Things to Always Keep In Your Car

July 24th, 2023 by

Person pulling a first aid kit from their car's glove compartment

Keys? Check. Wallet? Check. Phone? Check. Everyone has a short checklist they run through before they leave the house. However, there are many items that don’t come to mind until disaster strikes. At Landers Toyota in Little Rock, Arkansas, we are all about helping our customers drive smarter and safer. We’ve been around for over 20 years, and we’ve picked up some helpful tips along the way! Check out the list below for some essential things we think you should always have in your car.

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First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is indispensable, whether you’re dealing with a minor scrape or a serious injury. Your kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape, sterile gloves, tweezers, scissors, and pain relievers.

Escape Tool: In the event of an accident, an escape tool can be a lifesaver! These tools typically include a seatbelt cutter and a window breaker to help you quickly exit a compromised vehicle.

Jumper Cables: A dead car battery can be a frustrating inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous if you are left stranded. Keeping a set of jumper cables handy ensures you can get back on the road and to the nearest service shop. You can also buy a portable jump starter, which eliminates the need for another vehicle.

LED Road Flares or Reflective Triangles: In the event of a breakdown or flat tire, alerting other drivers to your presence is essential for safety. LED road flares or reflective triangles are the best way to warn oncoming traffic that you are nearby.

Flashlight: A reliable flashlight is handy in all kinds of situations! Opt for one with long battery life or a hand-cranked flashlight.

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Car Insurance and Registration: Always keep a physical copy of your car insurance and vehicle registration documents. Hopefully, you won’t use them often, but you’ll be glad you have them in an accident. Be sure to keep them up-to-date and shred the expired copies.

Tire Pressure Gauge: A handheld gauge makes it easy to check your tire pressure, whether you are reinflating your tires on the go or are worried about a leak.

Water and Non-Perishable Snacks: Have you ever gotten stuck in traffic all morning? Had to wait hours on end for a tow truck? Staying nourished during unexpected delays is crucial, especially if you have kids in the car! It never hurts to have a few bottles of water and granola bars, just in case. 

Paper Map: While technology has made navigation easier and more convenient, it’s still wise to keep a paper map as a backup in case of GPS or cellular signal failure.

Umbrella: Unless you like getting caught in the rain!

Change of Clothes: Life is full of random spills, stains, and splatters. Having a change of clothes on hand can save you a lot of discomfort or embarrassment. 

Ice Scraper or De-Icer Spray: How many times have you been late to work because you had to let the windshield defrost? Having an ice scraper or de-icer spray in your car during the winter can keep you safe and save you time.

By keeping these items somewhere in your vehicle, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared to handle a wide range of annoyances, accidents, and emergencies. To avoid mishaps and breakdowns altogether, be sure to schedule regular maintenance at Landers Toyota in Little Rock, Arkansas!

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Posted in Car Tips