Items You Should Always Keep In Your Vehicle

Before you take any length of road trip, you should always ensure that you have any supplies that you may need in the event of a roadside emergency. Making sure you have the correct items with you, can help keep you calm in undesirable situations It’s always better to be prepared than to be left scrambling and stranded. At Trubicars we have outlined a list of items you should always keep in your vehicle in the event of a roadside emergency.

1. Spare Tire Kit

You should never wait until your tire is flat to make sure you have the correct supplies needed to swap it out. Always ensure that your vehicle has a spare tire. Most vehicles also include the necessary tools you will need to change the tire. If not, you will need a lug wrench, a jack, and wheel wedges. If your vehicle is equipped with the necessities, it can often be found in the trunk of the vehicle or underneath the floor. Consider keeping a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle as well so that you can check the tire pressure of your tires. Whether you are changing a spare or simply checking your tire pressure levels, a tire pressure gauge is a great tool to keep in your vehicle. If you’re unsure of how to correctly change a flat tire, check out our blog post titled “Help! I have a flat tire! What do I do?”

2. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a kit that you should always consider having in your vehicle. If there is ever an instance where you or your passengers need medical attention, having a first aid kit can make bad situations less stressful. Your first aid kit should contain band-aids (in various sizes), gauze, non-latex gloves, anti-biotic ointment (like Polysporin), pain relief medication (such as Advil or Tylenol), and Antiseptic wipes. Aside from medical supplies, you should also consider keeping a flashlight, extra drinking water, non-perishable snacks, blankets and appropriate changes of clothing and footwear.

3. Jumper Cables

Car batteries sometimes die and if you’ve ever had a car battery die, you understand how frustrating it can be. Jumper cables are cables that most people have in their emergency kit in case their vehicle needs a jump start or if they come across another road user who may need a battery boost. If you’re unsure of the steps to take to correctly and safely jump start a vehicle, check out our blog post titled “What you need to do when your car won’t start”

4. Vehicle Owner’s Manual

Most vehicles come with owner manuals that are typically stored in the glove box however, many vehicle owners never glance at them once. Owner’s manuals contain all the necessary information about your vehicle. It’s always a good idea to keep this manual in your vehicle if you are ever unsure about something regarding your vehicle.

5. Documents

When you obtain a vehicle insurance plan coverage, vehicle owners receive a pink slip to keep inside their vehicle. This slip is very important as it proves that you have valid vehicle insurance. A secondary slip that you should keep in your vehicle is vehicle ownership. This slip is usually green and states the car make and model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and information about the owner of the vehicle. This slip proves that the vehicle is registered in the province and is legally allowed to be on the road. When you are driving, your license ID card should be with you. In the event that you are pulled over, Officers will typically ask for your license and registration to seek proof that the vehicle is legally able to be on the road and that you are legally able to operate the motorized vehicle. These documents should remain in a safe and easily accessible place.

At Trubicars, we recognize and encourage our students to remember that driving is a big responsibility, and it is your duty as an operator of a motorized vehicle to ensure that you remain safe and responsible behind the wheel. Consider equipping your vehicle with the supplies listed above to give yourself some peace of mind when taking road trips. If you are looking for more information on items you should always keep in your vehicle, check out the Trubicars website!