Unexpected car problems can easily ruin your day. Preparing for the most common issues can prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road. These are a few of the most important items to always keep in your car.
Owner’s Manual
It is possible that you have never even glanced at your car’s owner manual. However, you might be surprised to learn that it actually contains some very useful information. Even if you do not plan on reading the owner’s manual from front to back, it is a good idea to keep it stored in your glove box. The owner’s manual can assist you with changing a tire, identifying a mechanical problem, and finding necessary mechanical parts under the hood.
First-Aid Kit
You never know when you might require the contents of a first-aid kit. Whether you suffer a bug bite at the local park or experience an injury after a car accident, a first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. You can usually purchase one for just a couple of dollars at any local, store and you can easily store it in your car’s trunk. It is possible that you will never even use a first-aid kit, but if you ever experience a situation when you need it, you will be glad that you purchased it.
Emergency Cash
The majority of people today rely primarily on their debit and credit cards to make purchases. However, there are still a few situations when cash is needed. If you misplace your wallet or it is stolen, you could be left without any money. Additionally, if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, cash can be useful for tipping the tow driver or AAA driver that comes to your rescue.
Spare Tire
Many drivers just assume that they have a spare tire. Yet, they never actually locate the spare tire or learn how to remove it. Not every vehicle comes with a spare tire, a fact you don’t want to learn once you are stranded on the side of the road with a flat. In addition to having a spare tire, it is also important to keep a tire jack and tire inflator in the car. You might be able to seal your current flat without having to replace it. It is also possible that your spare tire has deflated after being stored for a long period of time.
Jumper Cables
There are many things that can cause your car’s battery to drain. Problems with the battery can cause it to drain much faster than normal. Also, leaving your car’s headlights or radio on for a long period of time can leave you with a drained battery. Jumper cables can get your battery charged and get you back on the road. Jumper cables are also useful for helping out other drivers on the road.
Almost everyone has experienced car troubles at one time or another. Prepare yourself for the most common problems and equip your car with the necessary items to get you safely back on the road.
Photo by FailedImitator via Flickr | Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original