There are many situations drivers face every day from getting a flat tire, dead battery, overheating, running out of fuel, etc. In this article I will go over 4 simple tools to always have in your vehicle for whenever a problem arises.
Jumper Cables
This one is probably obvious, but in all seriousness 3 out of 5 people you find on the road do not carry this very important tool. Jumper cables gives you, the driver, peace of mind especially if you know your battery is on the weaker side.
Using jumpers cables is a simple process that includes connecting a black negative(your car) to a black negative(other car) and then red positive (your car) and red positive( other car) . After this you let the battery charge for 5 -10 minutes and then attempt to start the dead car. Here is a “basic jumper cable kit I recommend from amazon.
Small Air Compressor
A small air compressor is a tool that you can plug into your 12v DC outlet or cigarette lighter and use to top off your tires and in extreme conditions you can fill a tire from completely flat.
When seasons change, hot or cold your tire pressure fluctuates. This means if you wake up and your tire is less than what is normally and its below 40 degrees out then you need to add air.
“This 12 volt air compressor is simple for all users to use and understand. The gauges are digital and it comes with multiple attachments and even a bag to keep together in your car.
Small gas can
You do not need a big 5 gallon can that takes up half your trunk. This is simply to help you get out of a situation and help you get to a gas station to fill your tank. This is one of those things that you don’t know you need till you run out of fuel, but luckily you are reading this so you can be prepared! Another note, if all you have is a gallon jug or water bottle(s), please do not use these for this. Gasoline can be a very volatile fluid and become even more dangerous if it not in its proper container.
A simple 2 gallon gas can like the one above is all you need. I recommend not filling it with fuel until you need it. You can check out this gas can “here.
Fire extinguisher
Having a small fire extinguisher can be the difference between fixing a small issue or claiming a total loss on your vehicle. From my personal experience, I have had the wiring on an electric fan short and start a small fire. I used a small fire extinguisher to put the fire out and fixed the minor damage caused by the short. This situation could have been a lot worse if I had nothing to put the fire out.
Knowing that you have this added level of protection is very effective and cheap insurance policy to always carry with you.
You can check out an automotive fire extinguisher “here.
To end things..
There are many tools and products on the market to help everyday drivers get out of hairy situations, but these 4 items are the basic essentials to keep in your trunk or anywhere out of the way. I personally keep these items where my spare tire is kept, As a driver you must be proactive and take measures to ensure you can always keep you and your passengers safe, while also keeping in mind that your vehicle is a huge financial investment and protecting/ maintaining it will save you money and headache in the long run.
