If you love your vehicle and being out on the open road, you must be prepared for any situation you may find yourself in. Read on to learn about the must-have supplies you should keep in your car so you’re ready for anything.
Tire Pressure Gauge
This inexpensive little gadget can help you check that your tires are all at the right pressure for optimum performance, increased lifespan, and better fuel economy. A tire pressure gauge will let you know exactly how much air you’ll need to put in if a tire is low, and hopefully avoid getting a flat tire.
Tire Jack, Spare Tire and Lug Wrench
If you do get a flat, it’s dangerous to drive on and doing so can also damage your rims. So, you need to be prepared to change a tire. Make sure you have a tire jack, spare tire and lug wrench in your car in one place and that your spare tire is properly inflated. If your car has locking lug nuts, you’ll also want to check to be sure you have a lug nut key to remove them.
Jumper Cables and Battery Booster
Jumper cables are a no-brainer to keep in your car in case the battery dies. But you can’t always be sure that a good Samaritan will be around to offer you a jump if you need it. That’s why you also need to keep an emergency battery booster on hand so you can jump your battery yourself if you need to.
WD-40, Duct Tape, and a Multi-Tool
These handy supplies can handle a multitude of tasks that you may not even think of. WD-40 can help loosen a tight bolt or lug nut, or fix a squeaky hinge. The duct tape may help you hold your side mirror on or keep your bumper in place after an accident until you can get to a repair shop. And the multi-tool? Well, that’s so you don’t have to keep a full toolbox with you at all times.
Tactical Flashlight, Reflective Triangles and/or Flares
If your car breaks down or you are in an accident at night, it’s vital that you can see and that people can easily see you. Many people are hit by cars while they are trying to make repairs. A tactical flashlight will provide you with much more light than a standard flashlight, so you can see even in the darkest of nights. Be sure to put reflective triangles or flares around your vehicle when your car is broken down on the shoulder of the road, so approaching traffic can see you, slow down, and give you space.
First Aid Kit
If you spend a lot of time in your car, it’s wise to have a first aid kit handy in case you are injured. It’s also smart to have on hand if you have children, who tend to get more scrapes and cuts. You can assemble a first aid kit yourself, but there are plenty of inexpensive first aid kits online that offer everything you could need.
Car Hammer with Seat Belt Cutter
This life-saving device is a must-have for all vehicles. If you’re ever trapped in your car and need to quickly escape, the car hammer makes it much easier to break a car window so you can get out. Most of these tools also include a seat belt cutter so you can free yourself. Keep this tool mounted within easy reach of the driver so in an emergency you know where it is and can grab it right away.
If you’re passionate about cars, you should consider turning that passion into a career. J-Tech Institute offers hands-on training in their Automotive Technology Program to prepare you for a rewarding and exciting career doing what you love. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.