What safety equipment is worth to carry in a car every day and what is unnecessary? Well, that is not an easy question because every driver has different needs. It also depends on the season or distance covered. However, let us try to choose those universal elements that can always come in handy.
First, the car is not worth reloading with dozens of items that will unnecessarily take up space in the trunk, to increase the mass, and thus the combustion of the car. If it is summer, for example, a shovel or chains for wheels, as well as a scraper or winter washer fluid will be unnecessary. Let us go one by one.
Mandatory equipment
Let us start with the mandatory equipment of the car, which is required by regulations. In the case of Poland, the list is … very short. Every driver must carry a warning triangle and a 1 kg fire extinguisher. Everything else depends on us. Let us add that the triangle is set at a suitable distance behind the car in case of immobilization of the car or in a visible place behind, during towing. As for the fire extinguisher – due to its small size it will only be useful for extinguishing a small fire. It is best to carry it in the cabin, and if it is already in the trunk, it is always on top, not under the floor or a pile of other luggage.
What to take always
It is good to have at least one reflective vest in the car. If it is necessary to leave the car standing on the side of the road, for example when replacing a wheel, the driver in the vest will be visible from a distance. The vest should always be at hand and not buried in the trunk. The first aid kit is also necessary. Combined with the basic knowledge about first aid, it can save many lives, including the owner of the first aid kit, when an accident occurs, and accidental witnesses will use his equipment. What should be in the first aid kit? Latex gloves, rescue thermal film, mask for artificial respiration, materials for dressing, triangular shawl, scissors, etc. An instruction for first aid may also be invaluable.
It is good to have a basic set of fuses and light bulbs, although not every replacement of the bulb is possible without the use of special tools or even a visit to the site. You never know when the sun will come out from behind the clouds. From autumn to spring, that is for most of the year, its rays fall at a large angle. Spare, duty glasses will increase comfort and safety of driving.
In the era of Smartphone, without which most of us cannot imagine normal operation anymore, a spare charger will be necessary, connected to the cigarette lighter socket, or to a USB socket, if it is in the car. Of useful things, you can also mention the ready print of the road traffic, which will prove salutary in this stressful situation.
It is also worth carrying a lift with a key to unscrew the wheels and gloves. The latter will be useful not only when changing the wheel, but always when you need to lift the mask, for example, add the windscreen washer fluid without the risk of dirtying your hands. In case, it is good to have a packet of tissues, on hand. If your hands get dirty, you can wipe them quickly and easily. Finally, among the useful items, replace the flashlight – when at night, when replacing a burned out light bulb, you will need to illuminate under the hood and a penknife or multi-tool type tool, having built-in pliers, screwdrivers and many other universal tips.