The items you should always have in your car

There are some items that you should keep in your car for safety and convenience, and if ever you’re in an accident. The best-case scenario is that you never need to use most of them, but for peace of mind and for responsible and safer driving, you’re better off being well stocked.

Here’s what to pack:

Cash

Cash is king when you’re on the road, and you might need it to pay for tolls (if the credit card facilities aren’t working), snacks from the vending machine, or car guards.

Phone charger and battery

A charging cable is great, but pack a fully charged portable battery charger in case your car gets stuck and you aren’t able to power up your phone.

First-aid kit

A good first-aid kit should have plasters, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, painkillers, anti-nausea pills, tweezers, Burn shield,cotton wool and insect bite cream or spray.

Reflective warning triangles

If your car breaks down or you’re in an accident, triangles will be essential warnings to other drivers.

An inflated spare tyre and jack

If you get a puncture, you’ll need a spare tyre, and a jack to replace it.

Air pump

If you don’t want to change a tyre, but want a quick fix before you get to a nearby garage, then an air pump is very useful.

Tyre repair kit

If you have a puncture, a tyre repair kit can be a short-term solution until you get the puncture properly fixed, or the tyre replaced.

Safety vest

If you need to pull over and get out your car when it’s dark, a safety vest will be essential for visibility.

Fire extinguisher

You probably won’t ever never need it, but it’s still useful to have.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is very useful for quick fixes if something breaks or shatters in your car, like a rear-view mirror or a window.

Jumper cables

These are useful if your battery goes flat, or if you want to help someone whose own battery has died.

Tire gauge

For peace of mind and to check your tyres periodically to see if they need inflating, a tyre gauge is a good-to-have.

Torch and extra batteries

A torch is important if it’s dark and you need to tend to your car.

Multipurpose utility tool

A gadget with a scissors, knife, corkscrew and more has a myriad uses.

Bottles of water, non-perishable snacks such as protein or energy bars, and a warm blanket For your comfort and even in the case of an emergency, water, snacks and a blanket will be very useful.