There are some basic car accessories that every man should have on hand to deal with any situation that might come up. Here are our top picks:
1. Jumper Cables
Carrying jumper cables in your trunk is a no-brainer. If you forget to turn off your lights, leave your car parked for a long period of time, or just have an older battery, you could be left stranded without warning.
This is not the place to go cheap. You want a 6 Gauge cable that’s long enough to reach the other car. Our choice? The AAA Heavy Duty 16′ 6 Gauge Booster Cable.
2. 12-Volt Mini Air Compressor
I have a regular air compressor in my garage, but I like to keep a small compressor in my trunk for emergencies. The Airman Tour Pump is powered by the vehicle battery using the cigarette power jack, and includes a built-in dial air pressure gauge. Use it to top off your tires before a long trip instead of wasting a bunch of quarters on the gas station’s pump.
3. Digital Tire Gauge
If you just want to quickly check your pressure without a hassle, then keep a small digital tire gauge in your glove compartment. The Accutire Digital Tire Gauge features heavy-duty construction to withstand life in your tool box or glove compartment. Its LCD display is large and easy to read, and displays pressure readings in 0.5-pound increments. This gauge is also equipped with automatic shut-off functionality to preserve battery life.
4. Jack Stands
You’ve heard the story before – Someone jacks up their car, and while underneath the car the jack gives way. Get a set of sturdy jack stands, and work on your car safely! The Torin 2-Ton Jack Stand features a double locking pawl-and-tooth design for extra protection, and the one-piece multi-position ductile ratchet bar provides super strength and durability. A quick adjustment mechanism securely locks it into the desired location providing extra safety.
5. First Aid Kit
You never know when you’ll need a first aid kit. Be prepared for anything with the Medique 61-Piece First Aid Kit, which includes bandages, gloves, butterfly closures, an instant cold pack, tape, antibiotic ointment, cotton tips, burn cream ointment, finger splints, alcohol prep pads, a first aid guide, sting relief prep pads, gauze pads, sterile antiseptic prep pads, scissors, and a roll of gauze. What more could you possibly need?!
at 11:05 am
You should also keep a flashlight in the car! I had to pull over the other night on a dark road without any street light, and it was impossible to see anything.
I have a small LED flashlight back home, and that’s now in my glove compartment.