Top 5 Items You Should Have In Your Car (But Probably Don't)
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NORTH TEXAS (CBS11) - For many of us in North Texas our vehicles often feel like a second home as we spend hundreds of hours behind the wheel.
This is why Doug Shupe of AAA Texas says it is extremely important to be prepared.
"You definitely want to have some sort of roadside kit," Shupe said.
Whether you make your own kit or purchase one, Shupe said all kits should have the essentials such as booster cables, a flashlight, and a blanket.
But while many of us have these items in our trunk, here's our top five items you likely don't have in your car but experts say you should.
1. Cardboard - In case you find yourself stuck on ice during one of those North Texas ice storms, you can place a piece of cardboard under your tire for traction.
2. Marker - If you find yourself in need of help or needing to leave your stranded vehicle behind, using the piece of cardboard with a marker you can make a sign large enough to catch the attention of drivers passing by.
3. Plastic cereal dispenser - Especially if you have kids, it doesn't take long before your vehicle can be full of trash. Some organization experts recommend using a plastic cereal container for a trash can because it has a lid to prevent spilling and its thin shape allows you to conceal it under a seat.
4. Duct tape - Whether you have a busted headlight, a leaky hose, a broken mirror, or even a dragging tailpipe, Doug Shupe with AAA said a role of duct tape can keep your vehicle together long enough for you to make it to the repair shop.
5. Old cell phone - Isn't it Murphy's Law that when you really need your cell phone, you battery is dead and you've forgotten your charger. This is why experts recommend keeping an old cell phone in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Even without service, you can still use the phone to call 911. You'll want to check the phone ever now and again to make sure it's charged.
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