What 3 items must always be in your car?

It may seem obvious, but you should always have your license, registration, and insurance in the car whenever you are driving it. ... Keep all of your important car documents in a file folder in the glovebox: Owner's manual. Car maintenance receipts. Registration. Insurance. Emergency contact information.

autosimple.com - 17 Things You Should Have in the Car - Auto Simple

What is the key to true happiness according to Jesus?

While the world will teach us that happiness is found “within,” Jesus tells us plainly that happiness is found in serving others. We may not always...

Last updated Mar 1, 2018

How can I freshen my scalp without washing my hair?

Use a Dry Shampoo Dry shampoo is a hair product that absorbs oil and dirt from your hair without needing water. Likewise, dry shampoos are great...

Last updated May 4, 2020

Promotion

You should always have certain items in the car, and no, we’re not talking about the piles of trash that are currently in the back seat. This list of car essentials will keep your car running and help you deal with unforeseen obstacles in the road. You may even run into a “Good Samaritan” opportunity to help a stranded stranger in need. Who knows? You may just meet your future love this way. It’s a stretch, but that doesn’t make these items any less important! While city drivers can do without some of these items since they are never too far from a mechanic, if you live in a rural area or are planning a long road trip, it’s always a good idea to double check some emergency essentials before heading out on the road. So, use your instinct and view these items as strong suggestions rather than absolute requirements. Someone in Southern California may not need an extra parka, for example. But everyone needs their license, insurance, and registration.

17 Things You Should Have in the Car

Documentation

1. Owner’s Manual

Double check your glove box or wherever you keep your owner’s manual to make sure that it is indeed there. Your owner’s manual will tell you important information, such as recommended fuel and PSI levels, in addition to other important information that will be unique to your vehicle. It comes with your car, so if you never take it out, you’ll never have to worry about its whereabouts.

2. Car Repair Information

We recommend keeping car repair information, as well as insurance claim forms and AAA information, all in the same location. Car repair records help you when you are selling or repairing your vehicle, provide important information about vehicle history, and can be deducted as a business expense.

3. License, Insurance, and Registration

It may seem obvious, but you should always have your license, registration, and insurance in the car whenever you are driving it. Especially when the new insurance card comes in the mail, remembering to actually stick it in the glove box could take months. And in the meantime, you’re driving around without the main documentation asked for by police officers and required by law. Hopefully you won’t be pulled over, but it’s the law to have these documents whenever you are driving. Knowing you’re all set and up to date with your paperwork, makes every ride all the more smooth and secure. Keep all of your important car documents in a file folder in the glovebox:

Owner’s manual

Car maintenance receipts

Registration

Insurance

Emergency contact information

Car Repairs and Maintenance

4. Tire Jack, Spare Tire, and Lug Wrench

We’ll count this as 3 things, although they must be grouped together. Nothing is quite so frustrating as finding out that your spare tire has a flat or you forgot your jack in the garage. So, make sure you have a jack, inflated spare tire, and lug wrench in the car. If you have two of these items and not the third, it’s all useless. These three things go together so make sure you have them all. Some cars have special locking lug nuts, so make sure you have a lug nut key if that’s the case.

Learn how to change a flat tire here.

5. Jumper Cables

If your vehicle’s battery dies, it’s not always efficient or even likely that you can depend on a helpful passerby to supply you with a jumpstart. Jumper cables alone are not enough to get your engine revved up again. Because of this, you’ll also need an emergency battery booster. Sure, your insurance provider’s roadside assistance is always an option, but often the wait is longer than anticipated which can be a problem if you are late or in a dangerous situation. Jumper cables are relatively inexpensive, costing below $20 at most retail stores or online. A dead battery tends to always be a surprise and super inconvenient. But if you’ve taken the time to purchase jumper cables and practice with jumpstarting a battery, your car, and most importantly your day, won’t be dead for long. Most compact battery jump-starter kits now come with USB connections to keep all of your devices charged. Whether you need to jump start a vehicle or simply need to recharge your phone, a jump-starter kit is a great item to have in the car and a great gift.

