If you’re like most people, you spend a fair amount of time in your car. Even if your commute to work or to get the kids to school isn’t so bad, you probably spend more time on the road than you realize.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re prepared for all sorts of situations when you’re in your vehicle. While you certainly never want anything to go wrong, you can’t always predict what’s going to happen on the freeway or the streets.
Keep reading to learn more about the seven items you need to keep in your vehicle so you’re prepared for any situation.
1. Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual is the key to understanding your vehicle, and unless you’re a mechanic, it’s also the answer to how to handle a lot of basic problems. From knowing what that strange dashboard light means, to figuring out why your vehicle won’t start, the owner’s manual is an essential tool that should live in your car.
2. Spare Tire
A flat tire is never fun, but if you’re prepared with a spare, you won’t be stranded on the side of the road. Keep a working spare in the trunk, as well as a jack and tire iron, in your vehicle at all times.
3. Flashlight
Even if you don’t drive at night often, being without a flashlight in your car is dangerous. Sure, your cell phone has one, but it’s not very powerful and it will quickly sap the power out of its battery, leaving you unable to make calls.
Keep an emergency flashlight in the trunk or in the glovebox.
4. First Aid Kit
There’s a good chance you won’t have any medical emergencies in your car, but sometimes you can’t get to a doctor or hospital right away. A basic first aid kit can help you and your passengers if someone is injured until help arrives.
It also comes in handy when kids are involved in sports and suffer a minor injury or need a simple bandage.
5. Water
It seems obvious that you should keep water in your car, but very few people do it. Keep a gallon in the trunk so you don’t get dehydrated if you’re stuck for a while. This is especially important if you live a warmer climate.
In a pinch, this water could also be used in your radiator.
6. AAA Card
If you belong to AAA, you need that card with you for service. Keep it in the vehicle, or better yet, on your person in your wallet, at all times.
7. Your Mechanic’s Phone Number
Nobody likes going to the mechanic, but a trusted resource can help keep you from damaging your vehicle driving it when it should be serviced. Keep a number for your mechanic handy to ask questions – even if you don’t have to bring it in to the shop.
Simply Autos
Contact Simply Autos to learn more about the items you need to keep in your car at all times. At Simply Autos, we can also help you find the right vehicle to fit your needs, whether that’s a sleek sports car or a roomy family van.
