You never know when you might need it.
That's a mantra we should all try to remember––especially when we're out driving. Suppose you get into a minor accident. It might be a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand, just in case. Oh, and if you ever spill anything, it might be a good idea to keep paper towels––or just towels––on hand.
You'll thank yourself later.
People offered their recommendations after Redditor thelegend223 asked the online community,
"What's something you would recommend people start to keep in their cars?"
"Not only helpful..."
"Jumper cables. Not only helpful if you need them, but it's nice to help others out. I've never used them for myself but at least a dozen times helping others."
A friend of mine always has jumper cables on hand and has even helped out some of my neighbors! It's awesome.
"Besides..."
"Besides the obvious safety stuff, a roll of paper towels is way more convenient than you could possibly imagine."
"Tried to refill..."
"Taco Bell napkins. Checking the oil? Blowing your nose? Tried to refill your vape in traffic? Always napkins."
You will never regret having napkins on hand. They are a lifesaver.
"Last thing I'd want..."
"In addition to a lot of the stuff posted here, I keep a pair of old boots. The last thing I'd want is to deal with a breakdown etc. and have on flip flops or dress shoes or something."
"If you see a car..."
"Bottled water, blankets, and sweets.
My father-in-law told me this. If you see a car which has broken down on the motorway then those poor people have to vacate the vehicle for their own safety and stand at the roadside. If it's a family and they're waiting for their recovery they'll appreciate the blankets to keep warm and dry, the water because water is nice, and the sweets to cheer the kids up.
Pull over and give them that and it will make their bad situation a little bit better."
This is so wholesome. Anything to help out your fellow man is very much appreciated!
"I wouldn't have been able..."
"Fire extinguisher. I've put out a car fire with one. Not my vehicle, but still. I wouldn't have been able to help had I not had it."
Definitely keep a fire extinguisher on hand. You never know when you might need it for your car. Things happen!
"Cash."
"Cash. I once made the intelligent move of leaving for a road trip alone without my wallet. I'd stopped a few hours from home to gas up when I realized. Had enough cash stashed for gas to get me back home."
Cash, definitely. And keep it out of sight, of course. You don't want anyone breaking into your car.
"You put everything..."
"An emergency "can't get home" bag. You put everything in it you'd need if you were told to go to a hotel for 24 hours taking only what you had on you and in your car. Soap, clothes, an extra $100, toothbrush, food/water, phone charger/wall wart, etc. It comes in handy for a lot of things, just remember to rotate out the food and water if you decide to put some snacks and bottles of water in there."
"If you're in a relationship..."
"If you're in a relationship with a woman or have daughters or anything, a stash of feminine hygiene products as well. It'll come in handy eventually."
"To this day..."
"I visited Israel a few times and their requirement is to have a reflective vest and either a reflective triangle or those spark lights within arms reach for the driver. Thought it was not a bad rule, put a vest/triangle combo in the back of the seat.
To this day, I've given out seven sets like that too broken down cars on the roads. While I have no way of helping them fix the car, at least I help them set up the triangle for safety. None have ever refused to wear a vest when offered. So I just buy a new set after for myself or the next person."
We realize you're going to practically use up all of your trunk space with all this stuff, but trust us: You'll be so thankful later.
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us in the comments below!
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