Essential things you should keep in your car

15 things you should keep in your car

There's nothing worse than your car breaking down, especially if you're stranded in the middle of nowhere. There are a number of essential things you can keep in your car to make the experience that little bit less stressful! So, I'll get straight to it and talk you through our top 15 essential things to keep in your car.

1. A warning triangle

At number one we have the reflective warning triangle, kindly modelled by PB's pug, Alfie! If you're ever in the unfortunate situation where your car breaks down, you should first of all try to get your car off the road. If you can't, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car on the same side of the road. Take care when doing this, and remember to never use a triangle on the motorway.

2. High visibility jacket

Keep a hi-viz jacket or vest in your car in case you break down. You'll be able to throw it on and keep safe as you place your warning triangle behind your car, or while you stand and wait at the roadside for a recovery truck. We know it's not the height of fashion, but it's always better to be safe than sorry!

3. Spare bulb kit 

I know we might go on a bit about the importance of having a fully functioning set of headlights, but it's a subject close to our hearts! Keep a spare bulb kit in your car and if a bulb fails you can swiftly replace it with a bulb from the kit. You'll find the bulbs in the kit are of the standard variety (not the high performers in the world of headlight bulbs), but as a temporary measure they will ensure you can see and be seen on the road at night.

4. Torch

A no brainer, really! Keep a torch in your car for night time roadside emergencies. Changing a tire in the dark would be nigh on impossible, after all.

5. Gloves

If you need to change a tyre, use gloves to protect your hands from dirt and grime. They're easy to store and often come in emergency travel kits, like the one we sell! Keep reading for more details...

6. Jump leads

We'd only recommend jump leads if you know what you're doing with them, as under the bonnet can be a dangerous place if you don't know your way around. They're handy to have anyway, as someone else may be able to assist you. 

7. First aid kit

A first aid kit can be easily stored in your car. You'll be prepared for any roadside emergencies.

8. Foil blanket

You may need a foil blanket to keep warm if you're ever involved in a roadside incident. Again, these often feature in emergency travel kits such as ours.

9. A spare tyre (in good condition)

You should always have a spare tyre in the boot of your car, but ensure the tyre you keep is in good nick. Also, ensure you have the correct tools to change the tyre and replace your spare with a new one.

10. Tyre repair kit

As a temporary measure, you can patch up a small puncture if you keep a tyre repair kit in your car. You'll need to get to a garage or repair shop as soon as possible.  

11. Tyre pressure gauge

Be sure to check tyre pressure on a regular basis. We recommend doing this about once a month.

12. Car repair information

Keep a business card for your car repair shop at hand. You never know when you might need it!

13. Maps (of the paper kind)

Don't just rely on the maps on your phone - a flat battery could put a stop to your plans. Instead, keep a map of the paper kind in your glove compartment. One which covers the area you are driving in goes without saying!

14. Your vehicle handbook

Your vehicle handbook or car manual hold all sorts of information that can come in handy at any time. Keep it in your car preferably. 

15. Winter supplies

In winter, make sure you keep an ice scraper and de-icer in your car as a minimum. Other useful things include a candle in a tin plus matches to keep you warm.  
 

Ring Emergency Travel Kit

The Ring Emergency Travel Kit has just landed at PowerBulbs and is full of essentials, many of which have featured in this post. We thought we'd take the time to fill you in on this must-have kit for your car. In the box you will find a compact carry bag (it's the perfect size to easily store in the boot of your car) and includes:

• 1 x Warning Triangle (ECE R27)
• 1 x High Visibility Jacket (EN471, CE)
• 1 x Universal Bulb Kit (E marked)
• 1 x Rubber Torch (CE)
• 1 x Pair of Cotton Gloves
• 1 x Set of Jump Leads
• 1 x First Aid Kit (CE)
• 1 x Foil Blanket

If you'd like to purchase the Ring Emergency Travel Kit and tick off several items from our list click here.