14 Things That Should Always Be In Your Car

Whether you’re facing an emergency or simply want to make traveling a little easier, there are a few things you should always keep in your car. We’re sharing our top 14 favorites and recommendations.

Drive Safely

1. Spare Tire

Some cars don’t automatically come with one, especially newer models. Before you hit the road on a longer trip, make sure you have a spare!

2. Tire Jack

Many cars come with a jack you can use, but some may not. If you aren’t sure which type of jack is the right fit for your car, ask one of our mechanics for advice the next time you bring your car in for service!

3. Tire Gauge

Keeping the recommended amount of air in your tires doesn’t just keep you safe on the road, it improves your gas mileage. Keep a simple tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment and regularly check your tire pressure, especially during long road trips.

4. Emergency Flat Repair Kit

We hope you’re never stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, but it does happen! If you don’t have cell service or are stuck without access to roadside assistance, having an emergency flat tire repair kit can help.

A kit like this is designed for emergency use for a temporary repair. It can be the key to get your car to a safe auto repair shop.

5. Jumper Cables

Whether you accidentally left your lights on and drained the battery in a parking lot or didn’t realize your battery needed to be replaced, jumper cables are an essential piece of equipment to keep in your car.

Never used jumper cables? Ask one of our mechanics to show you how to operate them safely on your vehicle.

6. Car Manual

This should always be in your car. How else are you going to decipher what those warning lights mean on your dashboard?

Your manual will also include other important information about your car that can help you stay safe in an emergency.

7. Emergency Road Flares

Make sure the flares you have in your care are waterproof and crushproof, like the ones included in this kit.

They won’t do you much good if your car breaks down or you’re in an accident in inclement weather and they aren’t waterproof!

8. Paper Maps

We all use GPS these days, but when you’re traveling in more remote areas, it doesn’t always work. What if the cell phone you’re using runs out of battery and you don’t have a map?

Keeping a few paper maps in your car is your best backup navigational plan.

Make Driving More Comfortable

The above list covers the must-haves for safety. This one is all about the little things that make driving easier and more comfortable.

9. Water & Non-Perishable Snacks

Who doesn’t love a good snack? They can feel life-saving on a long car trip, but they’re also good to have on hand in case your car breaks down and you’re stranded for a longer period of time.

10. Cell Phone Charger

Make sure you have a reliable charger for your phone while you drive. If you’re concerned about being able to charge it if your car breaks down, consider a solar-powered charger.

11. Tissues & Paper Towels

Quick cleanup options are always a plus in an enclosed space like a car. Keep travel tissue packs on hand and toss a roll of paper towels in the trunk just in case!

12. Oversized Wool Blanket

These blankets are inexpensive and perfect to keep in the trunk for cold weather. They also are a great solution to protect your back seat from pet hair.

13. Multi-tool

You never know when you’ll need a knife, pliers, screwdriver, scissors, file, or a combination of them! Keeping one of those handy tools in your glove compartment definitely makes your life easier.

14. AC Outlet Inverter

Have devices that need to be plugged in but won’t charge via USB? One of these inverters can be a lifesaver on long family car trips.

Stay Safe & Choose Boggs

This isn’t a complete list of everything you should keep in your car, but we’ve hit the highlights! The bottom line is to regularly check what you keep in your car to make sure you’re prepared for emergencies and longer trips on the road.

Remember to get your car into Boggs before you hit the road this summer!

We’re proud to be your local full-service car repair and maintenance shop with two convenient locations in Warsaw.

We also have free pick-up available with our Boggs Driver service for oil changes and preventative maintenance.

No appointment is necessary for oil changes at Boggs Pickup, but if you’d like to schedule an oil change or any other services at Boggs Automotive, click below to give us a call.