Accidents happen all the time, and it’s best to prepare for them! Are you a teen or parent of a teen who wants to know what things to keep in your car?
As a parent of a teenager, it’s important to have a game plan for what you want them to do in case of an emergency. We’ve put together this list of 20 things teenagers should keep in their cars. Our list includes items like first-aid supplies, snacks, and money.
Keep reading for more information!
How Being Prepared Can Help Your Teenager in the Event of an Emergency
If you’re a parent, one of your biggest fears is that something will happen to your teen while they’re driving. While you can’t always protect them, there are things you can do to help increase the chances that they’ll be safe in an emergency.
One of the most important things is ensuring your teenager has everything they need in their car. That means having a first-aid kit, a flashlight, some food and water, and other basic supplies. It’s also essential to go over what to do in different emergencies so they know what to do if faced with a difficult situation.
By teaching your teenagers preparedness and how to stay safe in an emergency, you can give them the best chance of survival.
If you haven’t read The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Teaching Your Teen to Drive, you might want to check that out first!
20 Things Every Teenager Should Keep in Their Car
A first-aid kit is a must-have for any driver, but it’s essential for teenagers. Since they’re more likely to be involved in an accident, they must have a kit to help them deal with minor injuries.
You can make your own first-aid kit or purchase a small one inexpensively. Some things to include in their kit are bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication. If they have an accident, they can treat minor injuries.
No one ever plans on having their car break down. And it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times! That’s why it’s always important to prepare for the unexpected.
One of the things your teen should always have in their car is a flashlight.
A flashlight can come in handy if they have to change a tire at night or if their car breaks down and they need to signal for help. It can also help them find things that have fallen under their seats. And if they’re ever in an accident, a flashlight can help them see if any injuries need attention.
Food and Water
Make sure your teen keeps some nonperishable food and extra water in their car, just in case! If an accident leaves them stranded on the side of the road, it’s good for them to have something to eat and drink.
Cash
Ask your teen to have cash on hand in the event of an emergency. If they’re stranded somewhere or their car breaks down, having money will help them get home safely.
Additionally, if they need to call a tow truck or pay for a taxi, they’ll be able to do so without putting themselves in danger.
Finally, if they find themselves in a situation where they need to buy something but don’t have their debit or credit card, having cash will ensure they can still make the purchase. So encourage your teen to keep some money in their car!
Maps
In today’s world, it’s easy to rely on GPS instead of old-fashioned paper maps. But what happens if your teen’s GPS device breaks or runs out of batteries? Or what if they get lost in an area with spotty cell service?
Having a physical map in the car can help your teen find their way if they find themselves in a situation like this. Next time you’re driving with your teen, toss a map into the glove compartment.
Cellphone Charger
There are a few excellent reasons why you, as a parent, should encourage your teen to keep a cell phone charger in their car. A charger makes it into our list of things to keep in your car as a teenager because we all rely on phones for communication in emergencies.
First, it’s a great way to ensure they’re always reachable. If they have a charger, they can easily plug in their phone if it starts to run low on battery.
Second, it can help in an emergency. If your teen’s phone dies and they need to call for help, having a charger with them can be a lifesaver.
Finally, it’s just a good habit to get into. If your teen charges their phone regularly, they won’t forget to do it when needed.
So encourage your teen to keep a charger in their car. It could come in handy someday!
Every parent wants their teenager to be safe when on the road. One way to ensure their safety is to prepare them for anything. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a tire pressure gauge in their car.
If their tires are low on air, it can be dangerous. It can make the vehicle harder to handle and cause blowouts. With a tire pressure gauge, they can quickly check their tires and keep them inflated to the proper level. That way, they can avoid potential problems and stay safe on the road.
Show your teen the following Tiktok on checking tire pressure if they are visual learners:
One thing to have in your car as a teenager is jumper cables. Jumper cables can jump-start a vehicle if the battery dies and provide power to a dead battery so they can drive the car to a service station.
In addition, you can use jumper cables to provide power to other things in a vehicle, like the headlights or the radio.
So if your teenager ever finds themselves in a situation where their car has a dead battery, they’ll be glad they have jumper cables.
If your teen is a visual learner, show them this TikTok:
One way to help your teen stay safe and prepared is to ensure they have a tool kit in their car. A tool kit can be incredibly useful in various situations, from changing a flat tire to jump-starting a dead battery. Plus, it gives your teen a sense of independence and responsibility, knowing they can independently handle minor repairs and roadside emergencies.
Of course, you’ll want to stock your teen’s tool kit with essential items like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. But it’s also a good idea to include duct tape and zip ties, which can be handy in a pinch.
Investing in a good quality tool kit gives your teen the tools they need to stay safe on the road.
Spare Tire & Jack
There are a few reasons your teen needs to have a spare tire and jack in their car.
First, it’s always better to prepare for a flat tire. If your teen is stranded on the side of the road, having a spare tire and jack can mean the difference between getting back on the road quickly or being stuck for hours.
Second, changing a tire is a good lesson in essential car maintenance. Even if your teen never needs to use their spare tire, learning how to change a tire is an important skill.
