10 Things to Keep in Your Car at All Times

It’s easy to hop into your car and drive off without thinking about something going wrong. But whether you’re running errands around town or heading out for a weekend road trip, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Keep these car essentials in your vehicle just in case.

1. Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Even if you’re a cautious driver, you could be involved in an accident. And if you’re not so careful, you might get pulled over for speeding or another violation. You’ll want to have your registration and insurance on hand so you can exchange information with another driver if you need to or provide it to the police. 

2. Tire Pressure Gauge

If you hear a flapping sound while driving, if it feels like your car isn’t handling well or if your low tire pressure indicator lights up on your dashboard, you might not have enough air in a tire. Don’t risk driving on a tire that could become flat or even blow out. With a tire pressure gauge, you can see if the pressure is low and call for help if you need to.

3. Jumper Cables

Use jumper cables to start a dead car battery in minutes. Just be sure you know how to use them properly. Jumper cables don’t just help you — you can use them to help someone else in need.

4. Battery Charger

A battery charger can recharge your battery if you don’t have access to jumper cables or if your car is positioned in a way that cables can’t reach your battery. However, these chargers may take several hours to power up your battery, and most need to be plugged into an electrical source. It’s a good idea to have jumper cables as well.

5. Fix-a-Flat

When you spray a can of Fix-a-Flat into a flat tire, it fills the tire with a gas and seals it with foam. It’s a fix, not a solution, but it may give you enough time to drive to a nearby mechanic where you can get your tire repaired or replaced.

6. Paper Towels and Tissues

Simple cleaning supplies are essential for checking your oil level, cleaning your windows or taking care of small spills inside your vehicle.

7. Ice Scraper

If there’s even a slight chance of frost where you’re driving, you’ll want to have an ice scraper in your car. This tool can remove frost, ice and snow from your windows and lights so you can see — and other drivers can see you. Be sure to brush all the snow off your vehicle so it doesn’t blow off at higher speeds and blind other drivers.

8.  Car Shades

The sun can be tough on your dashboard and car interior, and in warm climates it can make it dangerously hot to touch the steering wheel, gearshift or seatbelt buckles. Protect your vehicle and stay safe with shades that block out the sun when you’re parked.

9. First Aid Kit

You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for injuries and illnesses on the road. The American Red Cross recommends these safety items for your car:

• Adhesive bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Alcohol wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Bleeding control kit
• Disposable gloves
• First aid guide
• Gauze
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications for pain relief, motion sickness or allergies
• Safety pins
• Saline solution
• Tweezers

10. Roadside Assistance Kit

You can buy or assemble car safety kits that include many of the things listed here, as well as other useful items like flashlights, blankets, warning triangles, tool kits, gas cans and more. 

Make Sure You and Your Vehicle Are Protected

Tools and supplies can help you deal with a lot of emergencies, but you also need auto insurance protection. Reach out to a Farm Bureau agent to make sure you’re covered in case the unexpected happens.