Necessary things that you should keep in your car

Everyday trips around town can be unpredictable, not to mention long journeys. There may be different unforeseen situations while you are driving, so we have prepared a list of essential things to have in your car. 

Keep it always in the car

Documents. Of course, your driving licence, insurance and a copy of the vehicle registration document must be in the car when you are driving. What else should I always have in my car? A tyre repair kit, a fully stocked first aid kit, a torch and tissues or pieces of cloth.  It is advantageous to have a pressure gauge to measure tyre pressure. Some pumps are already equipped with a pressure gauge, so it is advisable to purchase such a device immediately. Rags, napkins and towels can come in handy during a breakdown or be useful in various situations while travelling.

A small toolkit complements the list of things to keep in your car. If you have breakdowns on the road and do not have the time or opportunity to visit a service centre, you will need to deal with the problem yourself. For example, a fuse has blown, and the radio or window regulator in the car has stopped working. The driver needs to replace it (spare fuses are often installed in a block). Among the most common breakdowns, drivers typically encounter a flat tyre or a dead battery. Practically, every driver can change a tyre, but to do so, you need a jack and a spare tyre. Unfortunately, not every driver has the opportunity to keep a spare tyre in the boot of their car. In the event of a dead battery, jumper cables will be helpful.

Speaking about items to have in your car, we recommend to store lubricants in a spray can. It displaces moisture from electrical systems, has anti-corrosion properties, loosens rust bonds with metal, frees stuck or frozen parts, penetrates dirt and lubricates moving parts. Batteries, power banks, chargers and spare cables you must have as car essentials.

What to keep in the car in hot weather

During the scorching sun, you need to protect yourself and your car. Sunglasses for driving and a sunshade for the windscreen are necessities for cars in summer. It is also important to stay hydrated in summer, so make sure you have a bottle of water with you. But don't leave it on the seats or in the cupholder. If it is exposed to sunlight, it can cause a fire, and such cases are not uncommon. The same applies to eyeglass lenses. Be especially careful to check that you have not left these items behind when you leave the car.

Cold weather

There are things you need for your car to keep in winter. For example, this includes extra clothing, a jumper, a blanket, chemical heat packs, light bulbs, dry fuel, and a snow shovel. We wrote in detail about preparing for winter travel in this article. Long journeys in winter are particularly dangerous because the weather is unpredictable. Therefore, keep a long, strong rope in your car, as well as flares or a reflective triangle, so you don't get hit at the side of the road in the dark. If you get stuck in the snow or are blown off the road, you will need it.

First-aid kit supplement

A driver's first aid kit should contain basic medical supplies necessary for providing first aid in the event of an accident or deterioration of health while travelling. The minimum requirements include sterile bandages of various widths, antibacterial plasters, sterile wipes, a tourniquet to stop bleeding, antiseptic solution, scissors, disposable gloves, and a device for artificial respiration (film mask). These are things everyone should have in their car.

 It is also advisable to supplement the first aid kit with painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), antihistamines (in case of allergies), medicines for nausea or diarrhoea, burn remedies and a thermometer. When travelling long distances or in the mountains, it is worth having individual medications that the driver or passengers take regularly, as well as first aid instructions. All items must be in good condition and not past their expiry date.

Items you should have in your car when going on the journey

A trip to the mountains. Incredible views and clean air — that's what people go for when they want a comfy mountain getaway. But, this kind of trip can be pretty dangerous, so you need to be ready for it. Make sure to add some extra meds for low blood pressure and headaches to your first aid kit. Put a warning triangle, a vest and a fire extinguisher in the boot. Take a few flashlights or spare batteries or charged batteries. A rope, a shovel and anti-skid chains will be useful if it is a winter trip. An extra canister of petrol is an important thing to keep in your car. Take dry snacks and protein bars with you on every long trip. Sweet candies will help raise your blood sugar level without making you thirsty. SPF cream is a must-have thing to put in a car, even in cloudy weather. The sun is especially strong in the mountains, and direct sunlight can burn your skin in just a couple of hours.

Your trip to the beach will be more comfortable and adaptable, as it is potentially less dangerous. Sunburn remedies, insect repellents, allergy remedies are significant things to have in your car. Take a sun protection cover for your car and don't forget to take a beach umbrella. Be sure to take an extra supply of water and a cooler bag so that you don't

ELM327 OBD2 adapter is a thing you should always have in your car. This way, you can always check your car if warning lights appear on the dashboard while travelling. You can also monitor the engine's performance and stop if there is a risk of overheating. Use inCarDoc as a reliable OBD2 diagnostic tool.