The minimum motorist’s kit includes inventory according to the list of traffic rules. However, no experienced driver is insured against the development of a situation where additional tools, survival equipment, and even ordinary food may be required. Therefore, let’s consider the basic list of necessary things for each car without exception, but at the same time so that the items do not clutter and significantly weigh down the vehicle.
Traffic rules require every motorist to carry a driver’s license, vehicle registration document, and insurance policy, as well as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and warning triangle. This is enough to successfully pass the technical inspection, but for emergencies that happen on the road, it is better to supplement the list with a few useful things. Yagupov Gennady website
Minimum set
Going on the road without these items is not that it is forbidden, but it is not recommended. Of course, you can always call a tow truck or ask for help from other drivers, but it is better to be able to cope with the breakdown on your own.
1. Spare wheel
All manufacturers equip cars with spare wheels. Often it is the so-called emergency wheel, which is not intended for long-term use and driving at high speeds. Nevertheless, you can get to the nearest tire fitting shop without any problems.
2. Jack
As a rule, the jack is also included in the standard equipment of the car. Usually, it is a simple version, which is nevertheless quite enough for changing the wheel. The main thing is to be able to use it at the right moment. It is better to practice in a quiet environment.
3. Wrench
Another attribute of the standard set is a wrench for removing the wheels. It is often located next to the jack. If you change alloy rims, make sure that the size of the new bolts remains the same and that the old wrench fits them. If not, purchase a matching one.
Basic Set
Things that experienced drivers don’t forget to carry with them. With such a kit, you can feel more confident on the road and help not only yourself but also other motorists.
4. Reflective vest
Bright capes with reflective stripes will make you much more visible on the road, both during the day and in the dark. When folded, it easily fits in your door pocket, where you’ll always have it handy when you need to get out on the road. For example, to replace a punctured tire.
5. Paper maps
With the development of technology, car atlases have replaced navigators. However, the good old paper maps should not be discarded. Keep them in the glove compartment: they’ll help if your navigation device breaks, there’s no signal, or the battery in your smartphone runs out.
6. A compressor or pump
You can inflate the tires at the gas station, but when such a need arises on the road, you can’t do without a car compressor. If you wish, it can be replaced or supplemented by a hand pump. If they do not have built-in pressure gauges, you will have to buy a separate device.
7. Towing rope
Having a rope in the trunk, you can ask someone to tow the car to the nearest service and do without calling an expensive tow truck. And, of course, you can also always help other motorists.
Choosing this useful accessory, pay attention to the maximum load and length: the more it is, the easier the towing process will be. According to the rules, the length of the cable should be at least four meters, but it is better to take a six-meter.
8. Connecting cables
A set of wires for starting the car is a very necessary thing, especially in winter, when there is a risk of not starting the engine because of the frost. With such wires with clamps, it is easy to “light” your car from the more fortunate neighbors in the parking lot. Or help out the unlucky ones.
9. A set of tools
Even those who know nothing about repair should carry with them a minimum set of tools that can always be useful. A flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, pliers, and a wrench for removing the battery terminals will be enough. More experienced drivers may wish to bring a universal kit with ratchets, sockets, and wrenches.
10. Water
You should have a bottle (or even a couple) of plain non-carbonated water in your car. In addition to quenching thirst, you can wash your hands with it, use it instead of the windshield washer, and for other needs.
Recommended set
You’ll have to sacrifice some trunk space for this kit. Motorists who don’t go out of town may not need it. But for those who travel often and a lot, these items will simplify life and save nerves on the road.
11. Flashlight
During a breakdown at night, even a small flashlight will come in handy. It is better to take a version with a headband, which will free your hands. Choose models powered by regular batteries, and don’t forget to take a few pieces to spare.
12. Charger for the phone
To avoid being left without communication, it is good to have a car adapter in your glove compartment that plugs into the cigarette lighter and allows you to charge your smartphone from the car’s onboard power grid.
13. Fuse kit
Fuses take up almost no space but will be just indispensable at the right time. With their help, you can restore the functionality of certain devices and circuits after a breakdown.
14. Spare bulbs
A blown bulb on the road can be a lot of trouble. To prevent this from happening, experienced drivers always carry spare bulbs for headlights, clearances, and turn signals. Some manufacturers even make ready sets of these consumables, complete with fuses.
15. WD-40
About the usefulness of this wonderful tool, you can not tell. The spray is doubly useful in the car and will help out more than once both in everyday life and in emergency situations. It will help unscrew stuck nuts, remove moisture from locks, lubricate door hinges and come in handy for dozens of other problems.
16. Liquids
Prudent drivers are not lazy to keep a small supply of engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant in the trunk. It also does not hurt to have washer fluid on hand.
17. Canister
On a long journey is not a superfluous canister for gasoline. If you run out of fuel at the most inopportune moment, you will need something to bring it with, and a small canister for 5-10 liters is just useful here. In addition to it, it is good to have also a funnel.
18. Clothing
Regardless of the time of year, it’s convenient to keep a jacket in the car. Wearing it allows you to change a tire in bad weather, get less dirty during repairs, and stay warm when it’s cold. In winter, carry a hat and warm gloves in addition to the jacket.
19. Scraper
This is an essential attribute of the winter arsenal of the motorist who will remove ice from the windows and quickly start driving. Combination scrapers with a snow brush are more convenient to use. Although you can only do it with a brush.
20. Shovel
Everyone who at least once got stuck in a snowdrift in winter prudently carries a shovel in the trunk. It will help get out of the snow, clear the way and just dig up the car in the parking lot after the night precipitation.