Are you ready for anything you come across when you’re on the road? Are you sure?
If you want to be sure you’re ready for anything you come across when you’re driving around town or on a road trip, it’s important to learn about the things that you should always keep in your car when you’re driving. Read on to learn more!
The Proper Documentation
You always need to have your driver’s license on your person as well as your insurance and registration when you have a new Ram, Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler for sale. Keep your insurance and registration in your glove compartment and always remember to switch out the cards when a new one comes in the mail.
In addition to legal documents, it’s also a good idea to keep your owner’s manual in it. This makes it easy for you to double-check tire information, maintenance and repair tips, and warranty information as needed.
Finally, keep emergency contact information in your glove compartment as well. This includes the number of roadside assistance, phone numbers for your spouse or family members, and information for your local mechanic.
Car Repair and Maintenance Equipment
Even if your car is brand new, things can happen that require repair and maintenance equipment, even if that’s just being a good samaritan for someone else who is in trouble. That means having the right tools on hand.
A tire jack, a spare tire, and a lug wrench are essential. Blowouts happen, nails get left in parking lots, and so on. By keeping a spare and the tools necessary to change a tire on hand, you’re less likely to be left in distress if it happens to you. If your tires have locking lug nuts, don’t forget a lug nut key as well.
Jumper cables are also important, especially in the winter when batteries lose their charges more quickly. Even if you have jumper cables, you may not be able to find someone to help you jump your car, so it’s a good idea to keep an emergency battery booster on hand as well.
What happens if you accidentally missed the last exit and run out of gas while you’re on the road? Keep an empty gas can in your trunk so that you can walk to the nearest station if you ever find yourself in this type of emergency. However, avoid storing spare gas directly in the car, since it becomes a fire hazard if there’s an accident.
Other repair and maintenance items to consider keeping in your car include a tire pressure gauge, WD-40, and duct tape.
An Emergency Kit
Inclement weather, such as snow or ice, can leave you stranded on the side of the road, which is why an emergency kit is so important. The first thing you should put inside is a first aid kit that includes bandages, alcohol wipes, medications (including extras of prescriptions), and ointments.
Then, add some flares or reflective triangles that can alert drivers to a stopped car on the side of the road. Other things you may wish to add to your kit include spare phone chargers, a flashlight, food and snacks, pet supplies, and extra blankets and jackets.
Learn More About the Things to Keep in Your Car
Being prepared is the key to being an excellent driver. With the right tools, the right documents, and a robust emergency kit, you can handle anything that comes your way on the road.
