24 Accessories And Gear You Should Always Have In Your Car No Matter What
There are certain accessories and gear we should always have in our cars no matter what. These gear and accessories are going to save you a lot of troubles and headache in case the unexpected happens.
Most of us spend a lot of time in our cars and on the road, either driving to work, going on a road trip, running errands or even just going on a drive to clear our head. It’s for most of us, our major means of transport and commute.
Some of us even live in our cars, we camp in it. It’s like our second home. We spend a lot of time in it.
And because we spend a lot of time in this metal box/carriage that we take on the road regularly, we need to make sure it’s in very good condition and have all the necessary gear and accessories, to make us not only comfortable in it, but most importantly safe in it, and prepared for whatever emergency that the road may throw at us.
It’s very easy to forget that the road is not our friend and anything can happen at any time. From a flat tire, dead battery, bad weather, to having your car stuck in a ditch. Anything can happen.
In this article, I’m going to recommend 24 accessories and gear you should always have in your car, no matter what.
Having these gear and accessories will help you turn an unexpected or unforeseen challenge you may have on the road into a manageable situation.
From emergency preparedness to daily convenience, here’s a comprehensive list of all the essentials you should always carry with you in your car as a driver or car owner.
Table of Contents
Jumper Cables or Portable Jump Starter
A dead battery can leave you stranded anywhere. Maybe you or someone else unknowingly leave your car lights on while the car is turned off. That can drain your car batteries and get you stranded.
You can always use jumper cables to jumpstart your car and get it fired up again if there’s another car around. However, if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with no other car around, jumper cables will do you no good.
What you need in that situation is a portable jump starter. This is one of the most important car accessory you should have in your car. Nobody expects that their batteries will ever go dead, but it happens, and having a portable jump starter will save you from any headaches that may cause.
If you’re someone that likes camping in the middle of nowhere by yourself or with your family, this is a must have car accessory.
Tire Repair Kit or Plug Kit
You never know when you run over a sharp object on the road or on the trail, like a nail or iron spike that then punctures your tire. And that can easily ruin your day, especially if you don’t have a spare car tire.
A tire repair kit lets you patch small punctures and drive to the nearest service station without waiting for roadside assistance.
Portable Tire Inflator or Air Compressor
Low tire pressure isn’t just inconvenient—it’s unsafe. A portable inflator ensures your tires are properly inflated anytime, anywhere.
First Aid Kit
Nobody can foresee it, but the truth is accidents happen all the time, and a well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver. It’s essential to have bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies to treat and manage minor injuries on the spot until help arrives.
Multitool or Swiss Army Knife
These compact tools come in handy for a wide range of situations, from cutting seatbelts to tightening screws.
Flashlight (with Extra Batteries)
A reliable flashlight is crucial for night-time emergencies, whether you’re changing a tire or flagging down help.
Reflective Safety Vest and Road Flares or LED Beacons
Visibility is critical if you’re stuck on a dark road. These tools keep you safe and visible to other drivers.
Tow Strap or Recovery Rope
If your car gets stuck in mud, sand, or snow, a tow strap can help you get pulled out by another vehicle.
Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter
These tools are designed for emergencies where you need to quickly escape your vehicle, such as during a flood or fire.
Fire Extinguisher
A car fire is rare but not impossible. Keep a compact, automotive-rated fire extinguisher for peace of mind.
Basic Tool Kit
A small kit with screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches can help with minor repairs and adjustments.
Car Jack and Lug Wrench
These are non-negotiable for changing a flat tire. Make sure the lug wrench fits your car’s lug nuts.
Spare Tire
This is a must-have for every car. You never know when any of your tires will go flat. A sharp object may puncture your car tire in the middle of nowhere, and having a spare will save you the headache.
Whether you have a tire repair kit or not, having a spare is still very important.
Duct Tape
The ultimate temporary fix for leaks, cracks, and loose parts, duct tape is a roadside hero.
Gloves and Rags
Protect your hands during repairs and clean up messes without ruining your clothes.
Phone Charger and Mount
A dead phone battery is inconvenient, and unsafe if you rely on GPS. A sturdy mount keeps navigation in your line of sight.
Dash Cam
Dash cams provide evidence in case of accidents and can capture scenic drives or unexpected moments.
Portable Power Bank
A portable charger ensures your devices stay powered during long trips or emergencies.
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
For those in cold climates, these tools are non-negotiable for clearing ice and snow from your windshield.
Traction Mats
If you live in place where there’s snow or a little bit of mud, you never know when your car is going to get stuck. Having a traction mat in your car can mean the difference between getting out of there immediately or spending hours trying to get unstuck or waiting for a tow truck.
Coolant and Windshield Washer Fluid
Long trips or extreme weather can deplete these fluids, so it’s wise to carry spares.
Extra Water and Snacks
These can be lifesavers during long trips or emergencies, especially in remote areas.
Owner’s Manual
Your car’s manual is an often-overlooked resource for troubleshooting and understanding your vehicle’s features.
Registration, Insurance, and Emergency Contact Info
Keep these documents in a secure, accessible spot in case of an accident or traffic stop.
Rounding up
It’s very easy to overlook carrying these accessories and gear with you in your car thinking your car will never break down, but trust me, as a car owner, even new cars break down, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere.
And that means you have to take care of things by yourself for the time being. You need to find a way to get your car running and on the road again, and get it to where a service station where it can be fixed properly.
The car tools and accessories above will ensure you’re able to do this. If you think I missed any essential accessory or gear one should always have in their car by all means, please let me know in the comments.
Now take a moment, and go check your car right now, whether you’re missing any one of these accessories.
