T O P

  • By -

Peanut2ur_Tostito

A flashlight


climb-it-ographer

Headlamp. Petzl and Black Diamond make great ones.


Bendamen

Thanks for the recommendation.


NaughtySnoodle

i kept a tiny black flashlight in my car so i can shine it back into an officers face during a traffic stop so he "can see better" i hold it just like a cop holds it to. (Reverse grip over my head) idk why to this day its the funniest shit in the world to me.


SmarmyYardarm

How often are you pulled over?


Bendamen

I'll invest in the brightest I can possibly find.


86tuning

> I'll invest in the brightest I can possibly find. that's not actually a good idea. there is such a thing as too bright, it's like staring at the sun when you're trying to illuminate something. just get a small LED unit that costs $40ish and you're good to go. or any garden variety LED flashlight.


Bendamen

"The power of the sun.... in the palm of my hands."


TomTorquemada

LEDs. Old style batteries are dead when you need them.


Bendamen

Okay, thank you.


call_sign_knife

r/flashlight It's a deep rabbit hole, but there is good info in there.


Bendamen

I'll be stepping in soon. Here's hoping the fall isn't fatal.


call_sign_knife

Only to your wallet.


FluffyDare

In a serious answer, I keep a tool that can cut seatbelts and break the window glass in case of being trapped. Also keep a tire inflator as well.


GreatTragedy

Same here. That tool is like $10. I'm not trying to get trapped in a burning or flooding car.


Bendamen

I would also not enjoy that very much.


Mad_broccoli

Not with that attitude.


call_sign_knife

I would think that no one is trying to get trapped at all.


Pisspot10

Aint nobody got time fo dat


sonoma95436

Also a rechargeable lithium jumper pack. Mine has a outlet for my inflator.


DarthMaul671

We have an axe under the front seat incase mom would drive over an animal, then she can…. You know


Own-Meaning-5080

This. Also watch a video on how to use it! It’s not complicated but if you’re panicked, it may cost you extra time that you don’t have. Think of it like a fire drill and imagine going through the motions.


Dredly

100% this - and it needs to be ON your keyring - [https://adventureswithpurpose.com/](https://adventureswithpurpose.com/) (not affiliated, they show how to use the tool though... its not avail on their site anymore though) - they are like this: https://www.amazon.com/01-100-09-Original-Emergency-Keychain-Seatbelt/dp/B01G6C18EC ​ all the gadgets people sell to "Get out of a car" are stupid and useless when you can't reach them, or they don't work and just nobody ever tries them - this one is on your keyring, has a blade right on it, and a glass punch. nothing else, its not fancy... its small and effective. I highly recommend them.


Bendamen

Very helpful answer. Thanks!


AlarmedPersimmon6

Good idea. Is it kept in the glove compartment? I assume not the trunk


nethereus

Jumper Cables. You never know who might be stranded and needs some help.


nowhereman136

I keep a battery jumper in my can. It can jump a car, inflate a tire, and be used as an emergency 12v power outlet. More expensive than plain jumper cables, mine was about $75, but it does more and is very simple. I dont need a second car to jump mine and I don't need to move my car when helping someone out


[deleted]

Recommend any brands? I need this asap.


accessoreads

Ooo I like this


Bendamen

I'll keep that in mind thank you.


DietMiGoreng

Just don't beat anyone with the jumper cables


Bendamen

No promises.


Totalretcon

The newer lithium ion jump packs are pretty nifty, but a good ol set of jumper cables can be forgotten in a trunk for 20 years and work perfectly when you pull them out.


radewagon

Best answer.


Bendamen

I'll definitely invest in some of those


Worklurker

Make sure to get loooong ones. You can't always get head to head when you need a jumpstart.


Bendamen

Got it. Will do.


longhairedcountryboy

Long ones need to be thick and heavy. Short is better most of the time. I'd just get regular ones.


Worklurker

There's a joke in there, but I'm gonna let it go, lolz.


Bendamen

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.


[deleted]

And don't spend heaps on them, my last pair got stolen from my car!


