The experience of having your first car--brand-new or
used--is one of life’s greatest milestones. For those who were not born into
wealth, the first car is a “level up” moment, an achievement level unlocked
that is both exciting and just slightly nerve-racking.
First, you don’t have to commute anymore unless you really
have to. You can go pretty much anywhere you want for as long as you have gas
and bridge toll money. But it also brings with it certain moments that will really
test your mental tenacity, and possibly your emotional stability as well.
Like sitting for hours in traffic jam, holding your steering
wheel, learning to parallel-park, for example. Or the anxiety you will feel the
first time your car engine suddenly stops working, or when the heat meter
needle starts climbing or even the simple challenge of changing a flat tire for
the first time.
Before you head off to the shop for bigger rims or that
bitch-ass sound system, may we suggest you equip yourself first with the
following essentials of daily driving. None of them will cost you a fortune,
but we assure you that having them will greatly increase the pleasure you have
out of driving your car.
1. Driving sunglasses: Aviators and Wayfarers will never go
out of style. Aside from the classic look, their large coverage will protect
your eyes from glare and will make anyone feel like Maverick. If you’re
nearsighted or suffer from astigmatism, invest in graded lenses so you can see
properly. Or get Lasik. “Kick the tires and light the fires!”
2. Cleaning kit: Run over to the car-care section of the
supermarket and get the
following: several “chamois-type” and microfiber
cleaning cloths, a big bottle of car shampoo, a sponge, a pail, a bottle of
tire black, some fabric/leather shampoo, and some other odds and ends to keep
your baby looking and smelling nice all year round. You’ll probably have your
car washed outside most of the time, but doing the deed yourself with the right
equipment every once in a while is great bonding time.
3. Car charger: As you know the charging issue of
smartphones, having a car charger will give you an extra comfort every time.
4. Car jack and cross wrench: You will get a flat tire
several times in your life, and usually at the most inconvenient moments. A car
jack and a cross wrench will drastically save you time and energy, as well as
impress your companions when you single-handedly change a tire in less than 10
minutes.
5. Flashlight: Coupled with the jack and the cross wrench is
the trusty flashlight. Don’t get the cheap plastic ones at the grocery. Get a
sturdy, high-power Maglite or something similar. You will only understand the
value of it when needed.
6. Air freshener: Once that new-car smell has faded away,
your car will smell like your last workout and the Happy Meal you ordered at
the drive-through. Get rid of it. Get an air freshener.
7. A nice umbrella: If you saw Kingsman: The Secret Service,
then you already know that gentlemen use a proper 'brolly. For obvious reasons,
an umbrella will keep your head and your date’s head dry as you enter/exit the
car during a downpour. Don’t rely on the gaudy, cheap corporate giveaways. Get
a nice, understated, reasonably sized umbrella from the department store.
