As a responsible driver, you should have certain things in your car, no matter who you are.  These are things that will keep you safe and moving.  Additionally, you shouldn’t have much else in your car.  By taking out that set of golf clubs and all the other junk, you can increase your fuel economy and make your car safer.

1. Tire Pressure Gauge & Pump

Tires deflate naturally.  A good tire will lose about 1 psi per month, but as the seasons change from warm to cold, it could be as high as 3 psi per month.  That’s why it’s important to check the pressure in your tires about once a month with a pressure gauge in your car.  But just checking them by itself doesn’t do any good.  You should also have a tire pump in your car that can plug into the 12-volt socket so you can actually inflate them back to the safe pressure, even if you’re not at home.

2. Spare Tire & Kit

Having a spare tire means you can keep a bad day from being a terrible one.  You never know when a tire will go flat or some idiot will let a bucket of nails fall off the back of his truck.  Yes, it adds weight and lowers your car’s fuel economy, but when you break down on the side of the road, it will all be worth it.  Be sure you have not just the spare tire itself, but the tire change kit too.

3. Flashlight

Unfortunately, our cars aren’t polite enough to only break down during the day.  If you find yourself on the side of the road at night, you’re going to need to be able to see somewhere your headlights don’t shine.  They’re cheap and will save you an enormous amount of frustration if your car ever decides to stop working at night.

4. Sunglasses

Driving at night isn’t the safest, but around sunrise or sunset can be the most dangerous.  If the sun is shining directly into your eyes, you’re not going to be able to see the car in front of you slam on its breaks.  Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car that you only use for driving.  That way, they’re always there for those twilight hours when you need them.

5. Hands-Free Device

It’s illegal in many states to talk on the phone in the car without using a hands-free device today.  Even if it’s not illegal in your state, you should have one.  It allows you to keep two hands on the wheel, something that is critical if you get into an emergency situation.  As someone who driving manual, it’s impossible to talk on the phone, hold the steering wheel, and shift gears at the same time, so I never drive without one.

Bonus: iPod Plugin

Perhaps not a necessity, but I can’t drive in silence, and I can’t stand radio or the commercials.  And I’m far too lazy to burn a CD every time I download new music or make a good playlist.  Having someway to plugin an mp3 player enables not just you to easily play through all of your music, but allows your friends to plug in & play the latest hit they’ve heard.

Anything Else?

Did I miss anything that you think every driver should have?  Do you disagree with any of the items I’ve listed?  Comment below & share your thoughts!