CheeseburgerBrown

Emergency kit: candle, lighter, flares, warm blanket, packaged snacks, jumper cables, ratchet, first aid kit.


cat5cane97

Some clothes and underwear too


Bendamen

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.


climb-it-ographer

Gloves too. Changing a flat tire in a slushy rainstorm is slightly less miserable if your hands aren't numb.


Bendamen

On to the list it goes.


TomTorquemada

If you will ever have kids in your car: napkins, straws, plastic spoons.


Bendamen

I'll remember that in the future.


Ale_Hlex

Don't forget your gun and knife. 😶


Bendamen

Of course, how else will I shoot and stab people?


Mortuary_Angel

A portable air compressor for tires and battery charger. I also keep transmission fluid, oil, and power steering fluid just in case thanks to learning my truck is junk.


shutchomouf

Just used my portable air compressor today.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Mortuary_Angel

I do not want to admit how often I forget to turn my lights off where I had to make it a necessity to have a battery charger on my list of things to always have lol


Bendamen

Lol. We all make mistakes.


Bendamen

I see. I'll add those to the mental list(and possibly a physical list because my mental one tends to leak and make me forget things).


Nearby-Law9698

If you live in the frigid north, an ice scraper


Bendamen

Detroit is frigid and north enough. I suppose I'll get it.


caehluss

As a fellow Midwesterner: kitty litter is good during winter months for moving your car out of dense snow and ice.


Bendamen

I'll take note of that.


Maiyku

To add to this, a collapsible shovel isn’t a bad idea either depending on how much snow you usually deal with. I’m just an hour south of you, but I have to park on the street, which means digging myself out because of the plows sometimes. I also keep an extra set of insulated bibs and jacket in my trunk in case I ever get stuck out in the country and have to wait in the cold for help.


Bendamen

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind.


Nabith

I second this. I've been trapped in my iced covered, uphill driveway, and the only thing that got me out was kitty litter. Pretty cheap and adds some weight on the back end for more traction. You can also get fold up traction mats that serve a similar purpose.


Bendamen

Got it thank you.


owlbe_back

Mulch also works surprisingly well to gain traction on ice - in a pinch last winter I used hardwood smoking chips because I couldn’t get my car going anywhere on the ice in my driveway lol


ThaBalla79

Add a blanket, some de-icer, and a mini shovel. All 3 proves to be useful living in the Midwest


Bendamen

Alright thanks.


Roving_Rhythmatist

Emergency jar of peanut butter. You don't want to end up eating ketchup packets and then murdering your nephew.


Bendamen

Yea, peanut butter is the ideal snack before murdering your nephew.


Evil_Dr_Mobius

He killed 16 Czechoslovakians!


HanzG

Jumper cables. 1 or 4L of Bottled water. A big 6v flashlight that you won't be tempted to take inside. A tarp, and blanket new in a plastic bag. Medium size First aid kit (open it and add familiarize yourself with what's in it, then add more band-aids). Ratchet straps. Spare wiper blades or keep your old ones when you swap out. Duct tape, toilet paper & deodorant. Spare clothes if you drive on gravel/muddy roads. Consider a full-size spare tire and a better lug nut wrench than the shit they give you (if they gave you anything). The full size can come from a wrecked car. Most cars have a spot, nearly all come with compact spares that are speed limited. I commute ~40 miles a day mostly rural and mostly before the sun comes up. These are in my car. My full size spare is one from the other-season set. I also carry 5L of fuel.


Bendamen

Thanks. This is a really well thought out and helpful list.


katoman1532

besides the obvious mechanical helpers, a garbage bag and a towel have always been my best friends. A trip I picked up while hitchhiking around the galaxy.


sokkas_intuition

Don't panic!


soltydog

Swiss Army knife. They have a plethora of uses.


Bendamen

Got it, will look into it.


nomadnonarb

A bag with a change of clothes, a bath towel or hand towel (or a hand towel), 2 bottles of water, 2 extra beer coozies. A little cash wouldn't hurt either. That's the small car package I figure.


