14 Car Essentials to Carry While Driving

Car Essentials to Carry While Driving:

• Drinking water: This is an essential that must be available to you at all times. Unpredictable weather conditions or traffic jams could extend the time that you spend on the road. So, it is imperative that you carry drinking water in the car. Carrying water can also prove to be valuable during emergency situations like overheating of the car radiator.
• Food that is free from liquids: Non-perishable dry food items such as chips, biscuits, and nuts are a necessity in all cars. This is particularly useful when you are on long drives with kids in the car.
• Insurance documents: Your car insurance should always be active and you need to carry a copy of the policy documentation in the car at all times. In case you meet with an accident, or if there is a car breakdown, you will be able to take the vehicle straight to the garage and subsequently claim insurance. Keeping your policy documents in the car also helps in availing Roadside Assistance when you need it the most.
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: The PUC certificate needs to be carried in the vehicle at all times. Inability to produce this document at the demand of a traffic official could invite penalties to the driver.
• First-aid kit: A well-equipped first-aid kit is a necessity in every car. Apart from being useful to you and your family, it could also be helpful for an outsider who needs first-aid. The first-aid kit should include the following items:
  • Antiseptic bandage
  • Cotton
  • Antiseptic cream or lotion
  • Spirit for cleaning and disinfecting the wound
  • Cream for burns and rashes
• Power bank: A power bank is useful for charging your phone on the go. You can conveniently keep the phone plugged in during the journey, and the battery will be fully charged when you arrive at the destination.
• Flashlight: Most smartphones today have a built-in torch that can be used during emergencies. However, in case you need to get out of the car and find your way around in the dark, it is better to be equipped with a flashlight.
• Umbrella: Apart from shielding you from the rain, an umbrella is also useful when you have to protect yourself from the scorching sun.
• Paper towels: This is essential for the quick cleanup of unintentional spills in the car.
• Tyre changing supplies: A collection of tyre changing items like a lug wrench, tyre iron, spare tyre, and a tyre jack can be very useful, if always carried in the trunk.
• Jumper cable and battery booster starter: Your car battery would drain out easily if you inadvertently leave the interior lights on for a long duration. In such cases, it is very useful to have a jumper cable and battery booster in the trunk for recharging the battery.
• Towing cable: In case your car is stuck in sand and needs to be towed, you can use a towing cable and rope emergency kit. This can be easily stored in the car, and the rope has the strength to support high tension.
• Fire extinguisher: A small fire extinguisher can save your life in case of an emergency fire; so it is a vital part of your car. The prices of car fire extinguishers vary based on the volume of the cans.
• Owner's manual: It is essential to keep your car's manual in the vehicle at all times. It can be easily stored in the glove compartment, and could come in handy during emergencies.