Things you should have in your car

[shadowrider]

 Here is a list of basic things I think you should have in your car at all times. Followed by a list of things you probably should have just in case.

Anything you can add is appreciated and I will copy/paste into this list to have one comprehensive list.

Need

• Spare tire (some cars do not have one)
• Jack
• Lug wrench/tire iron
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge (newer cars tell you if you have a low tire but some still don't tell you the pressure or if the spare is low or flat)
• Phone charger

Should have

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher (I recommend a dry powder with a rating of ABC or BC)
• Flashlight
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Hand wipes
• Blanket
• Rain poncho
• Snacks that have a long shelf life (in case you break down or get stuck in traffic for hours)
• Tire inflator/air compressor (they now have cordless rechargeable ones but I have not tried any so I have no recommendations as of yet) 
• A can of Fix A Flat/ Tire Slime or other tire repair sealant

[Kaz05]

Can confirm the newer cars' tire pressure gauge system is indeed lame. Probably want to keep a spare old school one. It has to do with a silly sensor around the wheel well in newer cars. After a few tire changes they tend to start malfunctioning giving you incorrect readings for your tire psi.

This list turned out pretty great! 😁 you racked up quite a few items I hadn't thought of myself when I tried making this list in my head the other day lol

[PapaMax]

In Europe it's required to have a warning triangle in some countries. Also I'd always have a high-vis jacket.

In an electric car I always carry my "granny" charger and extension cord (the one that plugs into a standard electrical outlet) but keep in mind if you're traveling in Europe different countries have different plugs.

[Aikko]

I just wanted to pop in here and recommend adding a multipurpose tool or Swiss Army knife or even scissors and or hammer of some sort. I know some places/states/countries may not allow it, but it’s handy from personal experience. I was once in an accident where my seatbelt was stuck and I needed to get free of the scene as it was not safe (multi pileup in a snowstorm) and had I not been able to cut myself free, it could have been very bad if another car slammed into me and I was still there. Also, there are multi purpose tools with a pointy metal side for smashing your window if your door is stuck and on the other it’s got a seatbelt slasher. 🤷🏻‍♀️ just food for thought. 

[Cebakes]

Collapsable batons or similar devices are good for smashing a window  from the inside or outside.  They are not legal in all areas.   If you have an EV or really any car, you should have a device-instrument to break your windows or windshield should you ever be submerged.  Many times the electrical system shuts down or there becomes a water pressure issue.  A device that could be swung and used for self protection would be ideal….

[weirdunicorn]

this post has big daddy energy. im the worst. ill drive 40 miles on E with bare feet and no cell phone. i needed someone to tell me this. i probably y need someone to drill it into my head and staple it to my brain… but i appreciate the sentiment of these how-to-adult topics. 

Edited October 18 by weirdunicorn
I accidentally saved too early