Even if you only drive your car every so often, there are still a number of useful items that you should have on hand at all times.
We’re not just talking about the various tools and equipment that you need for emergencies. We’re also talking about accessories that enhance your comfort and make the driving experience more enjoyable.
Here are three useful items to keep in your vehicle.
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1. Vehicle manual
Your car dealer or the previous car owner should have given you a booklet when you purchase your vehicle. This is the vehicle manual and it details everything you need to know about your car.
Inside the manual, you can learn what every button does inside your car, how to change the fluids, the correct tire pressure, and more.
You might never have taken a look inside your handbook but it’s useful to keep in your vehicle for emergencies. Keep it in your glove box, ready to grab if you run into trouble.
For example, if your tire pressure warning light appears on your dashboard in the middle of a long journey, you can check the manual to identify what the pressure should be. You can then use a tire inflator to return your tires to the required pressure.
2. Jump leads
You can never predict when your car battery is going to stop working. If it decides to break while you’re away from home (such as if you’re at work), having a set of jump leads is going to be a lifesaver. If you don’t have jump leads, you might end up hitching a ride home with your friend or using rail travel.
Jump leads attach your vehicle’s battery to the battery of another vehicle to supply enough energy to get it up and running once again. To use jump leads, you will need to flag down another driver on the roads or ask one of your work colleagues to help you out.
You can easily keep a pair of jump leads in your trunk to save you in emergencies. They’re lightweight and only cost around $15 to $20 to buy brand-new.
3. Tire Pressure Gauge
Over time, your tires can start to deflate, especially if you drive a lot. Potholes and poor driving technique can increase wear and tear on your tires.
Tire deflation is a natural process and it’s nothing to be concerned about unless you notice that your tire is completely flat. Usually, flat tires result from punctured and this should be resolved as quickly as possible.
Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle so you can check your tire inflation levels at any location. If you suspect that one of your tires has deflated, your gauge will help you to identify which one is the culprit.