10 Gifts for Car Owners
Ranked #3,528 in Cars, #184,051 overall
10 Items Every Driver Should Have in Their Car
But, what if help is not available in a timely manner and they are there for a long time. Then what? I have created this list of 10 items every driver should have in their car any time they are on the road. Whether the trip is cross town or cross country, I believe these items will help keep you safe until help arrives.
Why You May Need These Items
I hope you do not but, what if you do?
I personally have needed and used or seen a stranded motorist needing one or more of the items on this list. Hopefully you will never need anything on this list but, what if you do and you do not have it?Remember, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and Ben Franklin said that 250 years ago. Did he know something we do not?
10. The Tire Pressure Guage
Proper Tire Inflation Increases Safety and Saves Gas
Gorilla Automotive TG1 Pencil Style Tire Pressure Gauge
Amazon Price: $5.85 (as of 05/24/2012)
There are fancier tire pressure gauges but for something to keep in your glove box, the Pencil Style Tire Pressure Gauge cannot be beat. It is easy to use, easy to read and can take a beating. I have used this type of gauge to check my tire pressure since before I could drive.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Check out the Tire Pressure Gauges on Amazon
Want a Selection? Check out Amazon's.
9. The Windshield Ice Scraper
The quicker your windshield is clean the quicker you get going.
Hopkins Subzero 16621 Ice Crusher Ice Scraper (Colors May Vary)
Amazon Price: $2.85 (as of 05/23/2012)
This little tool is great. Even if the ice gets a little thick the back end is pretty good for gouging out the thicker ice. The handle is comfortable and reduces hand strain. Real good for cars and smaller vehicles.
The Windshield Ice Scraper
Got Some Multi Use Scrapers on Amazon
The Flash Light/Head Lamp
For number 8 I have two suggestions. First the Flash Light, necessary no matter what. Comes in handy at night or when you are looking in that dark part of your car for something. Problem is you must hold it in your hand leaving only one hand to work with.Second is the Head Lamp. Ok, some may laugh but, it is hands free and if you are trying to change a tire or something where you need both hands, let them laugh.
8. The Flash Light
MAGLITE ST2D016 2-D Cell LED Flashlight, Black
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 05/24/2012)
I have used a MagLite 2D Cell flash light for years. Its durability, powerful light and long lasting bulbs have provided me with the light I needed when I needed it. An excellent tool when it is dark. It also comes in a variety of colors - Red, Blue, Black and Silver. I like the Blue.
Which is Better?
Flash Light vs Head Lamp
Which would you prefer on a dark night the Flash Light or the Head Lamp
Flash Light
WriterJanis says:
I would take the flashlight.
FunMoneyBusiness says:
Now I can see I should have both!
cffutah says:
LOL, head lamp now thats funny.
KimGiancaterino says:
We have a set of flashlights with various settings that also serve as flares -- red flashing or solid lights.
WerewolfCustoms says:
Flash light, because you can use it more freely. The head lamp is stuck on your head, and sometimes, the head is too big to fit into small holes that need illumination ;)
Head Lamp
Wedding_Mom says:
I prefer head lamp because your hands are free to hold or to fix things.
Tipi says:
A head lamp so that I could have my hands free.
dellgirl says:
Very interesting, I had never thought of a head lamp before. Then my hands could be free to do "whatever"...thanks
Pinkchic18 says:
My husband has both - 'just in case'
Amazon has a Variety of Flash Lights and Head Lamps
7. Jumper Cables
Schumacher BC-1408 14' 8-Guage Yellow Battery Booster Cable
Amazon Price: (as of 05/24/2012)
I carry some heavy duty jumper cables with me. I prefer they be 12 feet long. That gives me plenty of room to hook up the two batteries even if they are on opposite sides of the vehicles. They have helped me and I have been able to help others with my cables. Just remember - Red on Red and Black is Ground.
Jumper Cables
Get you Jumper Cables at Amazon
6. Emergency Beacon Flares
3 FlareAlert 9.1.1 LED Emergency Beacon Flares with Storage Bag
Amazon Price: $18.95 (as of 05/24/2012)
I have always been wary of traditional road flares. The possibility of getting burned, flares burning out before help arrives and such. With these Beacon Flares I do not have those problems. They run on 3-AA batteries for each light. The instructions say they will last about 20+ hours on a set depending on whether you use flashing or steady light. Also, they can be attached to the vehicle saving your car battery. No worries about starting a fire, getting burned or running out of flares.
