Driving is a fun experience and most are able to recall the excitement of getting a license and hitting the road. However, unexpected mishaps may occur and there may come times where emergency tools will be needed. There are also some things that can be good to have for day-to-day use. Here are some items that can be incredibly helpful and useful to keep in one’s car.

Jumper cables

No one expects their car to break down. It’s always important to keep your car maintained. With all this said, the unexpected can still happen and cause your car to break down, therefore it’s important to have jumper cables. One important thing to remember is you would need the assistance of another motorist to jumpstart a car with jumper cables.

Flashlight

A flashlight is always important to have at any time. This can be helpful if you are stranded out in the dark and need extra light to assist with changing a tire or jump starting a car. 

“The main pieces of equipment like a flashlight, a cell phone that’s charged or have a charger in the car, blanket for sure, hat and gloves in the winter time [are some items individuals should have in their vehicles],” said DeKalb County sheriff Andrew Sullivan.

Spare tire and tire changing tools

This is a must for any motorist as flat tires can occur at the most inconvenient times. It’s important to keep a spare tire, more commonly called a doughnut tire. Spares usually come with new cars and can be found hidden in the trunk. Tools needed to assist with changing a tire include a car jack to raise the car and a wrench for loosening and tightening the bolts on the tires. 

Waterproof tarp

One item that could also be beneficial is a waterproof tarp. A waterproof tarp can come in handy when changing tires as well because when changing tires you will have to get closer to the ground and it’s a somewhat tedious task. A tarp would be helpful, especially when the weather conditions are less than satisfactory.

Wet wipes

After resolving a problem when dealing with a vehicle, it’s bound that your hands may be dirty. This is where wet wipes come in to save the day. It’s an instant and easy fix, but of course people should thoroughly wash their hands as soon as possible. Even without an urgent fix or emergency situation, wet wipes are a must have for any motorist.

First aid kit

This is mandatory for emergencies. At least, you should always have adhesives, bandages and Neosporin. Neosporin is useful for use on cuts and wounds. It should be noted that tires tend to not only be heavy, but also have spiky points on the ends which can make it easy to hurt yourself if you don’t have gloves.

Gloves and a blanket

Chicagoans are all too familiar with cold weather, especially during the dreaded winter months. In case motorists are stranded, a warm thick blanket and gloves could be a life saver. Gloves will keep your hands from freezing and make work easier when handling tools or working outside in the cold weather. As mentioned previously, gloves also make dealing with tires safer for the hands.

Ice scraper and snow brush

Another tool for freezing temperatures, an ice scraper is essential for removing ice or other substances from windshields for better visibility when driving. A snow brush is useful to get those big chunks of snow off the car. Make sure to completely brush off the top of the car before beginning to drive.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is essential due to how many germs are all around us. The COVID-19 pandemic made people realize this more than ever. It’s important to sanitize your hands after any trip, especially after refueling at gas pumps, which get touched by many strangers daily. It’s never a bad idea to keep hand sanitizer available in the vehicle. 

It is better to be prepared with these essentials in the car because unexpected accidents or emergencies can and will occur at some point. With that said, it’s important for any vehicle to be regularly taken care of to ensure that you will have a safe trip to reach your destination. This should be heavily emphasized for drivers who make long commutes often. 

“Even having some extra food or water in the car, granola bar or something like that [can be useful],” Sullivan said.

Sullivan expanded on additional items that most citizens may not usually think about like a seatbelt cutter and window punch. 

“I have that in my car but I don’t know, I’m more paranoid than others but I see a lot of different types of accidents over the years so that’s why I have that stuff with me.”