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Top Must-Have Items To Keep In Your Car

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Most of us have experienced an automobile-related emergency. It is a good idea to keep some essential items in your car in the event of an emergency, and will help to protect you and your loved one(s) during such events. To save yourself time and worry, consider creating an emergency kit for your car that includes the following recommended items:

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  1. First-Aid Kit
    You can usually find pre-assembled first aid kits at your local pharmacy. The kit should include a first aid guide; bandages; gauze; cold packs; antiseptic; cleanser; ointment packets; scissors; latex gloves; and aspirin.
  2. Flashlight
    A flashlight can serve a dual purpose. In the event you have an emergency at night, it can be your primary light source, allowing you to avoid using your car's lights which could drain the battery. A flashlight can also serve as a handy weapon should you ever find yourself in a compromising situation. Make sure to get a heavy metal flashlight to keep in your car, in addition to spare batteries. Or, you can purchase a wind-up flashlight so that you won't have to worry about dead batteries.
  3. Jumper Cables
    Did you know that winter time can be particularly rough on car batteries? Make sure you have jumper cables in the car in the event that you encounter a dead battery.
  4. Blanket
    Blankets can also be versatile in the case of an emergency. Use it to stay warm should you get stranded in the winter. Or you can use it as a surface to sit or kneel on if you have to change a tire. This can be especially helpful if the ground is wet or slippery.
  5. Auto Escape Tool
    If your car is submerged in water, this tool is designed to break a window with a couple of blows. In addition, it has a sharp blade which can cut through a seatbelt if it becomes jammed.
  6. Cell Phone Charger
    Since you never know when you may encounter an emergency in your vehicle, it is very important to make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Purchase a cell phone charger that works in a car lighter.
  7. Maps
    Purchase the most recent map of the area in which you will be traveling. They are relatively inexpensive and can keep you from wasting gas if you are lost. Many cell phones come equipped with GPS features (Additional costs may apply). Alternatively, you could invest in a GPS navigation system for your car.
  8. Matches
    If you are forced to stay overnight in your car and have to make a campfire somewhere beside it, the last thing you want to worry about is how to start a fire. Consider keeping some newspaper as well, which can be used as kindling.
  9. Road Flares
    Road flares are an important item for your safety should your vehicle become disabled. If you are stranded on a busy highway, flares will make you more visible and warn other drivers to move over. Additionally, flares will identify you to rescue personnel and other drivers if you are in need of help.
  10. Disposable Camera
    Purchase a disposable camera so that you can take photographic evidence if you are ever in an accident. Although many cell phones now have built-in cameras, a disposable camera will ensure photo quality in the event that you need photographic evidence.

Sources:
- associatedcontent.com
- autotrader.com
- edmunds.com