Equip: 12 Essential Car Items for Beginner Drivers, Week of April 18th
Apr 22, 2022
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Learning to drive is a rite of passage for teenagers everywhere. While we don’t want to clutter up their car or field of view, here are some unique and essential car items that you can gift to your new driver when they pass their driver’s test and earn their license.
1. Amazon Basics Jumper Cables
Dead batteries happen. Maybe they left the headlights on or spent too much time sitting in a parking lot with the radio on. Instead of leaving your new driver stranded while they wait for AAA, invest in a good set of jumper cables. These are an essential item that everyone should always keep in their car.
Stash these cables in the trunk of their car, and as long as they can find someone willing to give them a jump, they’ll never have to worry about getting stuck in a parking lot with a dead battery. Make sure you don’t forget AAA, though – just in case the car won’t start with a jump.
2. Hockey Stick Snow Brush
Winter may be over in most of the Northern Hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be prepared for the next time Jack Frost decides to visit. This unique snow brush and scraper is made from a recycled hockey stick, giving it a bit of character. It’s essential that your new driver is able to scrape the ice off their car on those frosty mornings!
3. THINKWORK Car Emergency Kit
A good pair of jumper cables can save you from a dead battery, but you need tools if your driver finds themselves stranded on the side of the road. This handy emergency kit includes everything from a tow rope and flashlight to roadside cones and a first aid kit, so they’ll be prepared for anything.
4. Rvinyl Window Tint
While we’re not advocating for super-dark window tint that might get your new driver pulled over, adding a layer of tint to the windows can protect the interior and reduce distracting glare that could make driving dangerous. Precut vinyl for their car’s specific make and model makes installation easier.
5. Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit
Taking care of their car doesn’t just mean filling the gas tank and checking the oil. Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit has everything your new driver will need to clean and protect their car’s interior and exterior. It includes everything from car washes to waxes, scrubbers and sponges, and even ScratchX for removing scratches and swirls from the clear coat.
6. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 Flashlight
We rely on our cell phones for everything, but if the battery is dead, we could literally find ourselves left in the dark. Instead of using a cell phone’s flash as a light source, consider investing in a good rechargeable flashlight that your new driver can stash in their glove compartment.
7. AstroAI Digitial Tire Pressure Gauge
This may be the least expensive option on this list, but it’s one of the most useful. Keeping the tires properly inflated is essential. Underinflated tires wear unevenly and don’t grip the road as effectively, leading to accidents. Driving on a flat tire can be downright dangerous. Toss this tire pressure gauge into the glove compartment and encourage your new driver to check their tire pressure once a week.
8. EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade
A sunshade can be a lifesaver if you live or drive in a hot climate that gets a lot of sun during the spring and summer months. It won’t keep the interior of your car cool, but it can help prevent your new driver from burning their hands on an ultra-hot steering wheel or seat belt buckle. This handy little sun shade folds up out of the way and comes with a storage pouch to keep it out of sight when it’s not in use. This item is essential for controlling your car’s temp and keeping the sun from fading the interior.
9. Rhino USA Tire Repair Kits
A flat tire sucks, especially if the car didn’t come with a spare. Everyone should know how to change a tire, and we think everyone should also know how to plug a hole in the tire tread. This tire repair kit comes with everything your new driver will need to plug the hole if they have a nail in their tire.
10. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
Patching the tire is great, but unless your new driver is in a parking lot next to an air pump, they’ll still be stuck with a flat tire. This portable air compressor plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter and can inflate tires for bikes and cars. It supports tires up to those that you might find on a mid-sized SUV and even comes in four colors if you want something to match your new driver’s aesthetic.
11. Rand McNally 2022 Road Atlas
We all know how to use our phones for GPS-guided navigation, but what happens if the phone is dead or it can’t find a GPS signal? You can’t go wrong with an old-school road atlas. Opt for the newest version you can get your hands on, which in this case is the 2022 edition.
12. L.L. Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
There’s nothing like driving your car to the middle of nowhere and spreading out a blanket to watch the stars. Keeping a blanket in the car is also helpful if you ever find yourself in a position where you’re stranded in the snow. These waterproof blankets from L.L. Bean are the perfect addition to any new driver kit.
Happy Shopping
Finding the perfect gift for a new driver isn’t easy, but hopefully this list of essential car items will make your job a little easier. They will keep the driver safe and prepare them for any mishap. Happy shopping!
