You never know what might happen while you’re on the road, and it’s always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected. Before you set off on your next journey, there are a few key items every driver should have stored in their vehicle – just in case.

from spare tyres and empty jerry cans to portable power banks, we’ve created a handy checklist of in-car essentials for you below.

Torch

There’s nothing worse than being left in the dark. Whether you’ve drop ped something in your car or need to inspect your vehicle at night, a torch is an absolute must-have.

Wind up torches are great, but any torch will do, just make sure you have spare batteries or the means to power it back up if it’s rechargeable. from tiny pen-sized torches to hands-free headlights, there’s a whole range of torches available here at Euro Car Parts – even if you’re short on space in the glove compartment, there’s sure to be an option that works for you.

Power Bank

Speaking of rechargeable torches, carrying around a portable power bank is sure to come in useful for a number of reasons. Whatever device you need to charge, as long as you have the right cable with you, you’ll be able to boost its battery in minutes.

Phone Charger

Alternatively, you could pick up a usb adaptor instead. Just plug it in, connect your wire and charge your phone as you drive. With either of these essentials available, you’ll never have to worry if you find yourself in a difficult situation – just give a friend, family member or roadside assistance a call.

Antifreeze and De-Icer

Don’t let the cold weather slow you down. De-icer and a reliable scraper will see you through even the coldest of mornings, while having some anti-freeze in the boot will make sure your vehicle always runs smoothly in the winter – just top up as you go.

A Spare Tyre

Realising you don’t have a spare tyre when you need it the most can be a nightmare, so make sure you have a wheel in good condition with you at all times. Some new cars are actually sold without a spare tyre too, so don’t forget to check and invest in an extra tyre if this applies to you.

You might also want to pick up some tyre foam to temporarily patch up any punctures, and a tyre pressure gauge so you can make sure your tyres are always inflated to a appropriate level.

Jump Leads ­­­­­

Sometimes cars simply don’t want to start. If this happens while you’re out and about, having a set of jump leads means you can bring it back to life – all you’ll need it some help from another driver to get going.

Portable Battery Pack

Even better than a jump lead is a portable battery pack. With one of these at your disposal, you can do everything completely by yourself – no need to ring a friend or rely on a stranger to give your car the boost it needs.

Jerry Can

also known as fuel cans – are a no-brainer for drivers. With an empty jerry can on hand, you’ll be covered even if you unexpectedly run out of fuel on the road. Just head to the closest petrol station, fill it up with fuel and you’ll be on your way in no time.

Important Documents

Having your user manual stored safely in the glove box can save you from making all sorts of unnecessary mistakes. It holds everything you could ever need to know about your car, and should be your go-to if something suddenly goes wrong.

You might also want to keep copies of your Certificate of Insurance and V5C registration documents too. It’s by no means required by law, but if you do get stopped, it can be useful to have.

Warm Clothing

Cars can be unpredictable, and if you’ve had to pull over on the motorway or a busy road, it’s important to make sure you wait safely outside of your car whenever possible. Keeping a spare jacket or a blanket in your boot will help you and your passengers stay cosy and warm while waiting for help.

Drinks and Non-Perishable Snacks

Having drinks and non-perishable snacks will make the wait more bearable. Protein and cereal bars are a great source of energy, and a spare bottle of water will keep you hydrated. Extra water is good news for your car too, especially if you suddenly realise you need to add more to your car’s radiator.