The world around us has changed dramatically in the past two years. As consumers, it’s forcing us to deal with supply and labor shortages and do more for ourselves. Car shortages and the unavailability of many brands of replacement tires are making it essential for car owners to plan ahead and be prepared to deal with and prevent different kinds of emergencies.
We all know that there are car essentials including spare tires, jacks, lug wrenches, and jumper cables, but in today’s economy, there are other things that are not only proactive but help you to keep your car on the road longer.
- Phone Mount – Most of us carry phones and have received calls while we are driving. Not having to hold the phone makes it easier to take care of potentially important phone calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road. These devices can be mounted on your dashboard, vents, or even in a cup holder. There are plenty of choices to meet your needs.
- Car Vacuum – A mini battery-operated vacuum can pick up dirt and spilled food to keep your car clean wherever you are. A clean, unstained car retains more of its value and will make it easier to obtain a higher trade-in price. It also makes the environment in your car pleasant, which is especially important if you spend a lot of time in your vehicle.
- Dashboard Cover – Another thing that affects car value is the condition of the dashboard. The UV rays from the sun fade the dashboard and make it look worn. Preventing this is as easy as using a windshield or dashboard protector.
- Trunk Organizer – Whether you carry an extensive set of tools, extra fluids like windshield wiper fluid or a gas can, or just need to bring milk and juice home from the grocery store, an organizer of some kind will protect your car from spills and damage. Even an empty plastic bin would work and the small effort you make will benefit your car in big ways.
- Emergency Kit – You don’t have to live in areas that experience inclement weather to need an emergency kit. Being stuck in traffic for hours or facing other unexpected hazards is reason enough to carry an emergency kit. In addition to things like non-perishable food and water, first aid items, and blankets and protective clothing, there are other items that will protect you and your car from damage, especially at night. Having items like flares, reflective triangles, flashlights, and a reflective vest will make your car more visible to other drivers to prevent accidents and injury.
- Cell Phone Car Charger – If you travel extensively or are in your vehicle for many hours in a day, keeping a charger for your cell phone will ensure that you will be able to use your phone in case of an emergency or otherwise.
- Portable Air Compressor – Not only could it save you time and keep you from being stranded in a remote area, it might also help you keep that tire operational until you can get it replaced.
One more way you can maintain your car’s value is to have any damage repaired by certified, experienced technicians like those at Anderson Auto Body & Paint. Small things like dents, scratches, and mismatched paint should be taken care of in a timely manner. Your car is a major investment and the more steps you take to protect it, the more you’ll get out of it in the long run.
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