Car essentials.

[jonesybunny]

Inspired by a conversation, I decided to list what I think that should be in my car at all times

Comments

[ff00ff]

Swap the reflective jacket and hazard triangle.

Move the flashlight to essential.

Change the y in tire to an I.

Add a gallon of water to essential, or have it in the first aid kit.

[jonesybunny]

Fixed the spelling error.

I actually have sort of a engine work light, but it's about 30 LED's, so it's pretty bright. And rechargeable on the 12V.

I always have water with me, but in front, to drink on the go.

[ionotter]

I'd have the flashlight, towing cable and jumper cables added to essential.

Drop the engine oil. If you need an emergency quart of oil, you can't risk driving the car anyway. Same thing for the wiper fluid.

I second moving the jacket to essential. THAT moves, the triangles don't.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH FIRE EXTINGUISHER.

I speak from personal experience.

Twice.

[jonesybunny]

All I lack is a towing cable and wiper fluid. The rest is present.

I was given the engine oil for free* after a maintenance visit.

I have such a jacket on hand. Neither it or the triangle are mandatory in NL, but are in other countries. I have both.

And I would like to hear why you, twice, were in need of a large fire extinguisher.

[ionotter]

Never for myself, thank goodness, but twice for other people

[jonesybunny]

Wow, a new(ly bought) car that overheats and catches fire? Real quality, that.

But yeah, good work. And honestly I do carry my extinguisher for others really. While there is always a possibility my car will catch fire somehow, I certainly hope not.

That and I have too much stuff to quickly get it out.

[rob_d]

In your case the iPhone dock and Navigation are essential too, M I RITE? :D
I'd also add those insurance forms you have to fill out in case of damage. I believe you're required by law to have one in your car.

[jonesybunny]

I don't have an iPhone dock, because there's no connection to the radio.

Navigation is very useful, I admit, helps me getting to places.

I have insurance forms in the car, came with the documentation folder.

[thaily]

Don't forget "friends" in the "essentials" list.

[thaily]

On a less sappy note, while it's not mandatory to have a reflective hazard triangle in your car, it is mandatory to place one if your car breaks down and you put it on the side of the road. You can also use your lights, but they recommend keeping spare bulbs in case one breaks (unless you have LEDs).

[thaily]

Also, the reflective jacket? Mandatory if you put your car on the side of the road. In some countries it's mandatory to wear while driving even. That and the triangle take up minimum space but can help keep you safe, I'd consider them both essential.

[jonesybunny]

I thought it was only mandatory outside NL, but I do have one, and the mentioned triangle.

[jonesybunny]

I guess I ought to get some jumper cables as well then. I used to have a cheap tire pressure gauge, but gave it away.

And yeah, rations... this country is too small for that :)