As motorway users, we often find ourselves unprepared for situations we encounter while on the road. From a flat tire to a sudden downpour or a spilled drink to a traffic stop, it’s difficult to ensure you’re ready to deal with every obstacle life throws your way. In hopes of easing your worries and quenching your curiosity, I present to you the ultimate guide to what should be kept in your vehicle at all times. 

License/Wallet 
Although pretty self-explanatory, you legally need your license to drive. Without your license, which you should keep in your wallet, your being behind the wheel is a one-way ticket to jail. It should be noted, however, that although some states, like California, accept a lack of a driver’s license card on your person, Texas traffic officers will not accept a picture as proof of valid identification. 

Insurance/Registration/Owner’s Manual 
For anyone who drives, these three items are an absolute must-have. In the event of a traffic stop, you’ll be asked to present your license and registration. If you encounter a collision, your insurance comes in pretty handy. Lastly, although your owner’s manual is more likely to be useful alongside a spare tire, it’s an item you’ll store in your glove compartment with the previous two. 

Jacket/Blanket 
Similar to an umbrella but with a wider range of opportunities, a jacket or blanket can keep you or a friend warm and comfy when the temperature does not agree with you. Cold weather isn’t the only scenario, though, because going to the movies or attending a picnic are perfect examples of jack and blanket-worthy times. 

Inflated Spare Tire/Tire-Pressure Gauge 
A flat tire is one of the most common yet nightmarish problems drivers face, and while it’s not necessary to know how to fix them yourself, having the equipment to do so can help significantly. It’s important to ensure that the spare tire you keep in your car, which is to be stored in its designated location (usually inside or beneath the trunk), is kept well-inflated. Using a tire pressure gauge can tell you when it’s time to re-inflate that spare. 

Jumper Cables 
Whether it’s you, a friend, or a complete stranger who finds yourselves in need of a jump-start, having jumper cables on hand can be a life-saver. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure how to use them, though, because a quick phone call to a car-savvy friend or automotive service will get you sorted. Having the right equipment is a great start.

Water 
In case nobody has told you, hydration is necessary for survival. If you don’t already keep a water bottle with you wherever you go, as is the norm nowadays, keeping at least one bottle of water, even lukewarm, in your car at all times is the easiest way to quench your thirst. 

Flashlight/Umbrella 
Come day or night and rain or shine, a flashlight and umbrella combo will keep you safe from the dark and out of the rain. Your phone flashlight is an option, but wasting your battery would be quite a bummer. Our weather in Texas can be unpredictable, and staying protected from unforeseen precipitation can make or break your day.