Vehicle safety is not just about obeying traffic laws and being a careful driver. As a responsible driver, it’s also wise to be prepared for unexpected emergencies that may arise while driving. While a basic tool kit is essential in any car, a few extra items in the trunk can mean the difference between waiting for help for hours or getting back on the road quickly. When choosing what to carry in your vehicle, consider where you live, where you’re going, the condition of your car, and the individual items you can’t make it through the night without. This can be a good starting point for equipping your car or truck with what you need for any emergency.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an actual safety touch when something goes wrong in your vehicle. They are crucial for fire protection and act as a defensive tool. That said, car fire extinguishers can prevent costly damage, which is why they should be used in an emergency. Although we tend to think of them as reddish canisters hung on walls or vehicles, they are handy in the event of a fire.

Owner’s Manual

You have to ensure that the car manual is in the glove box all the time. Make sure you have your insurance card and registration up to date if you get pulled over or, worse, have an accident. Check the glove compartment or the place where you keep your owner’s manual to make sure it’s there. Your owner’s manual contains important data, including recommended fuel and PSI amounts and other important information that will be specific to your car or truck. It includes your vehicle, so if you can’t ever get it out, you shouldn’t have to think about where it is.

Car Repair Tools

Make sure you have a jack, a spare tire, and a wrench in your car if you get a flat tire at all times. If your car battery is dead, you may not be efficient or even likely to be able to count on a passerby available to help you. Also, jumper cables are not sufficient to run the engine. It is important to buy the right car parts to ensure your safety.

Warning Devices

Whether it’s a mechanical failure or a traffic accident, anything that can contribute to your car not working correctly can create a dangerous situation for you and other drivers. If you have to be on the side of the road for an extended period, place these safety items around your car. They provide better traffic visibility and reduce the likelihood of being hit by unsuspecting drivers while waiting for the help you need.