Finally, having a spare tire and jack can give your teen a sense of independence. They’ll feel more confident driving independently if they can handle changing their tire.
So, next time you’re at the store, pick up a spare tire and jack for your teen’s car. A spare & jack kit is a crucial thing to have in your car as a teenager!
Extra Windshield Wiper Fluid
One essential fluid that every car needs is windshield washer fluid. This liquid helps clean off your windshield when it gets dirty, usually by spraying it onto the windshield and then wiping it off with your wipers. It’s imperative to have it in the winter when road conditions are often messy, and there’s lots of salt on the roads.
To ensure that your windshield wiper fluid is always topped up, it’s a good idea to have your teen keep a spare bottle in their car. That way, if they ever run low, they can top it up themselves. Not only will this save you from having to do it yourself, but it will also help ensure that your teen can always see clearly while driving.
Your teen can use ropes and carabiners for all sorts of things, from tying down a load to rescuing someone from a stranded vehicle. You never know when you’ll need a rope or a carabiner. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have cords with carabiners in your car, just in case.
And if you’re a parent, you’ll want to ensure that your teen has access to these tools in an emergency.
You may not think you need a tarp in your car, but if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s always best to prepare for anything.
A tarp can create a makeshift shelter if your teen gets stranded in a snowstorm.
In short, a tarp is a versatile and essential item for any teen driver. So make sure your teen keeps one in their car at all times. We added this to our list of things to keep in your car as a teenager because of its versatility in the event of emergencies.
Blanket
A blanket can provide warmth if your teen’s car breaks down in cold weather. Also, a blanket can protect teens from the sun if their car overheats or the rain if they get caught in a storm.
Fire Extinguisher
Being a parent is hard enough, but being a parent to a teenager can be even more complicated. You worry about them constantly- whether they’re doing their homework, if they’re eating healthy if they’re staying out of trouble. And then there are the more practical concerns, like making sure they’re driving safely.
Fire safety tools made it into our top 20 items to keep in your car as a teenager because it’s often overlooked yet important. A fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver in an accident or a fire.
A parent should have their teen keep a multi-tool in their car for the following reasons:
First, in a roadside emergency, a multi-tool can be a lifesaver. For example, if your teen gets a flat tire, they can use the tools to change it. Or, if the battery dies, they can use the tools to jumpstart the car.
Second, a multi-tool can also come in handy for everyday tasks.
Finally, having a multi-tool in the car gives your teen a sense of independence and responsibility. They will feel empowered knowing they can care for themselves in an emergency.
So parents, be sure to have your teen keep a multi-tool in their car – it could save their life!
Roadside Flares
Roadside flares are essential safety equipment that every driver should have in their car, especially teens. They can signal for help if your teen gets stranded in a remote location. If your car breaks down or you’re in an accident, flares can help you stay safe by warning other drivers of the potential danger.
Most roadside flares are easy to use. They can be stored in the trunk or under the seat and come in handy carrying cases. So if you’re a parent of a teen driver, make sure they always keep a set of roadside flares in their car. It could one day save their life.
A headlamp is one of those pieces of gear you don’t realize how useful it is until you need it. And when you need it, you need it. That’s why every parent should make sure their teen has a headlamp in their car. Here are four good reasons why:
- A headlamp can help you change a tire in the dark.
- A headlamp can help you find your way if you get lost on a hike.
- A headlamp can help you read a map at night.
- A headlamp can help you signal for help if your car breaks down.
So make sure your teen has a headlamp in their car – it could come in handy someday! We put a flashlight and a headlamp in our top 20 things to keep in your car as a teenager because both are helpful in an emergency.
A tow strap is an essential tool for anyone who plans to do any serious off-roading. A tow strap in the car can be a lifesaver, especially for inexperienced drivers. If your teen gets stuck in the mud or sand, a tow strap can help them get out. It’s also helpful in getting unstuck from snowbanks. And if they ever have to tow, a tow strap is much cheaper than a tow truck. So it’s worth keeping one in the car, just in case.
Duct Tape
You’re a parent. You want what’s best for your kids, so you should tell them to keep a roll of duct tape in their car. It may seem like an odd request, but duct tape can be a lifesaver in various situations.
For example, if a tire blows out, a quick patch with duct tape can hold the tire until you can get to a service station. Duct tape can temporarily repair a cracked windshield or broken taillight. In an emergency, your teen can use it as a tourniquet.
So the next time you’re talking to your teenager about being prepared for the worst, don’t forget to mention duct tape. It may just come in handy someday.
Hot Tip: Every driver, regardless of age, should keep a list of emergency contacts in their glove box. However, teens need to have this information on hand, as they are more likely to be involved in an accident. In the event of an accident, having a list of emergency contacts will help to ensure that you receive the help you need as quickly as possible. The list should include the names and phone numbers of your parents or guardians and any other relatives or close friends who live nearby. Additionally, you should have the contact information for your insurance company and your doctor. By keeping this information readily available, you can rest assured knowing that help is only a phone call away.
In Sum…
While this list may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that being prepared can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. By ensuring your teenager has these things in their car, you can help give them a fighting chance if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.
What other things do you think are essential for teenagers to keep in their cars? Let us know in the comments below!
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