30 things that come in handy in every car

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This is what you need to carry with you to be fully armed in any situation.

Traffic rules oblige every motorist to have a driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, as well as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and an emergency stop sign. This is enough for a successful vehicle inspection, but for emergencies that happen on the road, it is better to supplement the list with a few useful things.

Minimum set

Going on the road without these items is not that prohibited, but highly discouraged. Of course, you can always call a tow truck or ask for help from other drivers, but it is better to be able to cope with the breakdown on your own.

1. Spare wheel

All manufacturers supply the car with a spare wheel. Often this is a so-called stowaway - an emergency wheel that is not intended for long-term use and driving at high speeds. Nevertheless, you can get to the nearest tire service without any problems.

2. Jack

As a rule, a jack is also included in the standard equipment of the machine. Usually this is some kind of unpretentious version, which is nevertheless quite enough for a wheel change. The main thing is to be able to use it at the right time. Better to practice in a relaxed environment.

What to buy

• Screw mechanical jack Forsage F-ST-105С, 1 130 rubles →
• Rolling hydraulic jack KRAFT, 4 474 rubles →

3. Wheel key

Another attribute of the standard set is a wheel wrench. It is often located next to the jack. If you changed the wheels to light-alloy wheels, make sure that the size of the new bolts remains the same and the old wrench fits them. Otherwise, buy a suitable one.

What to buy

• Folding balloon wrench Gross, 1 930 rubles →
• Telescopic balloon wrench AutoDelo, 1,064 rubles →
• Balloon cross-shaped key Matrix, 392 rubles →

Basic set

Things that experienced drivers do not forget to carry with them. With such a kit, you can feel more confident on the road and help not only yourself, but also other motorists.

4. Reflective vest

A bright cape with reflective stripes will make you much more visible on the road both during the day and at night. When folded, it fits easily in a door pocket, where it will always be at hand when you need to go out on the road. For example, to replace a punctured wheel.

What to buy

• Yellow reflective vest, 225 rubles →
• Orange reflective vest, 188 rubles →

5. Paper maps

With the development of technology, car atlases have supplanted navigators. However, the good old paper cards shouldn't be written off. Keep them in the glove compartment: they will help out when the navigator turns on, there is no signal, or the battery in the smartphone is discharged.

6. Compressor or pump

The wheels can be pumped up at a gas station, but when such a need arises on the road, you cannot do without a car compressor. If desired, it can be replaced or supplemented with a hand pump. If they do not have built-in pressure gauges, you will have to buy a separate device.

What to buy

• Automobile compressor "Aggressor" AGR-30, 1 757 rubles →
• Two-piston compressor Nova Bright AK-85, 3 100 rubles →

7. Towing rope

Having a cable in the trunk, you can ask someone to tow the car to the nearest service and do without calling an expensive tow truck. And, of course, you can always help other motorists as well.

When choosing this useful accessory, pay attention to the maximum load and length: the larger it is, the easier the towing process will be. According to the rules, the length of the cable should be at least four meters, but it is better to take a six-meter cable.

What to buy

• Dynamic cable "Aggressor TRD-500", 1,317 rubles →
• Goodyear tape cable, 569 rubles →

8. Lighter wires

A set of wires for starting a car is a very necessary thing, especially in winter, when there is a risk of not starting the engine due to frost. With these crocodile clip wires, it's easy to light your car from more fortunate parking neighbors. Or help out those unlucky ones yourself.

If there were no wires at hand, and, as luck would have it, there are no passing cars, you can order a lighting service by calling a taxi. Usually such a service is available in all services.

9. Tool kit

Even for those who do not understand anything about repairs, it is advisable to carry with them a minimum set of tools that can always come in handy. A flat and Phillips screwdriver, pliers and a wrench will be enough to remove the terminals from the battery. More experienced drivers can opt for a versatile set with ratchets, sockets and wrenches.

What to buy

• A set of tools for the car Deko for 53 items, 1,598 rubles →
• A set of tools for the car "Whirlwind" for 83 items, 4 159 rubles →

10. Knife

At least a small folding knife should be in every car. It will come in handy in everyday life to cut food, open any package or parcel, and also help out in emergency situations. For example, in the event of an accident, it can be used to cut the seat belt.

What to buy

• Stinger folding knife, 800 rubles →
• Tesla KF-02 folding knife, 1 149 rubles →

11. Gloves

Regular work gloves will help keep you clean when changing a punctured wheel, checking the oil level, and doing other under-hood fiddling. Ideally, you should have several pairs in the cabin and in the trunk. They will definitely not be superfluous.

12. Napkins

It is convenient to use wet and dry wipes to keep the interior clean. The latter can be successfully replaced with kitchen paper towels or even toilet paper. There should also be microfiber napkins on hand, which are very convenient for wiping misted glass.