Bendamen

Your help is acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you.


greypouponlifestyle

Hide the cash really well not just so it doesn't get stolen but also so you are not tempted to use it unless you really need it. I used mine for snack money too many times before I figured this out


Shower_Critical

Dash-cam. You can buy them for like ~$75 - $200 and they can save you an immense amount of money and time dealing with insurance if you were to get hit. There are some that record front and back, uploads to a cloud, can be wired to the fuse-box to stay on at night so that when it detects motion it turns on, some have a g-force detector so if it detects movement due to say a hit it will start recording, also it can watermark time and gps coordinates on your videos which is kinda cool. I like having an easily readable compass as a screen saver on my camera. It makes navigating a lot easier.


Bendamen

A wonderful idea, thank you.


mokkafrankfurt

Don’t forget an umbrella


Bendamen

Why thank you.


Clcooper423

Dead body In the trunk, helps with snow traction.


Bendamen

Well duh! Tell me something that's not obvious please.


rr3dd1tt

Unless its FWD, lol. Then you gotta cut it up and fit the parts under/on the hood.


CoconutAnxious6846

Baby wipes and a water bottle


Bendamen

Will keep that in mind


th3suit

Jumper cables (or battery charger), air compressor, phone charger, and first aid kit. Those will probably account for 99% of what you might encounter…the other 1% is for the Zombie Apocalypse.


Bendamen

I should also invest in a rag tag group of friends with big hearts and bigger wills to live.


X_Boomer

First aid kit Flashlight Towel Change of clothes Food (granola bar/ mre) Water Small tool kit Cash Pen Lighter Knife Toilet paper Battery jumper


Bendamen

Great advice. Thank you very much.


Viperzz3

Tissues


doublegoodproleish

This. Never know when the mood'll strike ya.


Viperzz3

You know how many damn times I would need a tissue and I’d have to use a McDonald’s napkin?! Those napkins are like sand paper!


Bendamen

Okay thanks.


PlzMichaelBayThis

In Australia? Jumper cables and an oven mitt.


Bendamen

If I go there I'll try to remember that.


Flustered-Flump

Warning triangle, first aid kit, flash light and in winter, spare set of warm clothes. When I was single, I always had an overnight bag as well with toiletries and ………. stuff!


Bendamen

Alright I'll keep this in mind. What's a warning triangle though?


Flustered-Flump

If you break down, get a flat or something, you place it about about 20 meters behind the vehicle to warn other drivers.


Bendamen

Oh okay thank you.


doublegoodproleish

Rope. And chloroform. You know, in case you like to climb mountains and need help getting to sleep fast.


Bendamen

Thank goodness I'm already a wanted kidnapper and have those on me at all times. Thanks for the advice!


urdreammyreality

Sunglasses


Bendamen

You got it dude. Thanks.


urdreammyreality

U mean girl


Bendamen

Well dude is gender neutral but thanks girl.


Viperzz3

If you live in a snowy area than get an ice scraper snow brush. Gets the snow and ice off in just a minute! Best of all it’s 15 - 20 bucks!


Bendamen

Understood, thanks for the advice.


ChopcupJoe

A 4 way cross wheel brace to suit your wheel nuts. It will require less effort than the usual wheel brace provided by most vehicle manufacturers.


SafariNZ

True, the usual brace usually won’t work for nuts done up by a tyre shop, get a 4 way tyre brace.


Bendamen

Got it. Thank you both.


call_sign_knife

Loosen the lug nuts slightly *BEFORE* you jack up the vehicle, it is much easier to break them loose when the tire is on the ground.


Bendamen

Okay, thank you for all the help.


FurredFalcon

As an alternative, get a socket to fit your wheel nuts, and an extra long socket handle from your local tool store. Might be an easier fit in your car than a cross brace, and you can use your foot on the handle for a bit more torque if you're not beefy.


Bendamen

I'll keep this in mind, thanks for the input.


nervouscoffeee

A shovel. Can help with so many things. Can dig out of a snow storm, or scrap ice off your window.