Will earthquakes ever stop?

Earthquakes stop when there isn't enough energy to keep them going. The energy released by the sliding fault needs to be enough to overcome the...

Last updated Jan 10, 2020

What is the 10 rule in food chains?

On average, only about 10 percent of energy stored as biomass in a trophic level is passed from one level to the next. This is known as “the 10...

Last updated Aug 6, 2018

Promotion

Learn how to jumpstart a car here.

6. Tire Pressure Gauge

Boy does this little gadget come in handy! No one can just look at a tire and know exactly how much air has been lost and how much needs to be added. It’s easy to find out, however, with a tire pressure gauge. Even if a specific tire doesn’t look especially low, routine checks of all four tires are always encouraged. Ensuring that your tire pressure is on point will improve handling, prolong the lifespan of your tires, and increase your vehicle’s fuel economy. You can get your own standard gauge for under $5 on Amazon. It’s a super helpful, inexpensive safety tool that every car owner should stash in the glove box.

7. WD-40

How many times have you struggled to loosen a nut or bolt on your car? Whether you are switching your license plate out, loosening lug nuts, or silencing a creaky door, WD-40 is a great item to always have in the car. We’ve published a whole page on WD-40 automotive uses. Learn more about how WD-40 can help remove dirt and grease and maintain your vehicle on wd40.com.

8. Duct Tape

It’s durable duct tape to the rescue when it comes to many emergency fixes! Arguably the most magical and diverse object ever, car owners have found endless ways to use duct tape as a DIY tool for unexpected leaks, cracks, and breaks. For a laugh, but also some future inspiration, check out this compilation of Ten Heroic Duct Tape Car Repairs.

9. Cleaning Supplies

Having certain cleaning and hygiene items in the car won’t save your life, but it could save you a lot of frustration. Keep these items in your car for a cleaner and easier trip:

zipper lock backs

reusable shopping bags

paper towels

tissues

car trash can

water bottles

Mom’s Emergency Kit (from Angie at Echoes of Laughter)

Safety

10. First Aid Kit

You never know when you are going to need a First Aid Kit. Life has a way of springing unexpected scrapes on you, especially if you have children. You may need to clean up a cut or bandage a blister. If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, it’s much more convenient to have a small supply of medical essentials on hand.

Your kit should include items such as Band-Aids, ointment, gauze pads, scissors, and gloves. If you don’t want to think too hard about all the little odds and ends you may need, you can purchase pre-made kits online. The AAA 53 Piece Tune Up First Aid Kit is basic, but a bargain at $8.25 on Amazon, or opt for the more thorough AAA 85 Piece Commuter First Aid Kit for $14.55. Either way, you’re looking at a pretty complete kit for under $15. Why not make the purchase rather than risk the alternative?

11. Tactical Flashlight

Good luck trying to change a tire at night without one of these. Keep a strong tactical flashlight in your car for the darkest maintenance moments that hit even the best of us at some time or another. If your flashlight requires batteries, keep some extra of those in the glove box as well. Tactical flashlights are used by the police and military, so in addition to emitting much more light, they can also be used as a personal self-defense tool. We offer further information on durable tactical flashlight options and other car essentials on our blog.

12. Reflective Triangles and/or Flares

Alongside a tactical flashlight, reflective triangles and/or flares are your nighttime safeguards. If you’ve pulled off to the shoulder for any prolonged amount of time, put these safety essentials around your vehicle. They offer enhanced visibility for ongoing traffic, lowering the possibility of you being hit by unsuspecting drivers while you’re waiting for the help you need.

13. Multi-Tool

What triggers instinct?

instinct, an inborn impulse or motivation to action typically performed in response to specific external stimuli. Today instinct is generally...

Last updated Oct 23, 2018

What is the IQ of a normal person?

