We spend a lot of time driving. Every year, Americans spend an average of 300 hours in their cars (that’s more than twelve days!). It’s safe to say that your car is your home away from home. Storing a few useful items in your vehicle is the simplest way to ensure you’re prepared for any situation without having to lug around a bunch of things in your bag or purse. Each season brings different needs for yourself and your car.
Driving in Spring means driving with less visibility due to rains, which may lead to personal injuries. We’ve compiled a handy list of what to keep in a car for spring. Read on to check whether your car is prepared.
List of What to Keep in a Car for Spring
- An umbrella: When most people think of spring, they think of flowers and rain. A sudden storm should not catch you off guard! Prepare ahead of time by keeping an umbrella in your car.
- Air freshener: While fresh air is always welcome, it is especially so during the rainy season. With all those muddy feet going in and out of your car, it’s bound to smell a little off.
- Moist towelettes: These are always useful in your car essentials kit, but they are especially useful when everything (and everyone) is muddy from rain.
- Tissues: Springtime also means tissues- a lot of them!
- Allergy medication: You should never underestimate the power of pollen. Don’t get caught in the midst of things with a running nose.
- A spare pair of sunglasses: Rejoice! Winter has come to an end! This means that the sun will be out for longer, and having an extra pair of sunglasses in the car may help protect your eyes from the extra rays of sunlight.
- First aid kit: Bandages, scissors, sterile gauze pads, latex gloves, antiseptic wipes, and adhesive tape should be included in a first-aid kit.
- Food and comfort: Pack a blanket or two, some bottled water, and some energy bars.
- Communication: Keep a battery-powered radio, paper maps, and a USB mobile device charger. Keep the contact details of police, paramedics, insurance companies, and car accident lawyers with you.
- Spare tire: This should already be in the trunk!
- Tire sealant: A sealant will help you patch a hole in your tire long enough to get to a nearby phone booth, hotel, or mechanic without having to replace the tire entirely.
- Tire pressure gauge: Checking tire pressure on a routine basis is a good habit that will help you know when to replace the tire.
- Reflectors: Keeping reflectors behind your vehicle is a warning signal for other drivers while also providing a buffer between your vehicle and nearby traffic.
- Flashlight (with extra batteries): In an emergency, a little light can go a long way. Just in case, bring extra batteries.
- Jumper cables: With a pair of jumper cables in the trunk and a helpful neighbor, a dead battery can be easily dealt with.
The Compulsory Kit
Some items should be in your car essentials kit all year. Always keep the following items on hand: registration, a driver’s manual, proof of insurance, a car jack, and a spare tire. It is ideal to have a few quarters on hand. You never know when you might be required to pay for metered parking. Now that you know what to keep in a car for spring, prepare your car, welcome the spring season and drive safely!