Every car owner and every person with a driving license knows that our vehicles are reliable, but they also tend to break in the worst possible time. Taking your car to the mechanic is a must but sometimes you need to patch things up on the go so that you can safely drive your automobile to the shop. Here, we are going to list some of the spare car parts that you should always keep in your vehicle, and we will tell you why you need them and how they are used.
1. Spare tire
The number one thing that you should always have in your auto is a spare tire. We know that during our trip, no matter if we are driving just a few miles or we are on the highway, our tires can easily get damaged. Instead of having to call a service to haul your auto, and instead of having to pay extra, you should just keep an extra tire in the trunk.
2. Tire Jack
Keep in mind that you cannot change a tire just because you have a spare one, and you always need to have the proper tools for it. You should get a tire jack and keep it in the trunk. The good thing about this item is that it is relatively small, so it will not take too much space. They are made to be easy to use for everyone, so no matter your gender, strength, or knowledge, you should be able to use them without any issue.
3. Lung Wrench
To detach the old and damaged tire and be able to properly install the new one, you need a long wrench. This tool is a must-have for every vehicle, and you can even get a versatile one that comes in different sizes that you can use not only for the tires but for other repairs as well.
You can use websites such as radiumshop.co.uk, to find out what type of wrenches and tools you can get to minimize your expenses and have yourself covered for any emergency.
4. Jumper cables
No matter if your friend’s car’s battery died or if you have an issue with yours, you always need to have jumper cables with you. They are more than practical, and you should acquire them before you need them. They are inexpensive and you can find them in pretty much every auto shop. Invest in them before you need to use them and you will thank yourself when you save a lot of time and trouble when your car does not want to start.
5. Tonneau covers
Tonneau covers are an invaluable accessory for any vehicle, offering protection for cargo stored in the trunk and boosting fuel efficiency by reducing wind resistance when driving. They come in a variety of styles to suit different needs, including hardcovers that provide extra security against theft and weather conditions or soft covers that fold up quickly to give instant access to storage space.
Not only are Gator Tonneau covers great for keeping everything secure, but they also provide extra convenience when loading and unloading items from the car. Various mounting options mean they can remain attached while providing easy access to cargo through either quick-release clasps or sliding panels depending on the cover type.
In terms of aesthetics, covers can make your vehicle look more stylish and aerodynamic while also allowing you to customize it with vibrant colors or patterns. Growling vinyl can even be used for a unique look that stands out from the crowd. Furthermore, some covers include integrated lighting systems which add a touch of class and convenience by enabling you to easily open and close the cover at night without having to fumble around in the darkness.
6. Spark plugs
The thing with spark plugs is that they can sometimes get slightly detached or even fall out while you are on the go. They will prevent your vehicle from starting if they are not safely fastened, and you should have them in your car at all times. Even though you will still need to see a mechanic, if you are on the go, and you need to reach your destination safely, it is good to have an extra one or two in your toolbox to be able to patch the problem for now.
7. Air filters
The fact is, we don’t change our air or oil filters as often as we should. In most cases, they should be good to go till the next visit to the mechanic, but sometimes they can fail and they can do a lot of damage. They can harm you and anyone else that’s riding with you.
So, instead of waiting to see when the inevitable happens, it is better to have the spare ones in your car so that you can act before something bad happens.
8. Headlight lights
We are all aware of how easily our headlights can just stop working, and they usually do that at the worst possible time. You should know that changing your headlights or taillights is usually pretty easy to do, and you just need to Google your vehicle’s make and model and see a tutorial on how to change them. To be prepared for any given situation, you should see which are the lights you need for your auto and keep at least one spare one of each in the trunk.
9. Toolkit
To be able to do most of these repairs on the go, or to even check if there is anything wrong with your vehicle when you are traveling, you need to have a toolkit. The good thing about this is that you have a choice to purchase one that is already premade, or you can just get all the tools that you need and put them in the proper box. You don’t need to have something too advanced or too complex, and just a few basic tools will be enough.
10. Wiper blades
This may not seem like a big deal, but keep in mind that the wiper blades make the difference between you being able to safely drive and see everything in heavy rains, and not being able to perceive the road and the possible obstacles on it. Yes, we know that these units are sold in every gas station, but what if the next one is dozens of miles away and you are caught in heavy rain or snow? Have them in your vehicle just in case.
11. Belts
If you are planning to go for a longer trip, or if you are on the road a lot, it is always better to have a spare belt with you. Even if you have just changed it, and even if there are no issues with it, you should have a spare one in your trunk. This will save you a lot of time and trouble finding the right one in case the car’s belt tears or gets damaged, and you can change it on the spot without wasting time.
These are some of the spare parts that you should have in your car at all times. To make sure that you have everything that you need, it is best to talk to your mechanic. Most of these things can be kept in the trunk for years without getting damaged, so just because you are making this investment now, it does not mean that you won’t be able to use these items years from now. Always be safe and remember that it is better to be prepared than to risk your safety, health, and finances.