IQ tests are made to have an average score of 100. Psychologists revise the test every few years in order to maintain 100 as the average. Most...

Last updated Dec 13, 2018

Promotion

Just in case you need scissors, a screwdriver, or a sharp edge, a good multi-tool will give you peace of mind knowing you have all that and much more. Here are some multi-tool user favorites.

14. Car Hammer

This little tool can save your life! While you may be able to use your tactical flashlight to break a car window in the event of an emergency, many people complain about this feature not working. It’s much easier to break a window and escape from your car with a car hammer or emergency escape tool. Most come with a seatbelt cutter too. All cars should have one mounted for easy access.

Winter

15. Windshield Wiper Fluid

Baby, it’s cold outside. And driving in any type of precipitation — rain, snow, ice — is no joke! To prevent the potential hazards caused by winter splash-back and combat the road sludge and slush attacking your window, you’re going to need a backup of wiper fluid. Without visibility, get off the road! Windshield wiper fluid is your biggest support system when it comes to keeping the road visible and your path clear throughout these unpredictable weather months.

16. Ice-scraper or Snowbrush

Snowfall has greeted Chattanooga and parts of North Georgia with its icy glow. If you have snow on your windshield, you’re not going anywhere. An ice-scraper or a snowbrush are crucial for car owners in snow-covered areas. Having one of these tools on hand will save time and help you to avoid scratches and awkward attempts at getting the snow off with whatever random items you have in your car. You also want to make sure you brush the snow off your roof, because it will either fly off the back and bother the car behind you, or it will simply loosen up enough to slide onto your windshield while you’re driving. Brush off, then drive on!

17. Warm Gear

Winter weather is unpredictable. You might leave the house with only a jacket, but find when you’re leaving work that you need gloves, a beanie, and a scarf in order to get home comfortably. Keep a reusable tote in the back of your car with these winter essentials. Leather driving gloves should be in there too. They’re both practical and stylish. Don’t forget a blanket. In addition to keeping you warm, a blanket is perfect for picnics, preventing messes, and getting underneath your car.

Many car owners also recommend the following items:

Kitty Litter and/or Traction Mat

Pen and Paper

Umbrella

Spare Change and Cash

Extra Clothes

Shovel

Snacks and Energy Bars

Toilet Paper

Sunglasses

Makeup

Gum

Matches and Flares

Portable Tire Inflator

Foam Cooler

Medication (only store as directed)

What do you keep in the car? Let us know!

For more car tips, read our Car Winterization, New Year’s Resolutions for the Car, and Winter Driving Tips to prevent winter accidents and inconveniences. Auto Simple is here for all your Used Car needs in 2017 and beyond.

Be safe & adventurous!

Auto Simple wants you to find a car you love at a price you can afford. We carry a large selection of hand-picked, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, all of which come with a 6 month/6,000-mile powertrain warranty. With locations in Cleveland, Chattanooga, Dayton, and a new store in Dalton, GA, we make it easy to walk away with your dream car. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:

Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600

Cleveland, TN – (423) 476-4600

Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600

Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277

Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Google+.

autosimple.com - 17 Things You Should Have in the Car - Auto Simple

What are preppers preparing for?

Survivalism is a social movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists or preppers) who proactively prepare for emergencies, such as...

Last updated Nov 17, 2022

What is God's weapon?

These weapons of warfare or whole Armour of God are: Belt of TRUTH – Ephesians 6:14. Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS – Ephesians 6:14. Shoes of the...

Last updated Nov 10, 2019

Promotion

Why is Elden Ring a masterpiece?

Now, there's still a story, it's just one you're allowed to find on your own. These games have never held your hand, but the freedom of gameplay in...

Last updated Mar 23, 2021

Promotion

Should salt be stored with oxygen absorbers?

Do you need oxygen absorbers to store salt long term? No. You can add them if you like, but a moisture absorber is more practical. Use a Mylar bag...

Last updated Sep 6, 2020