10 Things You Should Always Have in Your Trunk

Driving makes life easier for any parent. You can pick the kids up at the drop of a hat, and take them for days out whenever you fancy. Plus, you know it's always there for emergencies.But, your car could cause delays if you don’t go about things the right way. The last thing you want is a break down when your kids are waiting at the school gate. Even worse would be breaking down with them in the back. The experience could be traumatic for them. Besides which, they’re sure to get bored!

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The sad fact is, breakdowns and such are an unavoidable part of car ownership. No machine is perfect, and this is the case with your vehicle, too. But, there are steps you can take to avoid the damage. The most obvious being regular checks to ensure everything’s running smooth. Most of the time, there will be some signs of a problem before a breakdown takes place. Knowing what to look for provides you with the chance to avoid the situation.

It’s also important you know what to do in a breakdown. Panicking could waste crucial time. Not only is this inconvenient, but it also puts you at risk. If your car fails you in a dangerous place, acting fast is essential for safety. That’s why it’s crucial you have an emergency kit in your trunk at all times. You don’t have to go crazy, but a few bits could go a long way. To prove the point, we’re going to look at ten simple essentials for any trunk.

Your car manual should be the first port of call. With this to hand, you’ll be able to fix most problems. Don’t make the mistake of leaving it at home. Put it in your trunk and forget about it until that dreaded moment comes.

A tire pressure gauge is so small you won’t notice it. But, it could make all the difference. As a car owner, you should take it upon yourself to check your tire pressure at least every two weeks. Having one of these babies in your trunk is the best way to ensure you get to it. With this so close to hand, you’ll get into the habit of checking pressure before setting out.

An air compressor is also important. How else are you planning to rectify pressure problems? A quick burst of air may be the difference between a smooth journey, and hours of waiting. And, these don’t have to take up an extreme amount of space, either. Instead, set about finding the best portable air compressor. There are some amazing portable options on the market. So, don’t hesitate to stock up.

A spare tire is a must. Sadly, these aren’t as portable and may not fit in the trunk. But, it’s crucial you have one somewhere. Changing a tire is easy, but it’ll be a lot harder if you don’t have a spare to hand.

A tire jack will ensure you can fit that spare tire. Make sure to get one, and again, stick in the trunk so it’s always to hand. It may also be worth researching how to use one. Your tools are, after all, only as good as your knowledge.

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Jumper cables could save the day, too. Flat tires aren’t the only issue drivers face. A flat battery is, in fact, an even larger problem. Hence why you need jumper cables to help you. These will, hopefully, restart your battery if it dies.

An ice scraper is another must that many of us overlook. Not having one of these nearby means you have to wait for the car to warm on cold mornings. Could take a while.

A flashlight may not seem as important as the other items listed, but repair efforts at night will be all but wasted if you don’t have one. You’ll need a clear view of what you’re doing, and a trusty flashlight is the best way to get it.

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A blanket is also worth your time. This can come in handy on a day to day basis but will make all the difference in a breakdown. If your batteries dies on a cold day, you won’t have any way to warm yourself while waiting for emergency services. You’ll be glad of the blanket then.

Emergency food will also make that wait more bearable. This is useful when you have kids, anyway. Make sure to stick a few long life cereal bars or something in the boot.

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