5 Essential Items To Have In Your Car

I don't know about you, but I can be a bit of a stickler for keeping a car's interior clutter-free. I am not a big fan of having an assortment of knick-knacks rolling about in my glovebox. However, there are a few items that I think all cars should have. Here are a few of them.

1. Dashcam

We've all seen dashcam footages before, and pretty much all of them involve accidents and/or road bullies. Having a dashcam in your car means having evidence should you be involved or a witness to such events.

In fact, some insurance companies in overseas countries offer discounts for cars with dashcams fitted. Sadly no such thing here.

In recent years, more and more cars on sale right now come with a built-in dash cam and some even have front and rear cameras. But if your car does not come with it, there's always the aftermarket option. Here's a basic guide on purchasing a dashcam.

2. Phone Charger & Cable

In a time where our phone can replace a camera, a map, and even our car keys, it's really good to keep our phones topped up while we drive. Especially should there be an emergency.

I keep both a Lightning & a USB-C cable in the glove compartment just in case a friend needs to charge his / her phone too. And even though my car has a built-in USB port, it is nice to have a spare handy.

3. Sunshade & Window blinds

Let's face it, Malaysia is really hot. But what's hotter is a car's cabin when parked under direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause interior plastics to fade and leather upholstery to dry out & crack.

So I would highly recommend using a sunshade whenever you have to park your car out in the open. I prefer the folding silver foil type over the origami-like blinds, but the latter works just fine.

As for the side windows, you can opt for quality window tints, but that can get a little pricey. The second (cheaper) option is to install window blinds. Prices vary from RM40 and up to RM100++ depending on the size and number of windows you have on your car.

I would suggest that you opt for the ones with magnets in them and they are easier to remove and reinstall when you need to. Proton offers magnetic window blinds for their X50.

4. Tyre Changing / Repair Kit

Unless your car is equipped with run-flat tyres from the factory, chances are you have a spare tyre or a tyre repair kit in the boot. While it's important to have one or the other in the car, it is equally important to make sure that they are in functioning condition as well.

Have a look at the spare tyre, is it properly inflated? Is the jack in there too? For those with a repair kit, check to see if it has passed its use-by date. The last thing you need is an out-of-date sealant and left stranded because of a puncture.

5. Bottled water

You may think it's trivial, but it might just save your life. The nature of our hot climate means we are susceptible to dehydration out on the road and the dry wind from the A/C just exacerbates the issue. Studies have shown that driving while dehydrated can be as dangerous as driving drunk.

Note that you should never leave disposable plastic water bottles in a parked car as they are very sensitive to heat and may release harmful substances into the liquid within.

What other important items you keep in your car? Let us know!