Thirty-seven things you should always keep in your car –

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3. A roll of silver 3M all-weather duct tape to make sure broken things (like a side-view mirror) stay good and stuck on until you can properly repair them

Amazon The weatherproof tape can be considered one of the practical things for anyone who owns or drives a car as most reviewers find it durable and long-lasting. Promising review: “My car’s sunroof has a bad gasket and was leaking. I sealed the entire glass panel with this tape. Viola, no more leak. Now that it’s baked a couple of weeks on my black car I removed a small corner. No nasty duct tape residue. I’m very happy to have found this tape.” —SLR Get it from Amazon for $11.31 (originally $15.96).

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First Aid Supplies

You won’t always have the luxury of being able to seek medical attention from a qualified doctor when you hurt yourself out on the road. Thus, it is imperative that you maintain a well-stocked first aid kit. Here are the important things to keep in your car first aid kit at all times:

• Bandages – both triangular and crepe rolled
• Plasters in various shapes and sizes
• Gauze dressing
• Antiseptic spray and cream
• Antihistamine medication
• Painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol
• Disinfectant hand wipes
• Distilled water
• Disposable sterile gloves
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Any important allergy or chronic medications you require

Duck Tape

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Also Read: Studds Shifter D3 Decor: Full-face helmet Review

Duck tape is a very important item. It may be a very small thing to see, but it is very effective. Many times during travel, the side mirror of your car breaks due to a collision during traffic. So during this time, you cannot take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately.

Duck tape kept in your vehicle will help you at this time. Immediately affix the side mirrors to the vehicle with duck tape. Because it is strong enough, it reduces the chance of the mirror moving.

Car Jack

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Car Jack Must have a jack in the car. Which will help you to change the wheels while the tower is punctured? For this, even if you are alone, you can change the tower of the car with the help of jack.

Food

Pack a few essentials for every day. Add some road trip snacks when headed out for a family trip.

• A gallon jug of water; can be used for radiator too
• Protein bars
• Dried fruit bars
• Dried nuts

 Related: Tips for choosing road trip snacks. 

Make sure your family is prepared for an emergency. Photo: Catherine Parker

Car Emergency-Kit Must-Haves

These are the things you should always have on hand in case of a mechanical crisis:

• Spare tire: No car should be without one. There are any number of reasons that a tire may burst, tear, or just deflate and you might not have the luxury of rolling into a gas station.
• Tire jack: Unless you've been exposed to excessive amounts of gamma radiation, you'll probably need some mechanical assistance to lift your car to switch out the flat for the spare.
• Sealant and tire pump: Sometimes, you need not replace the entire tire. If you have a minor puncture, then a little bit of sealant and an injection of air should be enough to see you to your destination. The best way to spot a slow leak is to check your tire pressure regularly.
• Duct tape: The swiss army knife of the tape world, there is very little you can't do with duct tape. Whether sealing up a leaking pipe or a leaking artery, this is an absolute must-have in your toolbox.
• Jumper cables: Tires don't take all the blame when it comes to breakdowns. Sometimes the fault lies with your engine or battery. In the case of the latter, jumper cables can give your car the kick in the pants it needs to get going again, assuming you can flag down a willing helper.
• Oil and water: Gasoline isn't the only fluid needed to keep a car running. Keeping some extra oil or water around is just as important for keeping all the mechanicals running in order.
• Fire extinguisher: In the event of a catastrophic malfunction, you may be faced with a fiery situation. And, considering how many combustible fluids there are in an automobile, the quicker you can put out a fire, the better.
• Reflective triangle: You won't always have the time or ability to pull off to the side of the road, and depending on the nature of your problem, moving your car afterward may not be an option. An emergency triangle will ensure that other motorists take note of your plight and at least avoid causing any further harm. If you're lucky, someone may even pull over to give you a hand.

26. A two-pack of static clinging car window shades (without any adhesives or suction cups) to keep things shady for passengers (especially children in the backseat) when tinted windows aren’t an option

Amazon Promising review: “These work great. I thought they might not stay on the windows, but that is not an issue. Contact adhesion is due to the soft plastic-type inner shade liner that also helps cut penetrating sunlight. I’ve actually forgotten about them being on the windows several times, ran the window down only to realize the shade was being ‘swiped’ into the door. Luckily I was able to catch it in time and run it back up. After pulling this mindless stunt several times, the shades are still 100% like new, working great.” —Rich Get it from Amazon for $13.97.

4. What to carry on road trips

You’ve packed your bags and are ready to hit the road. Are you missing anything essential? Consider this list of what to keep in your car — it may help you when you’re on a long trip and want to be ready for any eventuality.

• Cell phone accessories, including a charger you can use in the car and a wireless headset
• An engaging audiobook
• Food and drinks: pack a cooler with drinks and snacks before hitting the road
• Maps, in case the GPS on your phone goes silent
• Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues and a roll of paper towels
• Appropriate clothing
• Extra cash, including change for the parking meter

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Babies and Toddlers 

When my kids were little, I used my SUV like a giant diaper bag. Keep these items stored where you change your baby in the car.

• Baby food and/or formula
• Baby wipes
• Extra diapers
• Changing Pad
• Bleach wipes
• Extra clothes including shoes and socks
• Disposable grocery bags for the dirties
• Extra soothing object, like a pacifier
• Extra toys

When I wash my SUV of course I wear evening attire. Photo: Pixabay

Essential Clothing and Accessories

These clothing essentials are must-haves for any event!

• Umbrella
• Warm Jacket
• Rain Coat
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Waterproof Boots
• Baseball Cap

2. Emergency kit must-haves

You can easily buy an emergency kit that’s been pre-filled with supplies, or you can custom-build one that meets your own needs. Start with a sturdy cloth bag or plastic container, and fill it with any medications or other specific medical needs you and your family have (don’t forget the pets). Here are a few other things to keep in the car:

• Bandages (from bandaids to fabric bandages)
• Anti-bacterial spray or ointment, cleaning wipes and gauze
• A pair of scissors, disposable gloves and tweezers
• Masks and hand sanitizer
• OTC medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen, anti-itch cream, eye wash, allergy medicine, stomach soother, insect repellent and sunscreen
• Zip lock bags which are good for storing a cold compress, holding used tissues til you get to the rest stop and, in a pinch, they can be used by the kid who gets carsick

Safety and Survival

You might already have an emergency go bag or kit set up. If you spend a lot of time in your car and it’s always nearby when you’re home, you could just keep that kit in your trunk — or create a second, lighter version.

In any case, your safety supplies should include:

• First aid kit

• Torch

• Multi-tool (here are our five favourites)

• Matches or other fire starter (Bonus: a candle in a can for winter emergencies)

• Energy bars or MREs (the instant food that heat up with just water)

• Water bottles

• Weather radio

A few car-specific items:

• Seat belt cutter and window breaker. Keep this in your glove compartment, not in your boot, obviously.

• Flares or reflective triangle, so you don’t get hit at the side of the road in the dark.

• Maps. Yes, the paper kind.

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