What are the essential items to always keep in your car?

A spare tyre

A spare tyre is an additional tyre kept in the boot of a car in case of emergency. It is usually smaller than the tyres that are already fitted to the car and is designed to be used in the event of a flat tyre or other tyre-related problem. Spare tyres are typically stored with a jack, a wheel wrench and a tyre iron, which are all essential for changing a tyre. It is important to make sure that you have a spare tyre that is in good condition and is the right size for your car. It is also recommended to keep a tyre changing kit in your car so that you can change a tyre if you need to.

A complete first-aid kit

A complete first-aid kit is a must-have in any car. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, and other basic items. It is also important to have a first-aid manual in the kit, in case of an emergency. A first-aid kit can literally save your life or save a person in distress. No matter what the injury, you’ll be always prepared to take action.

Warning triangles

A warning triangle is an essential item to have in your car in case of emergencies. It is a reflective triangle with three sides that is placed in front of your car to indicate that your car is not functioning properly and that you need help. The warning triangle is a legal requirement in many countries and must be visible from a distance of at least 100 feet. We recommend you to carry two triangles in your car, one placed close to your vehicle (10 feet away) and one to be visible ahead (100 feet away).

A high-visibility vest

A high-visibility vest, also known as a hi-vis vest or a safety vest, is designed to make you visible to other drivers in low-light and night-time driving conditions. The vest is typically made of highly reflective material and is brightly coloured so that it can be easily spotted by other drivers. Hi-vis vests are designed to make you visible to other drivers so they can clearly see you if you need to pull over or make a repair on the side of the road. It is also important to keep one in your car in case of a breakdown, as it will help to alert other drivers to your presence. 

Trusty sunglasses

When it comes to car essentials, a trusty pair of sunglasses is indispensable. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, but they can also reduce glare from headlights and the reflection of the sun off the road, especially when it is wet. A good pair of sunglasses will help you drive more safely and comfortably during the day.

A scraper and de-icer

A scraper and de-icer are fundamental items to keep in your car during the cold winter months. This combination of tools will help keep your car windows clear of snow and ice, allowing you to see clearly while driving in harsh weather conditions. The scraper can be used to gently scrape away any snow or ice that has accumulated on the windows, while the de-icer can be used to melt away any stubborn ice patches that are left behind.

Antifreeze 

Antifreeze is a liquid that is added to a car's radiator in order to prevent the engine from freezing during cold winter months. Antifreeze helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage from extreme cold. It is available in both concentrated and ready-to-use forms. Make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for the correct type and amount of antifreeze to use.

Windshield washer

Windshield washer fluid helps to clear away dirt, dust, and insects from the windshield, giving you a better view of the road ahead. It is important to keep the windshield washer reservoir filled with the proper mixture in order to ensure that it works properly and keeps the windshield clean.

Phone charger

A phone charger is one of the most essential items to have in your car. Make sure your phone is always charged while you’re on the go, as it could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Investing in a good quality car charger is a must for any car owner. A 12v adapter or a 12v socket could be useful to charge your phone on your vehicle's cigarette lighter. Otherwise, if your car is equipped with USB sockets, then you'll be able to charge it with compatible phone charging cable. We recommend keeping a spare cable in your glove box!

What car tools should I always have at all times?

Keeping essential tools in your car in case of an emergency can be a life saver. These tools can help you to carry out basic repairs or help you to call for assistance. Some of the essential car tools you should have in your car include a set of jumper cables, a flashlight, and a tyre inflator.

Basic toolkit

Having a basic toolkit in your car is highly recommended. A basic toolkit should include items such as a jack and lug wrench, screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches. Having these items in your car will ensure that you are prepared for any emergency situation that may arise.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables, also known as boosting cables or jump leads, are an essential item for any car owner. These cables are used to jump start flat batteries, allowing you to get back on the road quickly and safely. Boosting cables come in a variety of lengths and amperage ratings, so it's important to find the right cable for your car. The cold can be very damaging for the cars during winter, especially for batteries which easily lose power during cold weather. Always keep boosting cables in your boot to give your car some strength!

Tyre inflator

A tyre inflator is used to inflate tyres when they are deflated due to punctures or other reasons. It is also used to check and maintain the pressure of the tyres. Tyre inflator comes in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used with both manual and electric pumps.

Wind-up torch

This type of torch is powered by winding up a handle, which generates energy that is stored in a rechargeable battery. This technology is great for emergency situations as it does not require any external power source. Wind-up torches are also lightweight and easy to store, making them a great addition to any car emergency kit. It will help see your car in the dark and being seen by road users at night.

Duct tape

Duct tape is a strong adhesive tape that can be used for a variety of purposes, from fixing a broken pipe to patching up a broken window. It is also useful for securing items in the car or even making temporary repairs. Duct tape is an inexpensive and versatile tool to keep in your car.

What supplies do I need to keep in my car?

In addition to essential items and tools, having some few more supplies in case of emergency is a good idea. Keeping some water and food is especially recommended, as you never know where and when you might have a breakdown. Here's a quick list of supplies we advise you to always keep in your vehicle without worrying about storage!

Water bottles and non-perishable food

If you are stuck along the road for several hours and you do not know how long you will have to wait, it can be good to have some water and food to wait. Non-perishable food such as cereal bars and bottles of water can be easily stored in your vehicle in case of severe traffic jams for instance.

Survival blanket and hot clothes

A survival blanket is a lightweight and compact item that can be used to keep you warm in extreme cold or wet conditions. Hot clothes, such as a coat, boots, gloves, and a hat, are also important to have in your car in case you get stranded in cold weather. Having these items on hand can help you stay warm and safe in an emergency.

A good pair of boots

Whether you are driving in snowy or wet weather, having a pair of boots that are waterproof and insulated will help keep your feet warm and dry. For example, if your vehicle breaks down in a rural area on a cold day or with adverse weather, having a good pair of boots will help you stay warm!

What do I put in a glove box?

The glove box of a car is a great place to store items that you might need on a regular basis. Some of the essentials that should be kept in your glove box include your vehicle’s owner's manual, a USB cable to charge your phone, a pen and some paper, medical information in case of emergency, tissues and hand sanitizer. You should never store items such as important documents, personal information, spare keys, valuables and electronics. 

What documents should I keep in my car in the UK?

We do not recommend keeping important documents in your car, especially those containing personal information such as your address. However, we recommend keeping these documents safe in case of control:

• Your driver's licence;
• Your V5C registration document;
• Your MOT certificate;
• Your insurance certificate.

A breakdown or an accident can happen to anyone. With those essential car first aid-kit items, you can drive without worries!

For more information and advice, make an appointment directly with one of our experts!