A lot can happen when you're on the road, so it's best to be prepared. From changing a flat tire to getting your car out of the mud, these are the things you'll need to carry with you to stay safe.

Things You Should Always Have in Your Car

Before heading out in your car, no matter how far you're going, there are a few things you should always carry in your trunk. Even if the weather is fine and you're not going further than your daily commute, it pays to be prepared. To make sure you have everything you need, check out these tips.

A Spare Tire

Having a spare tire in your trunk is an absolute must because a flat tire can happen at any moment. To keep your car moving you're going to need to change your tire to your spare for at least a little bit. Of course, to change your tire you'll need more than just a spare. You'll need the tools to remove your flat tire as well as tools to put your spare onto your car. Some of the things you'll need include a tire iron, a lug wrench, and a tire jack. Remember to also check on your spare tire every so often because it can lose some of its air pressure over time as well.

A Tool Kit

Having the tools to change a tire is a great start, but you'll need a few more things in your toolkit. Even if you don't have the skills to get your car up and running in every situation, there are some tools that can make all the difference. A simple screwdriver, a flashlight, and even a tire gauge can help you make it past your roadside troubles on some occasions. Seasonal items like a shovel to remove snow or an ice scraper to get rid of ice on your windshield will also be important.

Extra Fluids

Without the fluids running through your car's different systems, it would be impossible for your car to continue working. These fluids, however, don't last forever. A leak can cause your fluid levels to get quite low, leaving you in need of some fluids quick. Whether it's your oil or your coolant that you're running low on, having at least a small supply of these in your trunk can make all the difference. Extra fluids can be the difference between getting stranded on the side of the road and having enough to top off your reservoir and make it to the mechanic. A great way to prevent issues with your car is by keeping up with vehicle maintenance. This includes getting synthetic oil changes in Minneapolis whenever your car needs them. Unlike conventional oil, a synthetic oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil can protect your engine in all climates. To make your next oil change a synthetic oil change, contact All Service Oil at (763) 257-3130. You can also browse their full range of products by visiting their online store.

Jumper Cables

A dead battery is the kind of surprise you want to avoid. Unfortunately, a dead battery catches many drivers off guard. While this can happen at any moment, batteries tend to come to their end more often during the winter months because of the added strain brought on by the cold. Luckily, jumper cables and another driver's help are all that's needed to get your battery up and running. Jumper cables are fairly inexpensive and take up little room in your trunk, so there's really no reason not to carry these in your car. You don't have to get the standard jumper cables either. There are newer, portable gadgets that can jumpstart all on their own without the need for another car to be around.

An Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is essential because it comes in handy in all sorts of situations. Whether your child gets a cut in the backseat or your car gets stuck in the snow, the contents of your emergency kit can help make things better. You can buy a pre-made emergency kit and simply stick it in your trunk or you can buy the supplies you need and make a custom one yourself. Be sure to include bandaids, gauze, medical tape, scissors, disinfectant, cotton swabs, extra medication, and water in your kit. Other items like blankets, gloves, a flashlight, and snacks can also be great additions to your kit.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Minneapolis

To keep your car in great shape this year, don't skip your next synthetic oil change in Minneapolis. For help finding the right products for your oil change, contact All Service Oil at (763) 257-3130. They will be happy to recommend the best products for the job.