5 Things Every Car Owner Needs

Owning a car offers the kind of freedom that few other possessions can deliver. With a car, you always have a quick, efficient mode of transportation close at hand – and that’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. With that said, owning a car alone is not quite enough to optimize your time on the roads. In this article, we’d like to talk about five other things every car owner should have available.

Of course, if you don’t yet own a car, or if yours is about ready to be replaced, turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance. With a friendly and experienced team of professionals and an inventory of new and used options, we’ll be glad to help you find the right ride for your lifestyle and budget. Come see us right away!

#1 – An Emergency Kit
No one expects to run into an emergency when they head out of the house for the day. Yet, these kinds of things happen regularly, especially in a place that can have volatile weather conditions. It’s easy to fall into a false sense of security when you leave in your car for the day, and that’s only gotten more common in the age of smartphones. Sure, your phone may be able to help you call for help, but don’t think of that as a sure thing. Instead, assemble a basic emergency kit that can help you get through a difficult time while waiting for help to arrive.

So, what should be in your emergency kit? You are free to create it as you see fit, but some good starting items are a first aid kit, a couple of bottles of water, and some shelf-stable snacks. When driving in the winter months, it’s also a good idea to have a blanket in your kit. You may want to put in a flashlight, as well, in case the emergency situation occurs at night. If any batteries are in your kit to power things like flashlights, be sure to check those batteries annually to make sure they are still good.

#2 – A Tire Plan
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly something you purchase, but it’s an important point to have on the list. One of the most likely issues you may run into on the roads is a flat tire, so you want to have a plan for how you are going to deal with that situation if it should occur.

For some people, that plan will mean changing the tire and putting on the spare. That is a good option if you are comfortable doing the work and know how to do it properly. If you aren’t comfortable changing a tire, however, don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation by trying to do it anyway. In that case, your plan should be to have a phone number on hand – maybe even written down in the glove box – that you can call for roadside assistance. Knowing in advance how you will respond to a flat tire will make it easier to think clearly in the moment.

#3 – Documentation
This is something you learn when you first go through Driver’s Ed classes, but a reminder is always a good idea. There are three basic pieces of information that you will need to present if you are pulled over or if you get in an accident and deal with the police – your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Of course, you need to make sure these three documents are always up to date. It’s easy to forget about your registration and drive around with a copy in the glove box that expired two years ago. Also, make sure these items are easy to find if you are pulled over, as you’ll likely be a little nervous or anxious and may not remember if you have tucked them away in an unusual spot.

#4 – Jumper Cables
There really isn’t any good reason not to put a set of jumper cables in your vehicle. They are an affordable item to purchase, they don’t have a shelf life, and they take up very little space under the seat or in the trunk. However, just like we mentioned with changing a tire, this is something you should only do if you are comfortable with the task. If you don’t know how to perform a jumpstart, don’t mess around with electricity – get help from someone who knows how to do it instead.

Even if you don’t plan on doing the jump start on your own, carrying cables is still a good idea. With cables on board, all you will need to get a jump is another driver that is willing to help out. The last thing you want to do is find a driver willing to give you a jump only to realize that neither of you has cables. Also, having cables in the car will allow you to be a Good Samaritan in a case where someone else needs a jump and you can help out.

#5 – Your Phone – Out of Reach
We mentioned earlier that you can’t 100% rely on your smartphone to get you out of trouble when driving, and that’s true. With that said, there is no denying the incredible utility of a smartphone, and it’s perhaps the single best piece of safety equipment that you can have with you on a journey.

Of course, your phone improving the safety of your journey is entirely dependent on one thing – not using it while you are actively driving. Get in the habit of always bringing your phone with you but keeping it out of reach while in the driver’s seat. The glovebox is a great place for it to live while you drive, as you won’t be able to see any notifications that may pop up as you travel. It will still be there when you arrive at your destination, and if a need to use the phone comes up before you get where you are going, you can safely get off the road and then use it to make a call or send a message.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, our goal is to make our customers happy and safe by providing quality cars and trucks and a skilled and qualified service department. Contact us today to find out how we can make you a happy customer!

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