Whether you are buying a new car and want to get it set up for yourself, or you can’t take it anymore and are cleaning out your old car, there are certain things you want to make sure you have. I am in the process of buying my first new car, so I am super excited to get it personally set up for myself.

Even if you are the only person that will be in the car most of the time, you want certain things at hand. For safety and for comfort, don’t hit the road without these items.

For Your Safety

Everyone’s worst nightmare is breaking down on the side of the road. Not only might it be that you can’t get over to the shoulder, but it could be at night or on a road a lot of people don’t go on. You want to be ready for any possibility.

• Emergency safety kit 
• Jumper cables
• Spare tire
• First aid kit

Having an emergency kit will be key. It should have things like a flashlight, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and other items that can get your through for a day or two if you become stranded.

Jumper cables aren’t just for your safety. I’ve had to jump so many of my employee’s cars. Be a friendly neighbor.

Most cars come with a spare. But if you’ve used it and didn’t replace it, that can be a huge safety issue when you need it next. Always make sure you have one. Even if you don’t know how to change it, roadside assistance can only do so much.

A first aid kit will be handy in any case. You should have one in your car at all times with the basics. If you are clumsy like me, you never know when you’ll need a band-aid.

For Your Car’s Cleanliness

If your car is new or not, you want to keep it as clean as possible.

• Small trash bag
• Wipes
• Hand sanitizer

There is nothing more frustrating than a kid telling you they have trash, and you don’t have a trash bag. I keep one nicely tucked in a back seat pouch.

Wipes. All of the wipes. From spills, to dust, to whatever that sticky stuff is, wipes take care of it all. Not only for parents, wipes are a universal cleaning product.

To help keep germs from getting all over everyone and everything, hand sanitizer is great to have in your car. There is hand sanitizer spray that is easier for getting the germs off of your car’s surfaces and not just your hands.

For Fun

Now a couple of items for fun. To make your car a bit more personal to you and your style.

• Air freshener
• Seat covers/steering wheel cover
• Fun dashboard friend

If the new car smell is gone, then it’s time to get a nice air freshener. You can get them literally anywhere from stores to gas stations. I like to rotate mine like I do my candles and keep it season themed.

Seat covers are not only for fashion, but for function also. They keep your seat protected from most oopsies and can bring a bit of personality to your car. 

A nice steering wheel cover can keep your steering wheel from turning into a block of ice in the winter or a burning fire stick in the summer.

If you don’t want to mark your car with stickers, putting a cute bobblehead or decoration on your dashboard can put a smile on your face. It can also help you if you happen to park next to your car twin.

So go and have some fun getting your car set up. If you don’t have these items in your existing car, then it’s time to cleanse it of old french fries and get it ready for any occasion.