mentioned before, being stranded somewhere due to a dead battery is an emergency. With jumper cables, you can get some other driver to help you start your car so you won't be stranded anymore.
• Tire pressure gauge - This little gadget helps you determine if your tires are under- or overinflated. Both situations can lead to a disaster, so knowing the pressure in your tires can help you avoid such disasters.
• Flashlight and extra batteries - Especially handy if you get stranded somewhere during the night. 
• Emergency warning triangle and reflective vest - If you do get stranded somewhere, it's important to notify other participants in traffic that you're stationary at the side of the road. That way, other drivers can see you and avoid hitting you. Maybe someone will even pull over to help you out. 
• Car repair information - More often than not, your car may come to a stop due to some minor issue that can be fixed on the spot. An owner's manual or car repair information booklet usually contains information about these minor issues and how to properly fix them.
• Fire extinguisher - Some car parts are prone to catching fire, and there are various factors that may cause them to combust. A fire extinguisher can ensure a small fire doesn't burn down your entire car. 

Seasonal Car Essentials

Different weather will greatly impact the essential things you should have with you. For example, a snow brush, ice scraper, blanket, antifreeze, and warm clothes are really helpful during the winter season.

That said, scraping ice off your windshield is a delicate process. If you do it wrong, you might break the glass. Then again, if you're too gentle, you won't clear the ice properly, which means you'll have reduced visibility during the drive.

On the other hand, an umbrella, sunscreen, and sunglasses are just as helpful during summer. If you're not properly prepared for the season, you might end up in more trouble than you thought. Therefore, plan accordingly, and make sure you're ready for whatever comes your way.

Final Thoughts

Going on a trip with your car, whether it's a short or a long one, is not without uncertainties. In other words, you never know what might happen and what you might need if something does happen. This is why every driver should have at least a couple of car essentials with them at all times.

What those essentials might be is entirely up to you, because only you know where, when and how you drive, which means only you know what you might expect. Still, there are some things you should always have with you, like a spare tire, for instance, regardless of the circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an essential kit in a car?

An essential car kit contains stuff that can help you out of a bad situation. That can be pretty much anything, but generally speaking, a spare tire, first aid kit, and emergency cash should be your top priority.

How much cash should be in a kit?

The amount of cash you should put in your essential car kit is entirely up to you. That said, if you're not sure how much to bring, consider at least a $150 for your kit, and make sure you have small bills like 5, 10 and 20's.