Peoples cars are funny things. In some ways, they reflect who we are more than our homes do. We keep our homes clean and tidy, ready to receive visitors. We spend money and time redecorating and getting things just right, and we’ve got a lot of scope with what we can do. Two homes that are exactly the same structurally can be made to look completely different inside. Cars, can’t. They all kind of look the same inside, but they still reflect who we are.
Some of us, keep our car interiors clean and tidy. Polishing, hoovering and clearing out the mess frequently. Others, don’t worry about it. Their cars are covered in dust. The footwells are filled with leaves, dried mud and stones and there are empty drinks bottles and takeout food wrappers everywhere.
This difference in attitude is also reflected in the essentials that we keep in our cars. Some of us, have an empty boot, with just the spare tyre taking up space. Others have all but the kitchen sink packed away in the boot and in the cabin compartments. Whichever side you fall on, and however clean the interior of your car may be, there are some essentials that you should always carry. Things that will keep you safe and help you to look after your vehicle. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Spare Tyre
Your spare tyre is a must. If ever you need to use it, it’s crucial that you replace it as soon as possible. However, it’s not good enough to just have one. You also need to make sure that you check it’s pressure and make sure it’s in great condition when you check your other tyres and certainly before any long journeys .
Jump Leads
Most drivers have had a dead battery at some point. Jump leads and a basic knowledge of how to jump-start your car are always a good idea. Alternatively, you can now also get emergency car battery boosters, which allow you to get going again without help from another car.
Tyre Inflator and Pressure Gauge
A simple inflator and repair kit can plug a small leak on the go, giving you a chance to get to a garage or complete your journey without risking doing damage to your car. A pressure gauge is also handy for performing safety checks before long journeys.
Brake Bleeder
Brakes are another car essential, and certainly one of the most important parts of your car safety. A brake fluid tester dot 3 and brake bleeder lets you easily and quickly test your fluid levels and remove any air bubbles. Almost like bleeding a radiator at home. This will save you a lot of time and money in the future.
Your Owner’s Manual
Many people take their manual out of the car to check something and never put it back in again. It’s always good to have to hand to check something that you’re not sure about. If a dash light comes on, your manual can help, but it’s also handy for simple things like adjusting the height of your seat.
Tape
You’ll be amazed at how many minor car issues can be temporarily fixed with duct tape. You’ll still need to go to a garage as soon as you can, but duct tape offers many great hacks in an emergency.
WD40
Stuck lock? Frozen doors? Sticky hinges? Windscreen covered in dead bugs? Residue on spark plugs? Dirty oil? Stuck bolts? Roof covered in bird droppings? WD40 can help with it all. Keep a small bottle in your car all of the time.
Phone Charger
We’re so reliant on our phones nowadays, they can help with most situations and are very useful on long trips and in emergencies. A USB charger or one that plugs into your cigarette lighter is always a good idea.
First Aid Kit
A cheap basic first aid kit holds plasters, bandages, painkillers, antihistamines and anti-bacterial wipes. Buy a small one for your car or build one yourself to meet your needs better.
A Blanket
None of us thinks that we’ll ever get stuck out in the snow. But, you might. Keep a blanket, some waterproof shoes and a coat in your car just in case.
Drinks and Snacks
A bottle of water and some long-lasting snacks, like breakfast bars, are also a good idea, just in case
Tools
A small toolkit should contain a handy multi-tool, a flashlight, a flare and a reflective triangle. You might also want screwdrivers and Allen keys
Other things that you might want to keep in your car include paper maps, pens and paper, shopping bags and an ever useful pack of baby wipes.
