What Should YOU Keep in your Car

Just got yourself a new ride? Sweet! You’re probably ready to race down the streets and use your car for its purpose. But don’t step on the accelerator just yet. You need to have these 11 handy tools and items that can help you in any emergency situation.  One of the main reasons why you need to keep these in your car is that it can save you money and time. 224,225 cars broke down in the UK, while a whopping 69 million vehicular breakdowns were recorded in the United States. Although no record can be seen in New Zealand, it’s safe to say that cars do have the tendency to break down, as they are susceptible to wear-and-tear.  Whether it be a flat tire or dead battery, you’re bound to call the nearest auto repair shop that can do the job for you. That is if you don’t already have the tools you need to get it fixed. Gear up and read on to learn more.

1. Spare tire, lug wrench, and tire jack

First on the list are your spare tires, lug wrench, and tire jack. Always make sure you have these three items in your car. When you get a flat tire and one of these is missing from your kit, you’re going to have to wait for help. This can get frustrating, especially when you realise just how easy it is to actually change a flat.

2. Jumper cable

You’d be surprised at how many people need jumper cables. Dead batteries happen a lot more than you think, and a lot of drivers need them to give their batteries a jump-start. Jumper cables are very cheap and can go a long way. Now, all you need is a Good Samaritan on the street to lend their battery for you and you’re good to go! Do remember to replace your battery as soon as you can.

3. Fire extinguisher

If ever your engine catches fire, you’re going to have to spend hundreds of dollars to get it fixed if not extinguished as soon as possible. Here’s where fire extinguishers save the day! Now, you might be thinking of the huge fire extinguishers found in most households and public areas in case of fires. There are actually smaller extinguishers that can fit right in your car while not taking up too much space.

4. Winter Gear

On a cold, snowy day, it’s likely that snow can build up on the road, more so on your car. A foldable shovel can help clear your parking spot free of snow. Keeping an ice scraper can help scrape off stubborn ice on your windows, and using a snow brush can remove snow from your car. If you don’t do this step, the snow can fall off your car in one, solid swoop of melted snow while you’re driving. Not a very pleasant way to start off your day, is it?

5. First-aid kit

If ever an accident occurs, always keep a first-aid kit in your car. Include bandages, band-aids, ointments, medicine, alcohol, and cotton pads in your basic kit. You may also want to throw in a flashlight and whistle in case you find yourself trapped.

6. Extra rags

Whether it be accidental spills inside your car or you need to wipe down your exteriors, having a few pieces of rags can come in handy. Lots of drivers advise keeping a rag for each use – wiping spills, cleaning wipers, and even oiling squeaky doors.

7. Tire pressure gauge

If you feel like something’s wrong with your tires, you can take out your tire pressure gauge and check the amount of air keeping your tires inflated. This handy device can easily help you decide whether a trip down the gas station is worth it or not. Not to mention, you can determine if you’ve placed the right amount of air by checking the pressure gauge.

8. Gas can

The last thing you want on a long drive is being low on gas without a gas station in sight. Keeping a few liters of gas in your car will save you the hassle and time in calling for help when you run out of gas. Make sure you bring just enough, and only when you need it. Having a can full of gas has its own flammable risk, so be cautious.

9. Windshield wiper fluid

Like your gas tank, you have to make sure your windshield wipers are adequately filled with wiper fluid. Aside from the fact that it cleans your windshield, the wiper fluid helps lubricate the wipers to make them move freely. Without proper lubrication, unnecessary work falls on the wiper motor, causing wear-and-tear on its system. 

10. Tool kit

In a typical car tool kit, you should have the following basic tools to keep your car in check when the need arises. This includes a socket and screwdriver set, duct tape, a wrench set with a torque wrench, and a rubber mallet. These should be enough to get you out of a sticky situation.

11. Documentation materials

Always make sure your license, insurance, owner’s manual, registration, emergency contact information, and car maintenance receipts are all in one place in your car. You’ll never know when you need it on the road, so it’s best to come prepared at all times. Regardless of the time you’ve been driving, you should know how important it is to be prepared at all times, especially on the road. Having most of these stashed in your car, if not all, can be very helpful in emergency situations. After all, being prepared can save you time and hundreds of dollars in the long run. We are a one-stop shop for all vehicle repairs and maintenance. For quality auto services in Silverdale, always think you have Rodney Auto Centre near you! Visit or book your car inspection or service now via www.rodneyautocentre.co.nz.