Essentials to Always Have in Your Car

by Heritage CDJR Harrisburg, Owings Mills & Parkville

Most of us spend several hours a day in our cars, and when it comes to car issues, it pays to be prepared. While many lists contain dozens of "essential" items that "must" be in your car at all times, crates of supplies can eat up your trunk space. That's why we here at Heritage CDJR Harrisburg, Owings Mills & Parkville condensed the list down to some of the most practical items you may find yourself needing on the road.

Repair and Maintenance

Your car's manual: Keep it readily available by leaving it in the glove compartment.
Jumper cables: Dead batteries can happen to anyone at any time. Even if someone is willing to jump your vehicle, they might not have the cables to do so.
Spare tire, tire jack, tire iron: Even if you don't know how to change a tire, it's never too late to learn.
Tire sealant: Though you should always have a spare, sealant provides a quick repair to a leaky tire.
Duct tape: You'd be surprised what it can fix (temporarily, at least).
1 Quart of Oil: Find out what kind of oil your vehicle requires and keep a quart on hand. Low oil levels cause serious issues.
Tire Pressure Gauge: Under and over-inflated tires are a serious hazard.

Emergency Situations

Empty gas can: This can come in extremely handy for times you're stuck in gridlock and your fuel light is blinking red at you.
First aid kit: You never know when you will need one for yourself or someone nearby.
Flashlight: Changing a tire is difficult enough, even more so in the dark.
Reflective triangle: Vital to keep you safe on the side of the road at night.
Blanket: If you find yourself stranded in the cold, this could be a lifesaver.
Bottled Water: In an emergency, you could be stuck on the side of the road for a while. Staying hydrated is essential.

Everyday use

Cash and coins: Whether you need change for a parking meter or toll, having spare cash on hand pays.
Phone charger: Phones just always seem to die right when you need them most. Nip that problem in the bud and invest in a charger that plugs into your vehicle.
Umbrella: No one likes getting caught in a downpour (and tire punctures always seem to happen in the rain for some reason...)

Bonus: Contact information for your mechanic.

If something happens on the road, being able to quickly contact a service center is imperative. The Heritage CDJR Harrisburg, Owings Mills & Parkville Service Team is always here for you when you need us the most. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment