Things Every Car Owner Must Have in Their Car

This may come as a surprise, but we spend a significant amount of time in our cars, travelling from one place to another. Sometimes they become second homes, stuffed with things from our homes that we simply cannot live without.

For drivers in the city, most of the essentials are never too far away to purchase. However, while driving in the outskirts or travelling to new and unfamiliar places, there are a few essential things you would need to carry in your car at all times.

This list of car essentials will keep your car running and help you deal with unforeseen situations on the road.

Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Spare Tyre - Ideally, one would never travel without a spare tyre. A tyre can burst at any moment for a number of reasons, and you may not always find a mechanic at the same time.
Tyre Jack - This will help you lift your car to give you enough space to switch the tyre with a spare.
Tyre Pump and Sealant - At times, the tyre need not be replaced entirely, especially in cases of a minor puncture. You can use some sealant and inject air into the tyre, allowing you to drive to your destination.
Tyre Pressure Gauge - One way to spot a slow leak is to check your tyre pressure regularly. This tool comes in handy to check exactly how much air needs to be filled. Routinely checking your tyre pressure improves handling, increases the lifespan of your tyres, and could increase your car’s mileage.
Industrial/Duct Tape - Whether you are sealing a leaky pipe or leaky water bottle in your car, this is an absolute must-have for your car.
Jumper Cables with Emergency Battery Booster - When your car battery runs out on you on a lonely, dark road, waiting for your mechanic to show up may not be the ideal solution. Jumper Cables gives your car the boost it needs to get it going once again.
Reflective Triangle - While you’re fixing your car during a breakdown, it is wise to place your Reflective Triangle behind the car to alert vehicles on the road of your presence and avoid unnecessary harm.
Fire Extinguisher - If you ever face a situation where your car or something around you is on fire, a fire extinguisher is perfect for subduing the fire, reducing further harm quickly.

Documents to Keep in Your Car

Car Owner’s Manual - The owner’s manual will give you vital information about your car, such as fuel, PSI levels, tyres and more. It comes with your car, and you can leave it in your glove compartment or anywhere within your hand’s reach.
Driver’s Licence, Registration, and Insurance - In the event of an accident or if you get pulled over, the first thing authorities will ask you for is your documentation; this includes your valid Driver’s Licence, Car Registration and Insurance.
Car Maintenance Reports - This information is helpful for your mechanic and for you to keep track of all your repairs and maintenance work done for your car.
Pollution Under Control Certificate - PUC, commonly known as the Emission Certificate, is a test conducted regularly to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on Indian roads and does not contribute to rising pollution levels. Not having a valid PUC Certificate can lead to penalization by local authorities.
Emergency Contact Information - In case of an emergency or if your phone dies, it always helps to have all your important contact information listed in a phonebook or a notebook.
Road Maps - This might seem silly to a few in this day and age of modern technology; however, when your network connection fails you when you’re travelling, you can thank your lucky stars for stashing a printed road map in your glove compartment.

Safety and Comfort Accessories

First Aid Kit - Whether you drive only within city limits or you are an avid traveller, storing a first aid kit in your car will be beneficial in case you run into an emergency. You may not always find yourself close to a qualified doctor, and it helps to have an emergency kit for cuts and scrapes, especially if you have babies or toddlers. Carry Band-Aids, ointments, gauze pads, cotton, scissors, gloves, disinfectant wipes, antiseptic cream, and any other important medication you may need.
Flashlight - In case you find yourself stranded in your car that won’t start in the night, a flashlight and spare batteries will come in handy to gather your belongings and figure a way out of the situation.
Windshield Wiper Fluid - In cold cities, Windshield Wiper Fluid is your solution to making sure the road is visible and preventing potential hazards caused by winter splash-back.
Windshield Sunshade - This particular accessory comes in handy on hot days when your car is parked outside for several hours. It keeps the inside of your car cool and prevents you from burning your hands on the steering wheel when you come back to your car.
Multi-tool - One of the most useful accessories out there is the multi-tool, equipped with a screwdriver, knife and more. You never know what you might need when and it helps to keep a multi-purpose tool in your car to help you out of tricky situations.
Cleaning Supplies - You may think that you do not require cleaning supplies in your car; however, you could find yourself in messy situations, especially when you store food in the car or if you have pets or toddlers. Keep basic cleaning supplies in the trunk of your car, such as reusable bags, paper towels, trash can, cleaning solutions, helping you get out of messy situations quickly.

Essentials for Parents of Babies and Toddlers

It is common for parents to carry a diaper bag dedicated to storing all the essentials for their offspring; however, it helps to stash a few extra essentials in your car in case you run out or forget the diaper bag.

Child Car Seat - This accessory is important for your car because it ensures your little one’s safety at all times. Purchase car seats that fit securely in your car and ensure it is buckled in correctly each time you drive your child around.
Diapers and Wipes - These essentials you cannot go without and come in handy when you run out on a long drive or lose your diaper bag.
Disposable Diaper Bags - These come in handy when you want to get rid of fragrant surprises during your long drive.

