Car Essentials Guide

When we get our first car, we have little or no experience of what the world of motoring is like. We just want to drive our vehicle to where we want and enjoy the comfortable convenience it offers. A car like any other machine needs maintenance and sometimes you may run into a small problem when driving it. Even if you consider yourself just a driver and not a mechanic, there are basics that you just have to grasp as a car owner to avoid frustration. By virtue of owning a car, becoming a petrolhead is largely inevitable. Today, we are going to look at some of the essentials you need to have in your car. Having them will save you the trouble one day on the road. Let’s take a look at them:

First Aid Kid

This is very important. Have a first aid kit. It could be difference between life and death. Purchase one and store it in your glove compartment or anywhere you deem fit.

Toolbox

You should have your own toolbox with all the spanners, screwdrivers, allen keys, torque wrench, wheel spanner etc. Even if you are not a mechanic chances are one day you will be stuck on the side of the road and might need to use one of these tools. A passerby may want to assist you in your time of despair and then asks you “do you have a 15’ spanner?” only for you to say no and miss the opportunity.

Sleeping Bag/ Wool blanket

Always carry a sleeping or wool blanket when travelling. You never know when you might need it. Imagine you have embarked on a long journey, your car runs into a problem and you have to sleep through the night then get assistance in the morning.

Jack

A car jack is essential especially if you want to change a flat tire. Jacks come in all shapes and sizes: scissors jacks and hydraulic jacks. Whatever your choice, just have one in the trunk.

Spare wheel

Avoid the temptation of going commando with no spare wheel. There is a chance you will have a tire burst anytime. Make sure you have a reliable spare wheel that will get you back on the road in minutes.

Reflective Triangles

It’s important to alert other drivers that you’ve had a nervous breakdown, sorry, car breakdown. It’s proper road etiquette and other motorists may offer you a hand after seeing your reflective triangles. Drivers that see your reflector triangles may slow down and this may help prevent a potential accident.

Fire extinguisher

You don’t know when a fire might occur. Your car engine may develop a fault that starts a fire. It’s important to carry a well serviced fire extinguisher to put out the flame once it occurs and save your car. Otherwise, the whole car will burn to ashes if the fire is not taken care of.

Torch/ Flashlight

This tool comes in handy when there is no alternative light source. Think of it this way, it’s dark and you  want to inspect something on your car engine like oil or water levels then you realize that your led bulb on the car hood has retired. How will you proceed? Flashlight. 

Fuel Canister

Most new car owners have had the misfortune of running out of gas on the road. It happens because you are not used to the idea of calculating how much fuel is required to fulfil your journey. At times your car can genuinely be leaking fuel and this leads to your tank depleting rapidly than expected. Save yourself time by making sure you have a fuel canister in your trunk. If your car has a reserve tank then maybe you are good (just get the fuel canister man).

Portable Vacuum Cleaner

We all love a clean car, a portable vacuum cleaner will remove the excess dust and leave your car looking super fine.

Air Freshener

A clean car is even better when it smells good. Invest in air freshener. It just creates a nice ambience for your car and passengers.

Towing cable

While you are stuck on the road, another driver offers to tow you to the nearest garage. Then you realize you both have no towing cable. Get towing cable or subscribe to a towing service in the event you need help.

Electronic Tire Inflator

Sometimes your tire just needs a top up to get you where you want to be. Electronic tire inflators get the job done.

Car Jump Starter

When your car battery goes flat and you need a boost, the car jump starter will save the day. Purchase one or at least have jumper cables so that others can help you.

Car Windshield Sunshade

If you have ever left your car parked in a sun-facing manner, then you can relate. When you come back and open the car door, the heat is just unbearable and the air is hot! Imagine that nice chocolate you had saved for later has melted. What a loss of good chocolate. Get yourself a car windshield sunshade and save your chocolates…I mean prevent heat…you know what I mean.

Seat Belt Cutter

Finally yet importantly, get yourself a seatbelt cutter so that in the event of an accident you won’t be trapped under your seatbelt. You can place it in your glove compartment or anywhere safe near the seat area.

That’s the essentials guide. While the list is not comprehensive, feel free to add or subtract from it. One last thing, make sure you have the contact numbers for emergency services and the tow truck. If you can afford it, have your own personal mechanic who can get on the road the moment you have trouble.