Fuzz Townshends In-Car Essentials

Many of us carry a plethora of possessions with us in our cars. Some are our personal life essentials, but others are the bits of kit that can help us in times of need.

Over-stuffing our cars can make journeys miserable, but some well-considered items can bring joy and relief in times of travel trouble.

Here are some things I try to always have with me:

1: Spare Wheel and Tyre

If your car has a spare wheel and tyre, ensure it is inflated to the correct pressure and in good condition. You may have to rely on a third party to assist you, but carrying a spare
in the allotted space may cut any roadside downtime significantly. In conjunction with your spare, it’s important to carry the associated jack and any wheel nut security device.

2: Tyre Inflation Foam

With or without a spare wheel and tyre, carrying a can or two of tyre inflation foam can help circumnavigate any puncture misery, allowing you to drive your car to the nearest tyre shop for professional assistance. If you’ve been carrying the same unused can for years, it may be time to purchase a fresh one, and don’t forget, RTFI – Read the flipping instructions.

3: Waterproofs and Woolens

A car breakdown is nearly always a miserable experience, but if you need to exit your car and stand at the roadside in the rain, you may have plenty more to grumble about. Indeed, it might be harmful to life and limb, so please ensure that you have the means to stay dry and warm should the worst happen.

4: A Torch

Whether broken down or simply finding your way from your car to a holiday let via an unfamiliar path, having a torch to hand is always a bonus. It may help you to make other road users aware of your stranded vehicle, or simply locate that lost bank card that has slipped down the side of your seat.

4: Water

Both you and your vehicle may need water. For yourself, a bottle of water is an essential item for keeping hydrated; and thus helping you to stay alert. For your vehicle, water may
be used in an emergency should your coolant or screen wash levels fall. Do not attempt to open a hot engine’s coolant cap, you will be at high risk of severe scalding.

5: Food

A packed meal, high in fruit and vegetable content, is a winning essential for longer journeys. Avoiding heavily processed fast food mid-trip helps to swerve sugar crashes caused by high simple-carbohydrate foods, such as pies, cakes, sweets, etc. A sudden sugar crash can leave you lacking the essential energy necessary for concentration.

6: Kitchen Towel

Paper kitchen towels can have many uses when on a car journey. From oily or dirty fingers, mucky faces, drink spillages and windscreen cleaning to emergency, ahem, you-know-what paper at less-than-perfect essential respite facilities.

7: Spare Bulbs

Whatever you’re driving or riding, carry a full spare set of bulbs for it. Such kit is mandatory in many countries, but wherever you are, it’s good practice to have replacements available. Check your vehicle’s lights before you set out on your journey to be safer on the road and to help avoid the attention of the law.

8: Hi Visibility Vests

Should you and your passengers find yourselves in an unfortunate breakdown situation, personal safety is paramount. Donning a ‘hi-vis’ vest may not be a go-to for fans of Parisian fashion shows, but on low-lit roadsides, they can be lifesavers, certainly much more so than plus-fours and Rara skirts.

9: Warning Triangles

A reflective warning triangle can help warn other drivers of your stranded car, should it have the misfortune to suffer a breakdown. After evacuating your passengers to safety, popping one of these inexpensive safety items onto the road a few metres behind your stricken vehicle can help others avoid colliding with it.

10: Mobile Phone

Carrying a mobile phone with you in your car can benefit you in many ways, from navigational aid to contacting emergency services and family. Mobiles work better when charged. Keep yours plugged into an appropriate charger, if available, when on the move to ensure that the device is emergency-ready.