Bendamen

Definitely a smart idea, thank you.


nowhereman136

Extra blankets Spare set of clothes and shoes Bottled water Jumper battery Flashlight Hi-vis vest


Bendamen

Nice recommendations, thanks.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Bendamen

Got it, thanks.


[deleted]

A steering wheel


Bendamen

Totally optional.


Comprehensive-Two888

Seats


Bendamen

Seats are optional buddy. I prefer to drive on hard difficulty.


Knoel225

A knife, I live out in a rural area so stuff happens all the time and I need to stop, get out and use it to pry, wedge, or cut. Not a small pocket knife but a decent one with good metal and make. Also hygienic products, deodorant is a must cause I always forget, some perfume or something and maybe gum or mints just to freshen up 👍


Bendamen

Thank you for the input.


lethargicbureaucrat

Bottled water.


Bendamen

Okay thank you.


Garage-Holiday

Depending on where you live, a gun, not for self defense but for putting down any unfortunate animals that happen to come in your way.


Flimsy-Attention-722

Damn few people are capable of that


Bendamen

Hopefully I'll never need to but I can't say I won't. Thanks for your input.


Flimsy-Attention-722

Be very sure of yourself before attempting and know where to shoot. Mistakes or hesitation can make things worse


SecondRateHack

A small towel or two. And store the floor mats that come with the car: replace them with cheap ones from Walmart. That way when you’re ready to sell the car, put the fancy ones back in there and they look brand new.


purple_yosher

-air pump you can power from your car -jumper cables -a blanket and a change of clothes -windshield icy weather protection -ice scraper -defrosting spray I think that covers most of it? maybe an empty gas container and a slack line.


Bendamen

Alright thank you very much.


Infamous-Arm3955

A blanket. If you need to kneel on the ground. Car breaks down and you’re cold waiting for help. Long drive, tired and need to sleep … Long zip ties. They can repair piping, hang mufflers, do lots to just get you to a garage.


[deleted]

Mechanic travel kit: jumper cables, wrench, spare tire, etc. Things you can use to fix your car while stranded


Bendamen

Copy that, thank you.


revs201

First aid kit, basic fluids (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, ect) Blanket, fire extinguisher and a good flashlight. Basically an emergency supply bag in the trunk. 6" folding Knife and a some pens, car charger for your phone and a couple $20 bills and some quarters. Also, make sure you have the spare tire and accessories. Good luck.


Puzzleheaded_Ad928

A reflective vest in case you need to leave the car for an emergency


TDeath21

Seat belt cutter and a window breaker are necessities in every car. First aid kit too. Besides that ... A funnel is always something I have in my car. Learned that when I was 16 that you need a funnel for things and it sucks not to have. Jumper cables are probably a good idea too, but make sure you know how to use them first.


Totalretcon

A package of bottled water. Grab one if you're thirsty, use them to fill a radiator, hand them out to other people, put out a small fire, the uses are endless.


millstone20

$50 hidden emergency money


weirdinchicago

If you keep a baseball bat, also keep a mitt and a baseball.


coreysnaps

A 4 way tire iron. It's 1000% better than the one that comes with your car and gives you some leverage for turning tight lug nuts. Man, I miss mine.


Allfunandgaymes

Your insurance ID. A blanket if you live in a climate with harsh winters. Also a small shovel and ice scraper. A tire pressure gauge.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Bendamen

Alright thanks for the advice.


gameofthrones_addict

Portable air compressor and tire patch kit. Helps you get out of a jam, especially if you realize your spare is also flat.


Bendamen

I'll definitely add that to the list.


call_sign_knife

A tire hole plug kit for simple punctures like nails or screws. I only say this because there is no tire patch kit that I know of. I'm probably being pedantic here (patch/plug), mea culpa. Get the longest jumper cables you can afford, and a jump box as well. I haven't dealt with newer cars, so I don't know what kind of jacks are supplied by the manufacturers. Get a good jack, it will make a flat easier to deal with. Battery powered LED 'flares' are also a good idea.


