Being a car owner comes with its benefits and pitfalls. While you get the comfort of getting from one place to another quickly and pleasantly, you also must learn to maintain your vehicle properly and fix minor damage. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be very challenging – with some practice and helpful items, you can stop worrying about car issues.
In this article, you’ll find a list of nine things every car owner must have: the necessary tools, first aid kit, spare tire, portable battery pack, winter essentials, and many more. Read on, make sure that you keep all this stuff in your car – and stay safe and comfortable on the road.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is one of the essential things you should have in your car. It’s a compact solution that contains everything you need to treat minor injuries and cuts: bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, etc. The first aid kit isn’t big or expensive, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have it in the trunk. In fact, it might save your life or someone else’s.
Mobile Car Charger
If you have a mobile phone, this one goes without saying – a mobile car charger is an absolute must-have in your vehicle. You never know when you’ll run out of battery in your phone while driving – the battery may die at the most inappropriate moment, leaving you without the possibility to use navigation apps or play music from Spotify. Make sure that you buy a high-quality car charger so you can always stay connected when driving around.
Another thing to consider getting here is TOAD – tuning software that performs advanced OBD2 diagnostics, ECU programming and provides car owners with comprehensive performance reports. Make sure to find information about TOAD PRO and watch some video tutorials on how it works to determine whether you want to have it in your car.
Portable Battery Pack
A portable battery pack is a must-have for all car owners nowadays. It comes in handy for some of the most common problems – for example, when you run out of power while driving or if you want to charge your phone or tablet quickly.
Nowadays, there are many different kinds of portable battery packs on the market – from the ones that can be recharged by solar power to those that fit in your pocket. The best part is that they’re cheap and easy to carry around.
Spare Tire and Jack
Every car should have a spare tire at the back and a jack included with the vehicle. Even if it’s a new car, you should know how to change a tire and install a jack – it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
A spare tire is essential because you never know when you might get into an accident. And even if you don’t use it often (which is unlikely), the jack will come in handy when you need to lift your car to fix it on the ground.
Toolkit
A toolkit isn’t mandatory, but it is nice to have it in your car. It would be perfect for those who often change the oil in the car or do other car stuff themselves. This toolkit should include basic screwdrivers and pliers so you can perform small repair jobs on your own.
Snow Brush and Winter Tires
Winter tires are mandatory for winter driving, as they provide better grip and traction on snow and ice. But don’t forget about the brush! It’s not only helpful during winter – but also during the spring and autumn seasons, when you need to clean away all the leaves that accumulate on your car’s windows.
Pair of Gloves and a Blanket
When winter hits, you can feel like you’re going to freeze to death whenever you enter the car – even with the heat turned up. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack a pair of gloves and a blanket in your vehicle. You can use them wherever you go into the car for the day, or they will come in handy when you’re waiting for roadside assistance to arrive.
Flashlight and Road Flares
A flashlight doesn’t require any explanation. It’s something that every driver must have in their car – especially in case of emergencies. Road flares are another thing that you should have in your vehicle if you have an emergency breakdown. These flares will be particularly useful if you get stranded on the highway at night – when it’s dark and cold outside. Place them around your car and flag down someone for help.
Car Cover
Last but not least, a car cover is another must-have item for every car owner. It serves the same purpose as a blanket or a tarp: it prevents dust from accumulating on your vehicle and protects it from scratches and other damage, especially if you leave it outdoors when not in use. The best part is that they’re cheap and easy to find online.
Conclusion
Having a car is convenient for many reasons – it saves you money, allows you to get from one place to another fast and in a comfortable way, and also helps you avoid traffic jams. But it also comes with its share of inconveniences and issues that must be addressed – especially if you own an older car.
But don’t worry – the items listed above will help you solve the most common problems that might occur when driving your car: keeping it clean and safe, changing a tire, or dealing with minor injuries. The best part is that they all are compact and inexpensive, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have them in your trunk.