Car Safety Accessories That You Should Have in Your Vehicle at All Times

“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong” is Murphy’s law, stating that no matter how foolproof something may be, at a certain point it will fail. We all know that today’s vehicles have built in all kinds of sensors and safety devices making them safer than ever. However, despite the fact that they can greatly reduce the chances of an accident or a breakdown, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t carry additional safety equipment. I am not saying you should become the most paranoid person on Earth, but it’s good to have a plan B.

Triangle & Beacon

We’ve all experienced a mechanical breakdown, or will at some point in our lives, and being a wary driver means that you should always have a beacon and a triangle in your trunk. Car safety accessories of this sort are made to protect both you and other drivers, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Hi-Vis Vest

Since you will need to alert other drivers about the situation ahead of them, a hi-vis vest or jacket will go hand in hand with the triangle and beacon in this case. Choose a high-quality vest that will have retroreflective stripes both on the back and front in order to more noticeable for the incoming vehicles.

First Aid Kit

Make sure to always carry a fully stocked first aid kit in your vehicle. Gauze, antiseptics, bandages and pain relievers are the essentials but do consider to also add a prescription medicine that some of your family members may need or your pet. In the hot summer days, add sunscreen and a bug repellent to your medical arsenal.

Fire Extinguisher

Since your engine uses a flammable liquid to generate energy, your vehicle may catch fire after a crash or as a result of an overheated engine. That’s why having a B and C class rated fire extinguisher stored in the trunk of your vehicle is always a good idea. Make sure you check the state of your extinguisher from time to time, as you don’t want it to fail you when you need it most.

Flashlight

With some car safety accessories you have to get a little bit more technical and the flashlight is one of them. Having a flashlight that can illuminate both in close quarters and at a loner range is best so that you are well-equipped in all kinds of scenarios. Depending on your situation, you can use both types of light distributions as needed. Beam distance, IP rating and lumen count are just some of the key features that can make or break a flashlight, so consider your needs and choose them accordingly.

Portable Jump Starter

When you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, waiting for someone to come and help you with a pair of jumper cables can take forever. For that very reason, having a portable jump starter with you is a smart idea as it performs the same job as an additional vehicle. It is lightweight and compact, saving you from the hassle of waiting for help for hours on end.