There are all sorts of different lists that show items that should or should not be left in your car. We feel like most people are not keeping note of a list with hundreds of items that would overflow any compact size vehicle. So, we compiled a list of important items that are reasonable for a majority of people to keep handy. Some of these may be self-explanatory but never hurt to have in case of an emergency.

Key Items: Owners Manual, License, Registration, and Insurance

It is a little clear as to why these items should always be inside your vehicle while you are driving it, but it never hurts to have a reminder. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we get a new insurance card and it takes months just to put it into your glove box. It happens to everyone. Your owner manual contains significant information about maintenance to your vehicle and tips to help make you a better car owner!

These items are required by law to be in your vehicle at all times while you are operating it. If for any reason you were to be pulled over by the police and any of these items were not present in your car, there would be a much bigger issue than before. 

It would also be a good idea to keep a list of emergency contacts in a safe place in your vehicle, in case something were to happen where you or someone else might need it.

First Aid Kit

Do you know what you should have in your car in case of an emergency? And do you actually have it with you? In unexpected situations, it is always better to have the necessary tools that will make you at least somewhat prepared.  

Your first-aid kit does not need to take up much space in the vehicle but must be filled with the essential tools to address an emergency. Most store-bought kits should have everything you need to be included, but it never hurts to double-check. Bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, pain-relieving medication like aspirin, and adhesive tape are all considered first aid kit essentials and highly recommended to be included in your vehicle’s kit. If you have any young children in your family, it might be smart to include any infant versions of the items mentioned.

Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are used to jump-start vehicles with a low, or dead battery by connecting it to another vehicle or battery with an equal voltage system. A dead battery is usually a surprise but is always an inconvenience to the traveler so it is best to be prepared for a situation like this. Jumper cables are generally cheap and easily accessible in-person and online. If you have ever been in a situation where you need them, then you know it is always better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it at all. 

If you do not want to rely on a passerby being able to give you a jump or wait for a roadside assistance truck, it may be smart to invest in a portable jump starter. With one, you can easily jump-start your car without the need for another person’s vehicle, it can be done all on your own.

A Flashlight and Phone Charger

A flashlight is an item of utmost importance on this list that we would assume not many people travel within their vehicles because most smartphones have a feature for it. Save the battery life of your phone in case you need it to call for a ride or help later on. This is also why a phone charger should also be left in the car because sadly payphones do not exist anymore so we are more reliant on our mobile devices during emergencies. 

If a car breaks down, most people pop the hood to take a look at the engine. If your lights are not working you will be a flashlight to be able to see any key components under the hood. As well, if you are in a tough scenario and need assistance with your car, and do not have any road flares, a flashlight will come in handy flagging down other vehicles for a ride or help. This can be true for any situation that you would need to get the attention of others still on the road.

Tire Jack, Wheel Torque, and a Spare Tire

Have you ever accidentally run over a nail or some glass while driving? Or had an issue with your tire’s valve stem? Or even had a tire completely blow out on you? These are some of the most unfortunate and irritating situations a driver can face when handling their vehicle. 

A flat tire can happen to anyone, so it’s important to stay ahead of car maintenance to ensure safety for all passengers. A vehicle jack uses the power of hydraulics to lift a vehicle off the ground to allow a person to better perform maintenance repairs or replace a tire. The odds of getting flat tire driving on residential roadways are pretty low, and if anything most people do have their cell phones to call for help if they were to be stuck on the side of the road. We recommend that you have these tools for long road trips where you could run into situations like no cell service or an extremely long wait for the closest truck. You never know when you are going to need it and things like this just come up at the worst times, am I right?

Tire Pressure Gauge 

By maintaining the correct tire pressure for your car, you are in turn helping your tire wear, fuel economy, and vehicle handling. Your overall ride will be more smooth with the correct tire pressure all around your vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the manufacturer’s recommendations for what you should keep your vehicle’s tire pressure at.

Under-inflated tires are one of the most common factors that cause tire failure, which leads to premature wear and tire blowouts.  With a tire pressure gauge, you have the ability to keep your tires at the recommended PSI for optimum fuel efficiency.

Again, we definitely recommend having these items whenever you are planning on doing a long drive because you never know the circumstances of the unexpected and it is much better to be prepared. Not necessarily just commuting or driving suburban streets, though it never hurts to have them in the trunk, it just may take up some space.