Stay Safe Year-Round By Keeping Important Items In Your Vehicle
Top-notch drivers stay ready for all situations, regardless of the driving conditions they encounter. Equip your vehicle with these crucial items to be prepared for unexpected emergencies while on the road. You can never predict what you might require during your journey! It’s best to be prepared for any situation, and stay safe at all times!
Stay Safe & Prepared With These Critical Items:
- Emergency Flares: You never know when you might get stuck on a road at night, and handheld flares can help warn other drivers that you’re stopped. They work in all reduced visibility conditions, including rain, snow or fog.
- Triangle Reflectors: Regardless of whether it’s day or night, fluorescent orange triangle reflectors help make you visible to other drivers. Utilized along with emergency flares, they provide maximum awareness to other drivers that you are stopped, and help keep you and them safe from a potentially dangerous accident.
- Jumper Cables: If your battery dies, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not a helpful motorist has jumper cables to help get you back on the road. Be sure to pack your own set of jumper cables in your trunk or invest in a jump starter box/booster pack, which can help jump start your car on its own. Stay Safe & avoid being Stranded.
- First Aid Kit: It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but even a basic first aid kit can come in handy for minor injuries. Whether you cut your finger on a map or bump your head while changing a flat tire, you’ll be glad you packed the right supplies to handle any scrapes or scratches you might encounter.
- Tire Changing Kit: You never know when you’ll get a flat on the road, and you’ll want to keep a spare tire and tire changing tools on hand. For extra protection, you may also want a tire sealant like Fix-A-Flat or Slime to quickly patch a tire.
- Escape Tool: It might sound like an unlikely scenario, but if you become trapped in your vehicle, you need the right tool to help you escape quickly. Two-in-one escape tools, which include a seatbelt cutter and window breaker, should be stored in a nearby glove compartment or console for easy access.
- Tool Kit: It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a small tool kit can be extremely useful for small repairs like replacing a tire, changing a fuse or other small jobs under the hood. You never know when you might need a small screwdriver for a quick repair!
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Accidents or breakdowns can happen at any time of day, but at night, they’re even more dangerous. Be sure you have the light you need in the event of a breakdown, and remember to pack extra batteries for extended use!
- Blanket: No matter what season it is, having an extra blanket in your trunk can come in handy for a number of reasons. They’ll protect your seats from getting dirty, in addition to keeping you warm in the event of a winter breakdown. You might also want to invest in a mylar emergency blanket, just in case of an emergency!
- Cell Phone Charger: In an emergency situation, a dead phone battery is the last thing you want to worry about. Keep an extra cell phone charger in your car at all times – you never know when an extra charge on your phone could be a life saver! For extra safety, you might want to invest in a solar-powered cell phone charger, which doesn’t rely on your car’s battery to charge your phone.
- Owner’s Manual: It’s something that we often forget about, but having your owner’s manual handy can provide helpful information quickly, allowing you to troubleshoot common car troubles. You may need to find out what your ideal tire pressure is, what a flashing light on your dashboard means or how to properly jump your car if your battery dies, and your owner’s manual will provide useful info specific to your vehicle!
- Printed Maps: It might seem outdated, but keeping a printed map in your car can help save the day. Although many people use map apps on their smartphone, in the event that you’re in an unfamiliar area or do not have cell service, having that map in your car can help you find your way!
- Pen and Notebook: It never hurts to have something to write down information on, so keep an extra notebook and pen in your car. Whether you’re writing down directions or contact info in the event of an accident, a pen and paper is always useful!
Additional Helpful Items To Keep In Your Car to help you Stay Safe:
- Tire Pressure Gauge: It’s not always apparent that your tire needs more air, especially if it’s not significantly low. Insufficient tire pressure can lead to blowouts and reduced fuel efficiency. Whether you choose a stick, digital, or dial tire pressure gauge, it allows you to monitor and maintain your tire pressure at a safe and appropriate level. Consult your owner’s manual for guidance on proper tire pressure.
- Duct Tape: Renowned for its versatility, duct tape is a valuable addition to your car. It can serve as a temporary fix for reattaching a bumper or mirror, providing a quick solution until you can reach a repair shop.
- Non-Perishable Snacks: Unforeseen circumstances like traffic delays, breakdowns, or running out of gas can happen anytime. It’s wise to have extra snacks on hand for such occasions. Options like granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, or nuts are ideal—just remember to monitor their expiration dates.
- Loose Change: Navigating toll roads and parking meters often requires loose change. Especially when traveling on unfamiliar highways, having accessible loose change can prevent issues at unexpected toll plazas. Keep a stash of change in a discreet but easily reachable spot within your vehicle, such as the console or another compartment.
- List of Emergency Contacts: While most of us rely on our phones for contacts, what if your phone runs out of battery? Few of us have important numbers memorized, particularly those of insurance companies. It’s prudent to maintain a quick reference list of vital contact numbers in case of emergencies in order to stay safe at all times.
- Rock Salt, Sand, or Kitty Litter: In harsh winter conditions, having rock salt, sand, or kitty litter in your car can provide crucial traction when your vehicle becomes stuck. Sprinkle it under your tires to enhance grip and free your car from icy or slippery surfaces.
- Fire Extinguisher: Though it may seem unnecessary, keeping a fire extinguisher in your car can significantly enhance safety in the event of a small fire. Car fires can result from various causes, and having a fire extinguisher in your trunk can help contain a minor fire before it escalates into a dangerous situation. Ensure that your fire extinguisher is regularly inspected and in good working order for maximum effectiveness.
- Tow Strap: A tow strap can be a lifesaver if your vehicle is on the verge of a breakdown and needs a short-distance tow. Additionally, if you drive a larger vehicle, you might be able to assist another stranded motorist.
- Weather Radio: For those living in regions prone to sudden weather changes, a compact weather radio in your car can be a valuable backup to your car’s radio and cell phone. If the radio features battery backup power or an emergency crank, it ensures you stay informed about rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Portable Air Compressor: You can help Stay Safe by carrying this item. While many gas stations offer air pumps, having a portable air compressor allows you to inflate your tires wherever you are, providing convenience and peace of mind.
Tips to Stay Safe: Conclusion
Stay Safe and Being extra prepared for unforeseen emergencies is always a wise choice, yet even the most diligent driver cannot anticipate every possible scenario. When unexpected damage does happen, you can rely on National General to assist you in getting back on track. If you have uncertainties regarding the suitability of your insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to contact your nearby agent. They are available to assist you in finding the right coverage to ensure your safety while driving! Contact us at A Plus Insurance for more tips on how to Stay Safe on the roads.
Last Updated on by Marlon Moss