Owning a car is a great modern convenience. It means having a reliable means of transportation to get you from one point to the next. Car owners have the freedom and flexibility to travel wherever they’d like without obstacles such as schedules and high fares. Yet, like most things in life, a vehicle is not foolproof.
Everything from high traffic volumes and accidents to inclement weather and mechanical issues could leave you sitting in your car for hours. Ultimately, you must be prepared to act. Besides contacting the local authorities or roadside assistance, having these things in your car can ensure you’re ready to handle the unexpected.
Smartphone Charger
When something goes wrong, it’s common to grab your smartphone and contact someone for assistance. It would be kind of hard to do that with a dead device. That’s why you should keep a spare charger in your car. You can opt for a car charger, USB cord, or wireless charger. There are universal and multi-bit chargers that enable you to charge just about any device on the go.
First-Aid Kit
If you or a passenger gets hurt while you’re on the road, do you have the necessary supplies to resolve the matter? A first aid kit would enable you to administer care for minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. It can also include supplies that can tide you over until emergency assistance arises like bandages or saline solution.
Snacks And Water
What happens if you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for a tow truck for hours? It won’t be long before you start to get hungry or thirsty. Having some snacks and water in the trunk of your car makes a big difference. You can keep bottled water and secure foods with long expiration dates in a small cooler in the trunk of your vehicle.
Blankets And Weatherproof Items
No one wants to end up on the side of the road or stuck in traffic, especially if it’s cold or raining outside. However, if that does happen, you should be prepared. Keep a spare blanket and other weatherproof items like an umbrella, gloves, a raincoat, or a poncho in your car just in case.
Car Battery Charger/Jumper Cables
While some automotive issues need to be handled by a mechanic, others require a quick solution. Take a low or dead battery, for instance. If the battery runs out on your car, you can get a jump from someone else. You’ll need a pair of jumper cables handy for this to work. However, if there’s no one around, having an automotive battery charger is ideal. You can charge your battery in a few minutes and be back on the road in no time.
Flashlights And Batteries
If you get stranded in your car in the dark, it’s natural to want to turn on the vehicle lights. However, doing this for too long could drain your battery. That’s why you should have some flashlights and extra batteries in your car for emergencies.
Emergency Signals
If you ever have to contact local authorities or roadside assistance, you want them to find you with ease. Having emergency signals available such as flares, flashers, or even a white towel makes this possible. They also let other drivers know that you’re in need of assistance so they can proceed with caution.
Litter, Salt, And A Shovel
Winter often brings unpredictable weather and even worse road conditions. Should you find yourself stuck in a pile of snow or mud, you want to be able to free your vehicle without complication. Having some kitty litter or salt in the car allows you to melt the snow, build traction, and hopefully, get out of the jam. If not, using a shovel may suffice.
You purchased your car for the many conveniences and advantages it affords you. Be that as it may, you never know what could happen that results in you being stuck on the road. Being prepared for unexpected circumstances is the most practical solution. If you don’t already, ensure that you have all the items from the list above stored in your vehicle. That way you can be proactive if things get out of hand.