We tend to spend a lot more time thinking about what we want in a car than what we might need. Comfort. Entertainment. Convenience. Who wouldn't want heated seats, phone chargers, and cup holders big enough to fit our coffee? Yet the moment something doesn't go our way on the road, those luxuries start to lose their luster. A empty battery, a darkened roadside, or an unexpected delay can transform an otherwise routine drive into an ordeal in mere minutes. While few of us need to convert our trunks into a bunker-like survivalist wonderland, there are a few things every car should have on hand for when life goes off-plan.
A Flashlight
A flashlight is one of the handiest things you can have in your car. Its utility becomes clear if you experience a breakdown after dark or need to drive somewhere new with sketchy streetlights. Stuck on the side of a country road, walking back to your car after a concert in the park, or crouching under your hood to diagnose a problem: a little illumination never hurts.
A flashlight also helps with everyday annoyances. Accidentally dropping your cell phone, wallet, or keys between your seat and the center console seems so ridiculous, and it’s maddening when your fingers can’t reach what you know is right there because it’s in the shadows. A few seconds with a flashlight beam and you’ll have rescued yourself from an embarrassing and futile contortion or an infuriating pile of cards.
Compact flashlights make life better when you need a little light. Since a flashlight isn’t the most valuable item in a vehicle, and because vehicles tend to have limited storage space, it doesn’t need to be large or heavy. A small light that casts a bright, focused beam makes all the difference, especially if it’s rechargeable or has battery-saving technology so it’s always at the ready.
A Toolkit
Nobody likes to think about the day their car gives out. Routine maintenance minimizes the odds, but even the most lovingly maintained car can spring a sudden failure. Knowing you have the means to address the issue can be half the battle, and a small toolkit in your car or trunk can help with small emergencies or at least keep things from getting worse until you can get professional assistance.
This toolkit does not have to be anything elaborate; you don’t need every tool under the sun. The purpose is practicality. Items like screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, and a tire pressure gauge can help tighten loose parts, make minor adjustments, or facilitate some basic visual inspections. Drivers who are limited on space have a lot of love for multi-tools of good quality that can give you many tools’ worth of function in one small package.
It’s also about peace of mind. The difference between helplessness and being able to at least attempt to address the problem can keep your stress levels down and your mind clear in an already stressful situation. It’s not like you’ll be able to perform major repairs on the side of the road, but you will be able to keep yourself safe and as in control as possible while you wait.
Important Documents
Remember, preparedness isn’t just about what’s in your trunk or backseat; it also matters administratively and logistically. Especially in the event that you get pulled over by the police or get in an accident, it is vital that you keep your glove compartment organized and have all the necessary and current vehicle paperwork easily accessible.
Proof of insurance is one of those. When you get pulled over or get into an accident, the faster you can show an officer or DMV worker that you have valid insurance, the less likely it is that you will have to put up with any unnecessary complications or frustrations, and no one needs more stress when something like that happens.
