Useful Things to Have in Your Car

When most of us are young we learn a lot about the outdoors and being prepared. But then we get older and most of the time forget about the great outdoors. I remember how fun it was as a kid to prepare lists for camp-outs, and writing down all the weird stuff to bring. I'd talk hours with friends about what we'd bring - rubber bands, knives, jars for fish, notebooks for recording our scientific observations, etc. Well, it seems after going through all of the socialization and this academia most men and women forget how to be prepared. Sometimes we take all the technology for granted, like it's always going to work. But being too dependent makes you more vulnerable and liable to panic when things don't work.

The following are must-have items for having in your car that may save you time and headache. These are items that you should have in your car if you are on a limited budget, and can't afford all the modern high tech conveniences.

Compass

I find this really useful when I'm wondering whether I should turn left or right on a street. If I know the general direction of where I need to go (I.e. North-west ), then it's easy to figure it out. You want a big one though that is easy to read and fits on a key-chain ring. This comes in handy a lot.

Pliers or a Leatherman Tool

I find this really useful many times, such as when pulling out fuses from the fuse box, or when I take out a nail to fix a tire. Leatherman tools are really tough and get the job done without breaking.

Small 1^st Aid Kit

You never know when you'll need some band-aids, and it's good to have some basic stuff in the car just in case you go to a picnic or are fixing the car and anyone gets hurt.

Matches

This is great to have just in case, for when you go camping. Whenever there's a barbecue it's easily forgotten, so it helps to have some with you. Or for the rare occasion that you are left all alone in the middle of Montana on a cold winter night with a busted engine.

Tire Repair Kit

This nifty item pays for itself easily. Although you need to invest some time to initially learn how to use it, and it takes a bit of physical effort, it is worth it. Otherwise you'll pay about 20 bucks to have someone else do it.

Tire Inflator

This is pretty useful to have for the times when you are stranded with a flat tire and need to pump air in. May cost $50 for a decent one but worth it if it saves you lots of time and headache.

Comb and Some Basic Hygiene Stuff

Whenever you're in a super rush it's good to have these items with you just in case. Having some latex gloves is good too. And sometimes when you're stranded or in a campground you need to have basic toiletries to save the day.

Pens and Notepad with a page filled out with all your important phone numbers

It's useful to have just in case your phone dies and you need to call up someone, or for taking down numbers.

Car Charger for Cell Phone

Your cell phone always runs out of juice at the worst time, so keep a cell phone car charger with you.

Jumper cables

This comes in handy if you accidentally sleep in your car with the lights or AC on and wake up to a dead battery. It happened to me a few times already.

Rope

Sometimes you need some rope just to hold up a bumper that's sagging or to tie something. And if you get stranded you can jump rope a little bit, or catch a roaming moose.

Being prepared is just smart. By the way, don't ever distract yourself with this stuff while driving. Safety is always top priority.