Must-haves for your car on long journeys

Must-haves for your car on long journeys

With the weather warming, we started to make long journey plans by car for both weekends and annual leave. The first thing before the journey, of course, to maintain the car. Under unexpected circumstances, we may need materials that never come to our minds. So, how about remembering all the tools that should be in the car?

Jumper cable
Jumper cable can be life-saving.
Jumper cable can be life-saving.

Its presence in the car is a must. Even if your battery is full, it may cause a surprise breakdown, or it may end in an instant when you leave the headlights on while the car is not running.

Spare tire, jack and tire repair kit 

Always have a spare tire in your car.
Always have a spare tire in your car.

Of course, spare tires should be available not only for long trips but also for urban trips. The roads you travel on long journeys may not always be smooth, which can cause your tire to blow out or be damaged. If you do not have the opportunity to call roadside assistance or have time to wait, you may need a jack and repair kit to replace the tires. Don't say that I can't change it myself, there are many more helpful drivers on the roads than you think.

Reflector

According to traffic rules, it is absolutely necessary to have a reflector in the vehicles. If you experience any breakdowns in your car, you may not be able to find a suitable parking space. You can pull the safety lane close to the right or even worse you have to stop in the middle of the road. In such cases (especially at night), you and other drivers need to put reflectors at least 150 meters away from the car for safety.

Flashlight

You may need lighting in case of an emergency during the journey.
You may need lighting in case of an emergency during the journey.

If you experience a problem with your vehicle, you may need to stop and check the engine or a different section. A small flashlight will help you if the lighting on the roads is not enough. You can also use it as a means of signaling other vehicles to ask for help when you are on the road.

Fire extinguisher

Do not forget to have a fire extinguisher in your car.
Do not forget to have a fire extinguisher in your car.

Although it is an uncommon occurrence, your vehicle may suddenly catch fire for any reason during the journey. In such cases, you will need a fire extinguisher to make the first response. You can also help another driver during the journey, even if it is not for yourself.

First-aid kit

In case of emergency, the first aid kit can save lives.
In case of emergency, the first aid kit can save lives.

Again, according to traffic rules, one of the must-haves is first aid kit. In the event of an emergency, you may need to apply the necessary interventions for yourself or for others. Inside the case is a box of gauze, two large bandages, three triangular bandages, one artificial respirator, one pack of hydrophilic cotton, one patch, 10 safety pins, scissors, 10 wound dressings, two pairs of medical gloves, a tourniquet, an elastic bandage, an aluminum burn cover, pen, flashlight, notepad, whistle, tweezers, material list and first aid manual.

Towline

Let's say you're on the road and you don't get to the places you need for roadside assistance. In this case, if you need to get support from other drivers, your priority will be a towline. The driver may also be present in the vehicle to help you, but do not take any chances.

A few more materials to make your journey easier

Although it doesn't sound essential, the presence of some materials makes your job easier. This is one of the few pieces of cloth you can use to check the engine oil and wipe the misted glass from the inside. Likewise, spare glass water, a current map to be activated in case of malfunction / failure of the phone, garbage bag, tissue and wet wipes with materials to make your journey easier.

A small reminder for winter trips

Make sure you have a snow chain in your vehicle.
Make sure you have a snow chain in your vehicle.

In winter, remember to keep all of the above materials, as well as chain / plastic clamp (even if you have winter tires), antifreeze glass water, snow shovel, wheel-warmers to prevent slipping, gloves and blankets, snacks and drinking water.