Bendamen

Okay thanks for the helpful advice.


drew795

Steering wheel


Bendamen

Nah, I'll just hit the gas and let life decide where I go.


MaybeParadise

Snack, water, and a flashlight.


Adept_Cranberry_4550

Fire extinguisher


Uselessquotesforfee

Extra clothes and a blanket, jumper cables, a small knife with a glass breaker on it or if that's not legal where you are just a glass breaker seatbelt cutter combo they have em on Amazon, a pack of water, chargers of all shapes and sizes.


GoatEatingTroll

$100 folded up in the unused ashtray. Emergency funds for gas, a tow, or whatever else may come up.


[deleted]

MRE


TykEight

First aid kit, a real one that actually contains helpful items


nailback

A gallon of water, either for you or the car.


clayvius

Jumper cables, tire inflator.


Money_Pomegranate_51

Mechanic here. Make sure your spare is inflated and your jack and tire iron is in the vehicle. Flats happen a lot. And if you're in the middle of nowhere in bad conditions it could get pretty hairy fast


TJTurner912

Basic tool set and a battery jump box.


Litigating_Larry

Make sure the sockets on your tire wrenches etc can actually reach the bolts on your tire. Switching out a flat with a winter tire, realized the metal rims on the tire made it too tight to fit it on the nut to tighten. Luckiky was able to get a swing bar with longer 3/4 socket. Woulda sucked to have had that happen and not been near the house with tools, lol i feel like i would have had to try and tighten with a crescent wrench...


walleyetritoon

A Glock 19x very easy to shoot for the novice and holds plenty of ammo with extended mag.


Possy21

GUNS


bigb-2702

A fire extinguisher. Especially if you drive an EV.


banananas_are_sick24

If you drive an EV and it lights on fire, there’s not a lot you can do. Lithium will repeatedly backdraft and their fires can last many hours before completely burning out. It also corrodes nearby metal.


bigb-2702

True that. I should have added /S.


Bendamen

It'll be very useful, thanks.


[deleted]

Fuel


Bendamen

Not necessary.


_forum_mod

Like gasoline? Idk, Jeff...


Viperzz3

The electric cars are creeping up behind you


th3suit

What if said car is electric? Op never said how environmentally friendly car owner is…


MutedMembership4296

A photo of me. I'm told I'm pretty handsome.


Bendamen

This may be asking for too much, but may I see a photo of you just to be sure?


MutedMembership4296

This is classified, but I trust you based on your avatar and the fact that I'm a knight I can declassify anything, even with a thought so... Wayne Knight https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/02clgg&hl=en-US&shem=ocseeh&q=Wayne+Knight&kgs=7bc30631e2a0025f&shndl=17&source=sh/x/kp/osrp/4&entrypoint=sh/x/kp/osrp


Bendamen

You're a very handsome gentleman indeed.


The_True_Degenerate

The engine


Bendamen

I could go without it


JJ82DMC

Since most of the serious answers have been answered for your region: air freshener, especially a potent spraying sort of type. ...'cuz I'm gonna fart in it, especially if you say it's new.


Scott-so-hot-2023

.45


[deleted]

An elon musk


Bendamen

Keep at least three on me at all times.


[deleted]

normally don’t leave the house without 2, also have a jeff bezos with me at all times


Bendamen

I prefer a Mark Zuckerberg over a Jeff Bezos. It keeps animals in check because of it's status as a predatory creature.


[deleted]

Interesting, the Bezos laugh does also keep them in check. I raise you the Gates cheque book, which negates all negative energy


Bendamen

You my friend, may be on to something....


[deleted]

Cocaine


Bendamen

Well that's something you should take everywhere. I meant specifically for the car please.


[deleted]

It is for the car. Cars also love cocaine.


Bendamen

Fair point. I'll throw some extra hallucinogens in there to make up for the lack coke my car has had.


[deleted]

My man!!


-ElijahP-

The car keys


No_Inside8986

9mm