So, you have got yourself a rad truck, and you are on the hunt to see what accompaniments might complement and enhance your driving experience. You want to make sure that your newfound joy is protected at all costs, and that is understandable. There are many protective items on the market for vehicles, and because of this, there are now different style and aesthetic options too. You can be sure to find something you are going to want to take home. This piece is going to take a look at a few of the protective items you can get for your truck on the market and how they might be beneficial. Let’s get into it!
Tire Pressure Checker
One of the last things you want to happen out of a long list with your car is to go on the road without enough air in your tires. Not only can this cause significant wear to your wheels, but it can also be extremely dangerous. A burst tire could cause a serious accident. Having a tire pressure checker in your car is a great fail-safe for moments when you feel like your truck might not be driving properly and you need to check that everything is in order before you hit the road.
Windshield Wash
Not only is it essential for you to keep your windows clean from a safety perspective, but you also need wash to help your windshield wipers work. Not having enough fluid can cause a friction that can be damaging to them, and if they wear away, you will have to get them replaced. Because of this, make sure to always have some windshield wash available to you so you can keep it topped up.
Grille Inserts
Your grille is an important part of your truck, as it allows air to enter and exit the vehicle. There is also usually one at the front of your vehicle, which protects the radiator and the engine. Your car will come with a grille insert, but if you are looking to upgrade to one that suits the look of your car more or comes with some neat features, such as inbuilt lights, then you are in luck. Check out these grilles for Tacoma trucks, so you can find the perfect one for you.
An Emergency Kit
An emergency kit in your car is essential if any problems arise. While it will not help you if you manage to achieve total engine failure, the items in your emergency kit will help when it comes to smaller, manageable things occurring. What goes in your emergency kit can be up to you. However, there are some recommended items that can be great to have on your person.
- Jumper cables – Jumper cables are crucial if you need to jump-start your car if you have a dead battery. Having a dead battery can be dangerous and put you in a tricky situation. That being said, you will need another vehicle with a fully charged battery to use the jumper cables.
- Tool kit – A tool kit can be extremely useful when you are out on the road, as there are many aspects of your car that might need to be looked at, at any point in your journey. Invest in both a flat head and a Phillips screwdriver head for common issues. Wrenches also offer varying uses, all of which could help get you out of a tight spot. Tightening up nuts and bolts can be the very difference between a safe or dangerous journey.
- Reflective goods (a vest or triangles) – Reflective goods are essential if you break down in dark or dreary weather. The safest option when you break down is to leave your vehicle and stand on the side of the road. While putting your hazards on (if you are able to) will help alert other drivers that you are stationary, it is also important that you can be seen, too, as you might not be anticipated by other drivers. Using triangles on your truck if you cannot use your hazards can also help increase the visibility of your vehicle while you wait for help.
- Flares – Having a flare in your truck might sound a bit ‘Castaway,’ but if you are in an emergency situation and that is the only way to try and get someone’s attention, you will be pleased that you have one in your emergency kit.
- Extra fluids (oil, windshield wash, anti-freeze) – While extra fluids in your car will most likely not need to be reached because of a life or death situation, they can make a journey more comfortable, which is almost always worth it. Screen wash is an essential for keeping your screen clear if you are driving through particularly dusty and debris-heavy areas – you do not want your vision impaired if you are driving off-road! Anti-freeze is also another staple in winter, as if you need to get going promptly, the ice can put a dent in your plans. You can help speed up the process of your car defrosting with some anti-freeze, which could make all of the difference.
- Mini fire extinguisher – A fire in your car is probably one of the top disasters to avoid. However, accidents do happen, and if you are lucky enough that it is something small, having a mini fire extinguisher on hand can actually prevent some serious damage. Fire can spread fast anywhere, but your vehicle contains very flammable fluids such as oil and gasoline, so always be sensible and do a quick risk assessment before deciding whether to tackle a fire or not. For example, if your upholstery catches on fire due to a rogue cigarette spark, this is something that you could most likely put out yourself without much risk. However, if an engine fire starts, it is best that you step away from the vehicle while you wait for help.
It is also worth including a first aid kit in your vehicle, just in case you get into an accident yourself!
