The essentials every driver needs for their car

We all have own individual quirks when it comes to driving, but there are some things that are essential to have with you in the car no matter who you are.

Here are my top essentials that every driver needs for their car:

1. Spare Change

Spare change might not seem all that important but there are a few situations when carrying a bit of loose cash in your car can pay dividends.

If you’re in a rush to find a parking space, for instance, but only pay and display spots are available, spare change could save you from having to drive out of your way for another space.

Spare change can really help you out on the motorway too, where you might come across an unexpected toll booth.

2. Spare Tyre and Jack

Few things in life can derail a car journey quite like a puncture. However, even worse than a flat tyre is a flat tyre when you’re not carrying a spare wheel and jack, which can leave you stranded for hours and at the mercy of repair companies.

Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly common scenario, with many modern manufacturers no longer providing a complimentary spare wheel.

At least if you’ve got your spare and the right tools you’ll be able to patch your car up in your own time before getting on your way. A tyre pressure monitor is also a good idea to let you know if you’re spare is carrying enough air.

3. In car Smartphone Integrator

Australia is second only to Singapore with regards to smartphone penetration, with more than one in three mobile phone users in the country equipped with such a device according to this blog. This makes an in car smartphone integrator absolutely essential.

When installed, a smartphone basically turns an everyday vehicle into Knight Rider. The phone can be used to remotely control various functions of the car, such as the stereo, as well as allowing you to send messages and make calls hands free.

4. Emergency Kit

Thinking about the worst case scenario isn’t always the most pleasant frame of mind to be in; however, it is nonetheless vital that you make the necessary provisions. Planning for a worst case scenario with your car means carrying an emergency kit at all times.

The kit should contain all the things you might need if you get into a spot of bother. This includes things such as bottled water, blankets, a mobile phone (fully charged but switched off) maps and high energy snacks. With luck, you’ll never need to use the kit, but it’s essential just in case.

5. Cargo Net

A cargo net is perhaps not the most high tech bit of kit that you can have in a car, but it could prove to be one of the most useful. The net is stretchy and very adaptable, and can be used to secure any number of items in place, from handbags to tennis rackets to rugby balls. The nets are also really easy to attach to the seats inside the car using hooks.

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42 Comments

- - mom94125 said
  - 18 Oct 2015
    5:45 pm
cheers Lara. this is great tips

- - K13 said
  - 01 Mar 2015
    10:01 pm
i love the cargo net idea!

- - mom93821 said
  - 12 Jan 2015
    7:49 pm
Thanks for sharing this interesting article; some good tips.

- - matildaspice said
  - 10 Jan 2015
    10:25 pm
Very good tips for safe travelling. Thank you.

- - Jack said
  - 09 Jan 2015
    2:37 pm
Don’t keep water in the car for a long period of time. I don’t think it’s safe to drink that.

Cargo net is a great idea. I will probably look into that right away.

What is “Smartphone Integrator’?

- - christial said
  - 29 Nov 2014
    9:46 am
I’ve found that spare change is a bit of a thing of the past. Most pay stations take cards nowadays!

- - Mummy1214 said
  - 31 Oct 2014
    9:48 pm
I have most of those things, but not a cargo net. Some more food and bottled water would be handy.

- - rachaelchara said
  - 11 Oct 2014
    3:13 pm
A first aid kit and fire extinguisher is also handy to have in the car.

- - shortaez said
  - 17 Sep 2014
    2:10 pm
Thank you for sharing a good read

- - kazh said
  - 25 Aug 2014
    3:54 pm
Hmm aside from the spare tyre I don’t think we have any of these

- - ginoula5 said
  - 13 Aug 2014
    12:59 pm
Great tips and advice, an emergency kit is a must have.

- - fizgig said
  - 05 Aug 2014
    9:42 pm
Woo hoo I have all of these in my car!

- - pakeko said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    8:44 pm
Not sure about number 3 but the others all grace my car boot now

- - jenniw said
  - 29 Jul 2014
    2:57 pm
A cargo net.. that is something I would never think to keep at home let alone in the car yet how useful it can be. Thanks!

- - BellaB said
  - 26 Jul 2014
    5:46 pm
I’m not sure about number 3, but the others are good suggestions.

- - mdzzy said
  - 24 Jul 2014
    11:54 pm
Good tips! I like number 5 never would of thought of that

- - skbou said
  - 15 Jul 2014
    5:38 pm
Jack…. after my cousin borrowing my car, then lending my jack, I was less than impressed when I had my very first flat :(. On another note, I always carry water…. it has helped in any number of minor (and a major) emergencies.

- - mom70624 said
  - 15 Jul 2014
    1:37 pm
I always carry some plastic bags and some hand towels in the car. Plastic bags, as you never know when you are going to have to bring home something wet, or the kids shoes get muddy…
And the hand towels are great for a multitude of purposes….wiping faces, wiping insides of windscreens or windows, mopping up spillages, protecting your hands if you need to undo the radiator cap….etc.
- june11 replied
  
  11 Aug 2014 , 9:57 pm
  Always allow time for the fluid in the radiator to get cold or it may not only be your hands that need protection. Protect your arms as well. Most radiators have coolant in them which contains an oily substance. If you need to add fluid and don’t have any coolant in the boot, use water but remember to have it flushed and refilled asap. Water causes corrosion in your radiator and other parts of the cooling system. I wasn’t aware that you could use a cargo barrier in the rear of a sedan.
- - june11 said
  - 14 Jul 2014
    2:25 pm
Always carry water in your car handy for drinking, AND a reasonable size container in your boot.. You can use the extra for drinking OR if you have a problem with the cooling system of your car, you MUST wait for it to cool down before you touch the lid and if it is at low level you can add water, making sure that you tighten the lid when putting it back on. If you don’t put it back on tight enough you can also lose fluid that way (from my experience). You can get your cooling system flushed and the coolant replaced asap afterwards. If travelling long distances or in areas where assistance is not readily available it is also advisable to carry other things such as oil, brake fluid, some spare parts for minor repairs (eg. fan belts and radiator hoses) and a basic tool kit even if it is only screwdrivers (including a philips head one) and a small adjustable wrench.

- - june11 said
  - 14 Jul 2014
    1:59 pm
Why is it that so many sites use “illegal” photos???. Unless the vehicle is stationary and actually parked it is illegal to have any part of you protuding out of the window of your vehicle