One of the annoying things about emergency supplies is that they always seem to be unnecessary and in the way – until you need them for an urgent situation. So however inconvenient it might be to lose out on a bit of the boot space, you can make your life a lot easier in the long run by ensuring that you have a couple of key essentials in your boot – whether you’re driving a brand new car, or one you’ve bought with one of our online car auctions here at RAW2K. Here are our top recommendations!
Emergency breakdown kit
One of the most critical items to have in your boot is an emergency breakdown kit. This kit should include a variety of tools and supplies designed to handle common roadside issues effectively. At a minimum, your breakdown kit should contain a high-visibility vest, a warning triangle, and a pair of gloves. These items will help you stay safe and visible if you need to pull over on the side of the road, especially in low-light conditions or high-traffic areas.
In addition, adding a tyre pressure gauge, a small air compressor, and a jump-start kit to your emergency breakdown kit can be invaluable if you encounter a flat tyre or a dead battery. These tools will allow you to address the issue promptly and avoid waiting for roadside assistance, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient.
First aid kit
Accidents and injuries can occur unexpectedly, so having a well-stocked first aid kit in your boot is essential for addressing minor medical emergencies. Your first aid kit should include items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, and medical tape to handle a range of injuries. It’s also wise to include a pair of scissors, tweezers, and a first aid manual to help you effectively manage any injuries until professional medical help can be obtained.
Regularly checking and restocking your first aid kit is important to ensure it remains up-to-date and fully functional. And of course, replacing expired or used items is crucial to maintain the kit's effectiveness in an emergency situation.
Torch and batteries
A reliable torch is an essential tool to keep in your boot, particularly for those unforeseen situations that arise in low-light conditions. Whether you're dealing with a breakdown at night or need to inspect your vehicle in the dark, a good torch can provide the necessary visibility to manage the situation safely.
Choose a torch with a long battery life and make sure you have spare batteries available. A rechargeable torch can be a practical choice, but ensure it remains charged and ready for use. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to consider a torch with a magnetic base or a hook, as these features can offer hands-free illumination, making it easier to work on your car or navigate in the dark.
Basic tools and spare tyre
A basic toolkit is another vital addition to your car boot. At the very least, your toolkit should include a jack, a lug wrench, and a set of screwdrivers. These tools are indispensable for changing a flat tyre or performing minor repairs. It’s also advisable to include some duct tape and zip ties for quick, temporary fixes that can help you manage minor issues until you can get proper repairs.
In addition to your toolkit, it’s a good plan to keep a spare tyre in your boot. Don’t forget to ensure that the spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition, as it can make a significant difference in emergency situations. If your car is equipped with a space-saver or temporary spare, make sure to familiar with how to use it in advance, and get up to speed on its limitations to ensure you can drive safely until a permanent solution is reached.
Multi-purpose cleaning wipes
Multi-purpose cleaning wipes are a practical and often overlooked essential to keep in your boot. These wipes can be incredibly useful for managing a variety of messes and spills that can occur while on the road. Whether you need to clean up food and drink spills, remove grime from your car’s interior, or tidy up your hands after handling mechanical issues, these wipes are versatile and effective.
They are also handy for quick clean-ups and can help maintain a cleaner and more hygienic environment inside your vehicle. Choose durable, heavy-duty wipes to ensure they can handle a range of tasks efficiently, making your driving experience more comfortable and less stressful.
Those are just a couple of our suggestions – you can always feel free to stock up on anything else you feel may be necessary, depending on the local climate, environment, and general driving conditions. And of course, if you ever need any spare parts or components for the car itself, you can find plenty of vehicles to take apart for scrap right here in our online car auctions at RAW2K.
Here at RAW2K, we update our online car auctions daily and weekly. We also include makes and models available from some of the world's leading manufacturers and, as we know now, firm public favourites like Volkswagen, Ford, Renault, and many more. Why not take a look at our online car auctions, and see what you can find?
