Game-Changing Items to Keep in Your Car
According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Americans spend roughly 17,600 minutes in their vehicles each year — that’s just over 12 whole days annually that we spend in our cars! Whether you use your vehicle to commute to work, make long road trips, or run errands around town, keep these items on hand just in case.
Jumper Cables
If you’ve ever had your car battery die on you in the most inconvenient places, you probably carry jumper cables around with you everywhere you go. If you don’t, pick up a set. Make sure you know how to use them properly before attempting to jump-start your vehicle.
Flashlight and Road Flares
If your car ever breaks down after the sun has set, you run the risk of being stranded after dark. You’ll want a flashlight for your own safety. Also, it’s a very good idea to place some road flares close to your car to signal that you have a problem, while also warning other drivers well in advance of the hazard your car may cause by sitting in the roadway.
Cellphone Charger
You don’t want your phone to suddenly die while traveling. To ensure that you can maintain connectivity and avoid potential GPS malfunctions, pack along a cellphone charger.
Hat and Sunscreen
You may unexpectedly find yourself in a situation where you need to be outside of your car for a while (for instance, a flat tire). Having a hat and sunscreen in the car could be a lifesaver — especially if you’re stranded on the side of the road in the sun.
Nonperishable Snacks
Find a good corner of your car to stash away a few water bottles, along with some snacks that will keep well over extended periods of time. At the very least, your snacks could help avert a sudden case of hunger - or even provide a short-term source of energy if you have a serious emergency.
Other Useful Items
You may also want to include some of the following items in your preparedness kit:
- Multipurpose tool
- Washer fluid
- Coolant
- Escape tool
- Umbrella
- Blanket
- Ice scraper
- Tire pressure gauge