Hello!

42 Comments

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.

Image by Shutterstock
We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • cheers Lara. this is great tips

    Reply

  • i love the cargo net idea!

    Reply

  • Thanks for sharing this interesting article; some good tips.

    Reply

  • Very good tips for safe travelling. Thank you.

    Reply

  • 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’?

    Reply

  • I’ve found that spare change is a bit of a thing of the past. Most pay stations take cards nowadays!

    Reply

  • I have most of those things, but not a cargo net. Some more food and bottled water would be handy.

    Reply

  • A first aid kit and fire extinguisher is also handy to have in the car.

    Reply

  • Thank you for sharing a good read

    Reply

  • Hmm aside from the spare tyre I don’t think we have any of these

    Reply

  • Great tips and advice, an emergency kit is a must have.

    Reply

  • Woo hoo I have all of these in my car!

    Reply

  • Not sure about number 3 but the others all grace my car boot now

    Reply

  • 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!

    Reply

  • I’m not sure about number 3, but the others are good suggestions.

    Reply

Post a comment
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your comment and join MoM:

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join