12 essential items to keep in your car

Imagine this. You’ve been caught in a snowstorm and are stuck in your car. Luckily, you've got these 12 essential items in your car to keep you safe, warm and nourished.

We’re here to put the ease in car leasing. 

But not just car leasing, in life. This list of 12 essential items to keep in your car could come in handy in a pinch.

Whether it’s an emergency, a big road trip, or simply the sun is in your eyes and you need your trusty sunnies.

We are here to save the day (bit far, I know).

But we have taken the hard work out of it and compiled this list for you.

Road map

You may be staring at your screen right now wondering why on earth we are suggesting a map when modern technology allows us to get directions within seconds on our phones.

Well, what if technology fails?

There’s no signal. You can’t get mobile data. Or your phone simply isn’t having it today.

Whatever the reason, technology isn’t always reliable.

If your road trip has taken you into the sticks, you may not find anyone around to give you directions either.

What would you do without your trusty map?

Breakdown service contact details

If you break down in your neighbourhood. Who you gonna call?

Your breakdown service.

We know, doesn’t quite have the same ring as Ghostbusters. But still, just as handy.

Imagine this: your phone is dead, a passerby stops to help and lets you use their phone to make a call.

You kind of need the phone number to make that call. Don’t you?

So, it would definitely be handy to have it to hand.

Phone charger

Not all cars have these fancy wireless phone charger features. Some still need the good old-fashioned charger cable into the cigarette lighter.

Worth keeping a charger cable to hand now, isn’t it?

There's nothing worse than driving somewhere unfamiliar and realising your phone's on low battery. 

Your car is the perfect place to stock up on a little extra power.

Water

Water is vital for survival, so it may sound like an obvious essential to keep in your car.

But bottled water could keep you going for some time if you’re stranded. 

Not only is it important to keep bottled water in the car in case you break down, but also for topping up the radiator or windscreen-washer if needed.

If you’re driving on a hot day and hate the plastic taste left behind by plastic water bottles, check out Chilly’s bottles.

James Butterfield, founder and managing director, said:

“Chilly’s bottles are perfect for car journeys as they keep drinks ice cold and are not affected by the outside temperature. Meaning, however hot your car gets, you have an ice cold drink to come back to and throughout your drive!”

Sunglasses

Is it going to be raining, snowing, sunny or windy? Or a mix of them?

Who knows with the British weather.

But sunglasses would definitely come in handy when the sun does decide to come out. We’ve all been there, the sun shining straight into your eyes, the visor just isn’t helping.

Your sunnies would do the trick though.

Luckily, you’ve kept some in your car, just in case.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is essential for drivers.

Worst-case scenario: you find yourself dealing with an accident. Your first-aid kit will give you the basic medical supplies to deal with the situation.

Even without an accident, it will still come in handy. Like in the event your kid has suffered the worst possible thing known to man.

A paper cut.

They obviously need a plaster.

Luckily for you, you have your first aid kit. We also recommend packing some fun plasters for your kids too.

Olaf plaster? Yes please.

Non-perishable food

Need a pick me up?

Snacks are not only a necessity for a road trip, but packing non-perishable food could come to save the day in an emergency.

When you’re packing your favourite snacks, don’t forget to store an emergency stash of cereal bars, nuts, crisps and dried fruit in your glove compartment to help keep you going, should you need it. 

Loose change

It’s always handy to have loose change on you.

Many car parks now allow you to pay on your phone through apps such as RingGo or PayByPhone.

But what about the tiny car parks in the tiny villages in the middle of nowhere?

They might not all have this modern technology set up yet.

So in comes your loose change to save the day.

Waterproof jacket/hi-vis jacket

Picture this: your car breaks down, it’s raining, and you need to get out to change a tyre. What could possibly make this worse? 

Not having a waterproof jacket. You don’t want to be stuck in the rain, get soaked and cold then get ill as well.

What would make it even better?

Having a hi-vis waterproof jacket. This will make it even safer for you, in case you’re stuck on a busy road.

Ice scraper

Probably one of the cheapest essential items on our list, yet one of the most useful in winter.

Not all cars have the best heating system, especially the older ones. Meaning you could be stuck sitting in your car for 10 minutes waiting for the ice to melt.

Or you could get out the car with your ice scraper and quickly get all the ice off in five minutes.

I know which I would prefer.

Even if you do have amazing heating in your car, it can often be easier to just quickly scrape off the ice before you hop in the car.

Tyre pump

I can’t go anywhere without my tyre pump. I’ve had my fair share of punctures.

Slow punctures will have you thinking you’ve got another month left before you need to pump up the tyres again. Then BOOM. You go food shopping and it’s flat.

Most petrol stations have tyre inflator stations, but if you're driving in the middle of nowhere with a low-pressure tyre, you'll be very happy that you decided to pop one in the back of the car. 

Torch

How will you do anything if you’re stranded at night?

This is where a torch shines.

A torch will definitely come in handy. A head torch could be even handier if both hands are needed to change a tyre.

Other handy items

Duct tape

Duct tape is a quick and easy fix for many things. But it is only temporary.

Wing mirror been hit and hanging by a thread? Duct tape it back on.

However, remember it isn’t so friendly with paint. So keep the paintwork of any lease vehicles in mind before you go duct tape crazy.

Reusable shopping bags

Unexpected shopping trip? Luckily you have some bags in your boot so you don’t have to buy even more.

Just remember to put them back in your car afterwards, or you’ll have to buy more after all.

By keeping a few stylish tote bags or other eco-friendly shopping bags in your car at all times, you’ll save money in the long run and also help the environment.

They’re also useful as temporary rubbish bags if you are on a long journey.

Blanket

Spontaneous picnic? Sorted.

Broken down in winter? Sorted again.

A blanket is handy in many situations. And now you’ll be covered.

And there you have it—12 essential items to keep in your car that could turn a potential disaster into a mildly annoying hiccup.

From the trusty torch to the ever-reliable duct tape, this list has you covered for whatever the road throws at you. Plus, you’ll look super prepared (or just slightly eccentric) to anyone peeking in your boot.

So, whether you’re braving the British weather, going on a spontaneous road trip, or just can’t find a car park that requires an app, make sure your car is kitted out with these essentials.

You’ll thank us when your sunnies save you from squinting or that first-aid kit conquers the mighty paper cut.