Personal Items to Keep In Your Car

Your car is your second home on wheels, and it isn’t surprising that you may find many items from your house end up in your car. Here are a few personal things that you may need in your car:

Water - Keeping yourself hydrated is essential, and one should always carry a bottle of water with them to prevent dehydration.
Face Mask - Given the growing global health crisis, it is always ideal to keep a few face masks in your glove compartment in case you find yourself without one.
Snacks - Stashing packaged food with a long shelf life, like protein bars or chocolate, can help you when your stomach grumbles on your way to your destination.
Mobile Charger - Most cars have a USB port to charge your electronic devices while you’re on the move. Keeping your charger in your car helps you charge your phone while on the move.
Warm Jacket/Rain Coat - You may run out of the house in a hurry only to realise you have forgotten your jacket. Leaving a warm jacket in the trunk of your car can come in handy on a particularly cold day.
Cash - Storing a few hundred rupees in your glove box can help you at the gas station or grocery store when you forget your wallet.

Whether you’re travelling within city limits or driving down to your grandparents' house, stocking your car with the essentials can save you time and money when the situation arises. Make sure to carry the emergency kit and documents in your car at all times; you don’t want to be pulled over by the police only to realise you don’t have your licence.

Drive responsibly and mindfully!

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Things Every Car Owner Must Have in Their Car

Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Spare Tyre - Ideally, one would never travel without a spare tyre. A tyre can burst at any moment for a number of reasons, and you may not always find a mechanic at the same time.

Tyre Jack - This will help you lift your car to give you enough space to switch the tyre with a spare.

Tyre Pump and Sealant - At times, the tyre need not be replaced entirely, especially in cases of a minor puncture. You can use some sealant and inject air into the tyre, allowing you to drive to your destination.

Industrial/Duct Tape - Whether you are sealing a leaky pipe or leaky water bottle in your car, this is an absolute must-have for your car.

Jumper Cables with Emergency Battery Booster - When your car battery runs out on you on a lonely, dark road, waiting for your mechanic to show up may not be the ideal solution. Jumper Cables gives your car the boost it needs to get it going once again.

Reflective Triangle - While you’re fixing your car during a breakdown, it is wise to place your Reflective Triangle behind the car to alert vehicles on the road of your presence and avoid unnecessary harm.

Fire Extinguisher - If you ever face a situation where your car or something around you is on fire, a fire extinguisher is perfect for subduing the fire, reducing further harm quickly.

Documents to Keep in Your Car

Car Owner’s Manual - The owner’s manual will give you vital information about your car, such as fuel, PSI levels, tyres and more. It comes with your car, and you can leave it in your glove compartment or anywhere within your hand’s reach.

Driver’s Licence, Registration, and Insurance - In the event of an accident or if you get pulled over, the first thing authorities will ask you for is your documentation; this includes your valid Driver’s Licence, Car Registration and Insurance.

Car Maintenance Reports - This information is helpful for your mechanic and for you to keep track of all your repairs and maintenance work done for your car.

Emergency Contact Information - In case of an emergency or if your phone dies, it always helps to have all your important contact information listed in a phonebook or a notebook.

Road Maps - This might seem silly to a few in this day and age of modern technology; however, when your network connection fails you when you’re travelling, you can thank your lucky stars for stashing a printed road map in your glove compartment.

Safety and Comfort Accessories

Flashlight - In case you find yourself stranded in your car that won’t start in the night, a flashlight and spare batteries will come in handy to gather your belongings and figure a way out of the situation.

Windshield Wiper Fluid - In cold cities, Windshield Wiper Fluid is your solution to making sure the road is visible and preventing potential hazards caused by winter splash-back.

Windshield Sunshade - This particular accessory comes in handy on hot days when your car is parked outside for several hours. It keeps the inside of your car cool and prevents you from burning your hands on the steering wheel when you come back to your car.

Multi-tool - One of the most useful accessories out there is the multi-tool, equipped with a screwdriver, knife and more. You never know what you might need when and it helps to keep a multi-purpose tool in your car to help you out of tricky situations.

Essentials for Parents of Babies and Toddlers

Child Car Seat - This accessory is important for your car because it ensures your little one’s safety at all times. Purchase car seats that fit securely in your car and ensure it is buckled in correctly each time you drive your child around.

Diapers and Wipes - These essentials you cannot go without and come in handy when you run out on a long drive or lose your diaper bag.

Disposable Diaper Bags - These come in handy when you want to get rid of fragrant surprises during your long drive.

Personal Items to Keep In Your Car

Water - Keeping yourself hydrated is essential, and one should always carry a bottle of water with them to prevent dehydration.

Face Mask - Given the growing global health crisis, it is always ideal to keep a few face masks in your glove compartment in case you find yourself without one.

Snacks - Stashing packaged food with a long shelf life, like protein bars or chocolate, can help you when your stomach grumbles on your way to your destination.

Mobile Charger - Most cars have a USB port to charge your electronic devices while you’re on the move. Keeping your charger in your car helps you charge your phone while on the move.

Warm Jacket/Rain Coat - You may run out of the house in a hurry only to realise you have forgotten your jacket. Leaving a warm jacket in the trunk of your car can come in handy on a particularly cold day.

Cash - Storing a few hundred rupees in your glove box can help you at the gas station or grocery store when you forget your wallet.