Roadside Safety
Road Flares and Reflective Triangles on Amazon
Let the other drivers see you before it is too late.
5. The First Aid Kit
AAA 77 Piece Warrior Road Assistance Kit
Amazon Price: $59.95 (as of 05/24/2012)
When I was working with AAA I found they have a lot of great stuff. I found this first aid kit which is really more than a first aid kit. It has jumper cables, an air pump, reflective triangles and more. I keep this in the trunk of my car.
Emergency First Aid
First Aid Kits on Amazon
You never know when you will need a first aid kit
4. A Travel Blanket
Emergency Mylar Blankets - 84" x 52" (4 Pack)
Amazon Price: $2.89 (as of 05/24/2012)
I like this type of travel blanket because it is light, does keep the heat in and if needed it will shelter me from the rain or other weather. If taken care of it does last quite a while.
My Travel Blanket
Amazon has Travel Blankets
Why not warm up with one of these?
3. A Folding Shovel
Cannot dig out without a shovel
Folding Camping Survival Shovel with Pick
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 05/24/2012)
This is similar to the shovel I had when I joined the Marine Corps. It is very durable and the pick option on it is great for breaking up the ice under my tires so as to get traction. I get to use it at least once a winter making it a most valuable tool for me.
Got Shovel?
Of Course Amazon has Shovels
2. Emergency Food and Water
The essentials of life.
Meal Ready to Eat (MRE)
Amazon Price: (as of 05/24/2012)
Just before I got out of the Marine Corps MRE's were just making their entrance. A major improvement over C-Rats. Now I get them were ever I can and keep a case ready in the car, just in case.
Emergency Food and Water
Amazon does have Food.
Your Just in Case Place
1. A Fire Extinguisher
Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC
Amazon Price: $21.45 (as of 05/24/2012)
I have never had a car catch fire but, an extinguisher like this came with my van and after seeing a car burn while waiting for the fire department, it just made sense to have one in the car as well. But do not limit it to your car, this is also an important item to have in your home. Better to be safe.
Fire prevention
Check out the Fire Extinguishers Amazon Has
A Final Thought
Staying safe while on the road is staying aware of your surroundings. Keeping your vehicle in good working condition by checking the tires, changing the oil and having it checked out by a qualified mechanic regularly allows you one less worry while traveling.Preparing ahead of time for possible unexpected situations just makes good sense. I hope you never have need of most of the items I have laid out here but, if you do or another driver in your family does won't you feel better by having prepared ahead of time? I know I would. Happy driving and be safe out there.
By the way this article was posted on AOL December 22, 2011 Missing Arizona State Student Survived.
This Lens has been Blessed by the Following SquidAngels
Thank You Angels
Your Comments are Most Welcome
Please leave your comments about this lens. It helps me improve this and future lenses.
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Wedding_Mom
Apr 2, 2012 @ 9:18 pm | delete
- This lens just gave an idea on what I need to put inside my car.
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Tipi
Feb 9, 2012 @ 10:53 pm | delete
- What everyone should have in their cars is right here and than some. I believe in being prepared for car troubles, and having a few handy things along is a good idea.
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Sylvestermouse
Feb 1, 2012 @ 5:26 pm | delete
- These are certainly all necessary and great suggestions! I will never forget when our daughter got her first car. Her dad just about filled up the trunk with things she "needed." I laughed at the time, but it turns out she has used most of the stuff at one time or another.
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WriterJanis
Jan 28, 2012 @ 12:19 am | delete
- Excellent advice. Blessed!
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dellgirl
Jan 17, 2012 @ 1:14 am | delete
- Great lens, it was a very interesting read. Made me think about changing some things.
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JoshK47
Jan 8, 2012 @ 10:06 am | delete
- Quite an excellent guide to what you should keep in your car - I have pretty much all of the things that apply to living in Florida. Blessed by a SquidAngel!
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christianzzz
Jan 3, 2012 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- thx for that info for my car
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WindyWinters
Dec 31, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- Great gift ideas and important safety equipment for traveling. I must check my vehicle and see what I'm missing. Thanks for this list of car gifts.
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FunMoneyBusiness Dec 29, 2011 @ 5:42 pm | delete
- What a well done and fun lens to visit - inpsiring and educational!
I used an emergency foil blanket at an accient scene to keep someone who had been thrown out of a car warm, until ambulance arrived... I was so glad to have it, I guess she was too!
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Pinkchic18
Dec 28, 2011 @ 3:13 pm | delete
- Great tips!
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