Driving Tips: 13 Items to Always Keep in Your Car

It's safe to say that the majority of drivers have probably experienced at least one of the following: a flat tire, a dead battery, a dry radiator, or locking the car key securely inside the car. Countless drivers have dealt with these and similar situations. Those drivers are me and you, right? When we're dealing with one of these problems alone on a dark road, our frustration is worsened because we realize that if we had certain items with us in the car, the problem would likely be much easier to resolve. Being prepared for such roadside tribulations will make them easier to deal with.

Here are some essential items to keep in your car

Spare Car Key - Having a spare key available will always solve the problem of locking your key in the car. You'll actually have to keep the spare key outside the car, but accessible. You can keep a spare key in your wallet or purse, but if you lock those in the car as well, then you're out of luck (and just how bright are you for locking two keys in the car?). The best thing is to buy a spare key holder and place it on your car according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

Flashlight (with working batteries!) - I once read a funny definition for a flashlight…A carrying case for dead batteries. It's great to have a flashlight in the car when you need one, but make sure the batteries are good. Be sure to check the light regularly. You may also want to keep fresh batteries in the car…just in case. I actually keep two flashlights in my car - a small one in the glove box and a larger one in the trunk.

Jumper Cables - There's no worse feeling than to be in a hurry, jump into your car, turn the key, and then hear that…[imagine your own sound effect here]…a dead battery. The sick feeling gets worse when you realize that you don't have any jumper cables. If you did, then any other car can solve your problem (if the driver is willing assist you). But without cables, you'll have to find a willing driver who is prepared for dead batteries by having jumper cables in their car.

Emergency Reflectors - A set of emergency reflectors can help keep you safe when stranded on the roadside. The reflectors will help oncoming drivers see you as they approach. They are inexpensive and can be purchased in auto stores and the big department stores.

Tool Kit - A kit containing a few basic tools can often solve your problem and get you back on the road. Even if you don't know what to do with the tools, others willing to assist you may. If you have a willing aide, but no tools, then you're stuck. Invest in an emergency tool kit…you'll probably use it more than once.

Fix-a-flat - I've had several flat tires through the years, and I can't recall one time when my tire went flat just as I pulled into the bay of a tire store or garage. I believe there's a universal law that all flat tires must occur at least twenty miles from the nearest tire repair facility. A can or two of Fix-a-flat in the trunk will ensure that you can at least inflate the tire and drive to a shop for repair.

Fluids (Oil & Coolant) - Ever seen a poor guy stopped roadside, hood raised, with bellows of steam rolling skyward? Ever been that poor guy? Sometimes all you need to get going again is a gallon of coolant, but it's bad when the closest jug is at the Wal-mart…three miles down the road! Buy a gallon and keep it in the trunk. It's a good idea to keep a couple quarts of motor oil back there as well.

First Aid Kit - A first aid kit in your car could actually save your life or that of another person. Keep it well supplied with bandages and other essentials. You can contact your local Red Cross for information regarding first aid kits. You can of course purchase kits at most department stores. Get one soon.

Gloves - You should have a pair of work gloves in the trunk for those times you actually have to work on tires or dirty things under the hood. Your gloves will also help protect your fingers. If it's wintertime you'll also want to keep a good pair of insulating gloves in the car. This is in case you leave without your gloves on, get stranded, and need some warm gloves. With a spare pair in the car you'll keep those fingers and hands warm!

Blanket - Ditto for a blanket. Keep one (or two) in the car just in case. If you're stuck in the cold without heat you'll be glad it's in the trunk…instead of in the closet at home.

Water & Snacks - It may never happen to you, but people have been stranded for hours (even days). If you're traveling during severe weather, you have a greater chance of being stranded for an extended period. Having some water and snacks with you will be beneficial. As stated, it may never happen to you, but what if…

Spare Sunglasses - If you're like me, then: 1) You must wear sunglasses to see clearly in bright sunlight; 2) You own several pairs of nice sunglasses; and 3) You often leave them at home or in the office, and then the sun does come out during your drive and you can't see. So, you stop and buy another pair of nice sunglasses. I've learned to keep a pair IN the car. The other 10 are here, there, and yonder.

Spare Change - Keeping some spare change in the car can help avoid parking meter fines, and comes in handy when you take the toll road. When you get that next tall house blend at Starbucks keep the change in the car. It'll come in handy sometime.

Oh, by the way…make sure you have the jack and lug wrench in the trunk!