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The essential car accessories There are only a few items to always keep in your car, but they must be really useful: battery booster, compressor, emergency kit, OBD2 reader, flashlight, jump leads, and a kit for small punctures.
There's no need to fill your trunk with tools. It's better to have a few, well-chosen tools and know when they're safe to use.
What you will learn:
- Which accessories are really worth keeping in your car.
- Which are most useful in an emergency.
- What to buy first.
- What tools can help with small unexpected events?.
Index
Which car accessories are really essential?
A dead battery, a losing tire, or a sudden warning light can quickly turn a normal trip into a hassle.
Not all unexpected events can be resolved alone, and when there is a safety issue, you need to stop and ask for assistance.
However, there are some tools that allow you to manage small common problems or at least to better understand what is happening.
Here are the seven that I consider most useful.
1. Portable jump starter
A dead battery is one of the most common problems, especially after a long period of car storage or when the battery begins to age.
A portable booster It allows you to attempt starting without necessarily having a second car available.
It is particularly useful because it takes up little space and can be left in the trunk.
Before purchasing, check:
- compatibility with the car engine;
- declared starting current;
- reverse polarity and short circuit protection;
- storage methods indicated by the manufacturer.
Also remember to check its charge periodically.
If you want to start with just one emergency accessory, a booster is one of the most practical to keep in your car. Choose a model suited to your car's engine size and type.
HELPFUL TIP
Portable jump starter
Useful for attempting to start a flat battery without necessarily having to connect a second car.
See on Amazon →
2. Portable tire compressor
Driving with incorrect tire pressure can worsen your car's handling, increase tire wear, and affect fuel economy.
A small one portable compressor It allows you to restore pressure when a tyre is simply flat and to carry out checks even when you are far from a distributor.
The most practical models have a digital pressure gauge, adjustable pressure and automatic shut-off.
But be careful: a compressor will not repair a damaged tire. If the tire is cut, deformed, or rapidly losing pressure, you should stop and consider service or replacement.
To check and restore pressure without having to search for a dispenser every time, a compact compressor is one of the most convenient accessories to leave in the trunk.
HELPFUL TIP
Portable car compressor
A compact model with a digital pressure gauge makes it easier to check and adjust tire pressure.
See on Amazon →
3. Car emergency kit
A good one car emergency kit It allows you to collect some useful tools in the same place during a forced stop.
Depending on the model, it may include:
- torch;
- gloves;
- thermal blanket;
- small tools;
- jumper cables;
- other emergency accessories.
The most important thing is that everything is easily accessible. Having a kit buried under suitcases and luggage is of little use when you need to stop quickly.
Before traveling abroad, also check any mandatory equipment required by the country you are traveling through.
HELPFUL TIP
Car emergency kit
Everything you need in one set
See on Amazon →
4. OBD2 reader
When a warning light appears on the dashboard, a OBD2 reader It can be useful to read the diagnostic codes available on the vehicle.
It connects to the car's OBD socket and, in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi models, communicates with an application on the smartphone.
The important point is to understand its limit: Reading an error code does not automatically mean you have diagnosed the fault.
The code is an indication to be interpreted, not an authorization to clear the error and continue driving.
To better understand how this system works, read our guide on OBD2 diagnosis and car error codes.
If you want to understand what a warning message on the instrument panel indicates, consult the guide on car lights on and find out which alerts require your most attention.
For those who want to read their car's diagnostic trouble codes, a compatible OBD2 adapter can be a very useful tool to have on hand.
HELPFUL TIP
Bluetooth OBD2 Reader
It allows you to read many diagnostic codes available on the car's ECU via your smartphone. Before purchasing, check compatibility with your vehicle and the app you're using.
See on Amazon →
5. LED flashlight
It seems trivial until you need to check something in the engine compartment or trunk at night.
A compact and rechargeable LED flashlight It takes up very little space and can be useful during an unexpected stop.
It's better to check its charge periodically rather than leaving it in the trunk for years without ever turning it on.
6. Jumper cables
Even if you have a booster, a couple of jumper cables It can represent an alternative solution.
However, they must be suitable for the vehicle and used following the procedure established for the cars involved.
On modern cars, hybrids or those equipped with special electronic systems, it is important to consult the manual before making connections.
7. Tire repair kit
A small kit can be useful in some emergency situations when a tire loses pressure due to a puncture compatible with the repair system used.
However, not all punctures are repairable.
A damaged sidewall, a large cut or a deformed tyre require a different intervention. The kit should therefore be considered a temporary solution when foreseen, not a permanent fix.
Which car accessories should you buy first?
You don't have to buy everything together.
If you want to gradually prepare the trunk, I would start from:
1. Starter booster: useful when your battery runs out.
2. Compressor: allows you to check and correct tire pressure.
3. Emergency kit: collects several useful tools during an unexpected stop.
4. OBD2 Reader: Interesting for those who want to better understand car diagnostic codes.
Other accessories can be added later depending on the type of car and use.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is buying a lot of accessories and forgetting them in the trunk.
Boosters and flashlights must be charged. Cables and devices must be intact. Products with a shelf life or expiration date must be checked periodically.
Another mistake is to think that having a tool means you can solve any problem.
An OBD2 reader is no substitute for professional diagnosis, a compressor won't fix a damaged tire, and a booster won't fix a faulty battery or electrical system.
Finally, avoid leaving heavy objects loose in the trunk: they must be stored in a stable and secure manner.
In summary
There's no need to turn the trunk into a workshop.
For most drivers, booster, compressor, emergency kit and a good flashlight They already constitute a very useful basis.
OBD2, cables and tire kits complete the equipment for those who want to be better prepared for small unexpected events.
The most important thing, however, remains to know when to use a tool and when to stop and ask for assistance.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential car accessories?
Among the most useful are the starter booster, portable compressor, emergency kit, flashlight, jumper cables, OBD2 reader and small puncture kit.
Is it worth keeping a booster in the car?
It can be very useful in the event of a flat battery, especially if a second car is not available. It should be chosen based on the vehicle and kept properly charged.
Can a portable compressor fix a flat tire?
No. The compressor is primarily used to inflate the tire. A puncture requires proper repair, and some damage makes it impossible to continue driving.
What is an OBD2 reader used for?
It allows you to read many diagnostic codes stored by the car. The code helps pinpoint the problem area, but it doesn't automatically replace a diagnosis.
Is it worth buying a complete emergency kit?
It can be convenient, but it's best to check the contents before purchasing. Not all kits include the same tools, and some items may not be suitable for your needs.
Conclusion
The essential car accessories They don't have to be numerous: they have to be useful when needed.
A small, well-chosen piece of equipment can help you manage a dead battery, check a tire, or better understand a car warning.
Better then a few reliable accessories, checked periodically and stored well in the trunk, rather than a collection of tools that you don't know if they still work.
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