There are some things drivers should keep in their vehicles at all times. Keeping these items on hand can help you avoid sitting idly on the side of the road while waiting for a mechanic or tow truck driver to show up. Not only are those situations annoying, but they can often be dangerous. Wondering what items to keep in your car for an emergency? Read on for information on the items we recommend keeping in your vehicle at all times.
Jumper cables
You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot with a dead battery. A good set of jumper cables can easily have your battery up and running again in no time. To use jumper cables, you’d simply need to find another vehicle owner willing to help, then follow the proper steps to connect your battery to theirs.
Be sure to stay safe when asking a stranger for help jumping your car. It’s always best to have someone you know and trust assist you if you can.
A spare tire
Most drivers have experienced a flat tire at one point in their lives. If you don’t have a spare, you may end up having to wait a long time for roadside assistance or someone else to come help. That’s why it’s important to always have a spare tire and the tools necessary for changing a tire on hand. These tools include a lug wrench and jack. While it’s usually easy to replace a flat tire, don’t avoid calling for help if you need it.
A first aid kit
You never know what might happen on the road. It’s good to keep a first aid kit nearby in case you or one of your passengers gets injured. In the event of an accident, you should call emergency services. That said, having bandages and other medical equipment in your vehicle could help address minor injuries in an emergency situation.
Some windshield wiper fluid
Many people don’t think about keeping extra windshield wiper fluid in their vehicles, but it’s a good item to have on hand. Windshield wiper fluid is especially useful in areas with routine snowfall. Be sure to only buy top-quality wiper fluid, as inferior products may not effectively remove debris from your windshield. Some lower-quality wiper fluids can even make your visibility worse.
WD-40 or another quality lubricant
It’s always good to have a bottle of WD-40 on hand. If you’re trying to change a tire and the lug nuts are too tight, simply spray some WD-40 on them. This should loosen those lug nuts right up. WD-40 can also help in the removal of dirt, grime and grease.
These are the five items we believe every car owner needs to have on hand. There are, of course, plenty of other great tools you could keep in your vehicle for emergency situations, including a flashlight, phone charger, duct tape and many more.
A great way of avoiding emergency situations is by having your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic from time to time. At Pat Doll Automotive LLC, we will make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the road. Reach out today to schedule a service appointment.