13. Water

You need to have a bottle (or even a couple) of regular still water in your car. In addition to quenching thirst, you can wash your hands with it, use it instead of a glass washer and for other needs.

14. Snacks

In the event of a car breakdown or on a long journey, a feeling of hunger can overtake. The easiest way to quench it is with energy bars, seeds, or raisins. In summer, it is better to replace chocolate bars with muesli, which will not melt in the heat.

15. Mug

A small mug or folding glass can help keep you warm on the go. You can also use disposable paper or plastic cups instead, which won't take up much space in the glove compartment.

What to buy

• Steel thermo mug with a lid, 520 rubles →
• Thermo mug Emsa Travel Mug, 1,490 rubles →
• Folding transformer mug with a lid, 828 rubles →

16. Cash

In the city, it is easy to pay for purchases and fuel with a card or smartphone, but far from civilization, you cannot do without cash. Always carry a small amount with you in case of emergencies that may happen on the road.

17. A bottle of vodka

Alcohol can come in handy in a wide variety of situations. First of all, it is a currency that is sometimes more valuable than money. Also, vodka can be used to defrost locks, remove ice, or instead of washer fluid.

Recommended set

This set of things will have to sacrifice some space in the trunk. Motorists who do not get out of the city may not need it. But for those who travel often and a lot, these items will simplify life and save nerves on the road.

18. Flashlight

During a breakdown at night, even a small flashlight will come in handy. Better to take the option with a forehead mount, which will free your hands. Choose models powered by conventional batteries and don't forget to take a few of them in reserve.

What to buy

• LED flashlight waterproof with AliExpress, from 299 rubles →
• Headlamp "Cosmos", 645 rubles →
• Manual flashlight "Profi" with two modes, 441 rubles →

19. Phone charger

In order not to be left without communication, it is good to have a car adapter in the glove compartment that connects to the cigarette lighter and allows you to charge your smartphone from the car's on-board network.

What to buy

• Car charger with three ports from AliExpress, from 239 rubles →
• Car charger Xiaomi Mi Car Charger Pro, 690 rubles →
• Car charger Ugreen 3 Port USB Car Charger, 650 rubles →

20. Set of fuses

Penny fuses take up almost no space, but they will be simply irreplaceable at the right time. With their help, you can restore the performance of certain partings and chains after a breakdown.

21. Spare lamps

A lamp blown out on the road can cause a lot of trouble. To prevent this from happening, experienced drivers always carry with them spare bulbs for headlights, dimensions and turn signals. Some manufacturers even produce ready-made sets of these consumables complete with fuses.

22. WD-40

There is no need to talk about the benefits of this wonderful remedy. In the car, the aerosol is doubly useful and will help out more than once both in everyday life and in emergency situations. It will help to unscrew stuck nuts, displace moisture from locks, lubricate door hinges and come in handy for dozens of other tasks.

What to buy

Automotive grease WD-40, from 249 rubles →

23. Scotch tape or duct tape

Just as "vadashka" helps in cases when what should not be spinning, so scotch tape helps out in situations when something that is not supposed to move is moving. You can also use duct tape instead.

24. Topping up liquids

Prudent drivers are not lazy to keep a small supply of engine oil, brake and coolant for refilling in the trunk. It also does not hurt to have washer fluid on hand.

25. Canister

On a long journey, a canister for gasoline will not be superfluous. If the fuel runs out at the most inopportune moment, it will need to be brought in something, and here a small canister of 5-10 liters will come in handy. In addition to it, it is good to have a funnel as well.

What to buy

• Steel canister for 10 liters, 1,090 rubles →
• Plastic canister 25 liters with a filler hose, 679 rubles →

26. Plaid

The blanket in the car seems superfluous until the moment you need it. With its help, you can warm up, cover the back seat so as not to stain it with the transported cargo, and also use it as a cushion by rolling it up with a roller.

27. Clothes

It is convenient to keep a jacket in the car regardless of the season. Wearing it, you can replace the wheel in bad weather, get less dirty during repairs and keep warm when it gets cold. In winter, in addition to your jacket, carry a hat and warm gloves with you.

28. Book

In case you have to while away the time on the road, it is good to have an interesting book on hand, and preferably two. They will help to brighten up a long wait and will not let you get bored.

29. Scraper

This mandatory attribute of the winter arsenal of a motorist will allow you to remove ice from the glass and start moving faster. Combined scrapers with a snow brush are more convenient to use. Although you can do with just a brush.

What to buy

• Small scraper Fiskars Solid, 300 rubles →
• Telescopic brush "Bars" with a scraper, 1 009 rubles →

30. Shovel

Anyone who at least once got stuck in snowdrifts in winter prudently carries a shovel in the trunk. It will help you get out of the snow, clear the road and simply dig out the car in the parking lot after night rainfall.

What to buy

• Folding sapper shovel Palisad, 827 rubles →
• Tourist shovel 4 in 1 with an ax, knife and saw, 1 999 rubles →