Ask a Tow Truck Company: 5 Must Haves in Your Car

With 67 years of experience as a tow truck company under our belts, Benefiel Truck and Tow have seen it all. We are proud to help motorists in their time of need and know how to handle any situation. You may be wondering if there are any must-haves that you should keep in your car in case of  an accident or breakdown. We asked our Hamburg tow truck drivers their suggestions. Let’s have a look at what they said!

1. Phone Charger

This was by far the most popular response from our tow company drivers. In case of emergency, it is always a good idea to have a phone charger on hand, especially because they always seem to be depleted during the times we need them the most!  A phone charger in your car ensures that you can call for help whenever you need it. Whether you need to call a tow truck company or your insurance company, a working phone is a must have! 

2. First Aid Kit

It is extremely important that all of your vehicles contain a fully-stocked first aid kit. You will likely reach for your first aid kit many times, not only in cases where you need to call a tow truck company. Whether you need to keep a large wound clean until paramedics arrive, or need to tend to your child’s scraped knee, a first aid kit is always useful to have on hand. 

What are some essentials you should keep in your car first aid kit?

• Adhesive bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic cream
• Sterile gloves
• Elastic bandages
• Instant cold packs
• Instead heat packs
• Emergency blanket
• Scissors
• Sterile Gauze
• Tweezers

Check out the Red Cross’ list for more detailed information!

3. Spare Tire

Doesn’t every car come with a spare tire? You might be wondering why it’s on our list.  Unfortunately, older makes and models are usually fitted with a spare tire, while newer models often don’t have one. As mileage requirements evolve, car manufacturers are scrambling to keep up, and removing a spare tire from a vehicle is a quick way to lose up to 60 pounds! 

Once you’re done reading this blog, double check and make sure that your car has a spare tire. Having one on hand will make your life a lot easier if you ever get a flat. Don’t have a spare? Tell your tow truck company’s dispatcher.

4. Emergency Escape Tool

As tow truck company experts, we’ve seen many emergency situations. Breaking a car window or cutting a seatbelt are near impossible tasks without the right equipment and tools. A small 2-in-1 car window breaker/seatbelt cutter tool can literally be the difference between life and death.

We know that it isn’t pleasant to think of your car quickly sinking in water or catching on fire. However, that being said, it’s always best to be prepared. Emergency escape tools make quick work of breaking windows and cutting seat belts, allowing you ample time to escape your vehicle.

5. Windshield Wiper Fluid

One of the basics to being a safe driver is being able to see where you are going. Having an extra bottle of windshield wiper fluid will ensure that you can see the road and will always have great visibility. Weather can take a turn quickly and having a dirty windshield is not only dangerous for you but for all motorists around you. 

You can easily store it in the trunk where it won’t take up a lot of space. Don’t have any on you? A tow truck company like Benefiel Truck and Tow will be able to quickly deliver windshield wiper fluid to you in the case of an emergency.

That wraps up our Hamburg tow truck driver’s Top 5! Do you agree with their suggestions? What are 5 must-have items that you have in your car?