10 things I don’t drive without

10. 12-volt USB adaptor

Although most cars are offered with a USB port nowadays, I still find the 12-volt adaptor handy. Not only does it give you an additional USB port to charge your gadgets, it’s also gives a little more Amperage, charging your devices a whole lot faster.

9. Phone charger

You’re just about to answer the phone and it goes flat. Don’t you hate that? That’s why I always have an extra charge cable in the car. It also gives a better quality audio connection, when playing music from your phone, than streaming via Bluetooth.

8. Phone mount

If you’re going to use your phone in Victoria, it must be held in an appropriate mount, and not in your hand. I use an adjustable RAM mount as it suits the multitude of vehicles I’m in and out of, never falls off the windscreen and holds the phone securely – terrific if you’re using your phone’s sat-nav or GPS speedometer feature.

7. Dash Cam

While we’re on the subject of sticking things to the windscreen, I find the dash cam pretty handy. The caliber of drivers being what it is these days means you’re always likely to film a near miss or two. It’s also a great way to cover yourself should the worst happen.

6. Tyre pressure gauge
Trust the servo pump or other people to check your tyre pressure? I don’t. Tyres are your car’s connection to the ground, and it’s essential they operate at their intended pressure (and also extends their life!). I check every car I get into, and my own vehicles, weekly.

5. Kershaw multi-tool

A multi-tool like my trusty Kershaw, a Leatherman or similar, is one of those things you don’t miss until you don’t have it. I like the Kershaw for its vice-grip locking pliers, decent knife and screwdrivers. It’s made of titanium, so it’s as tough as nails and doesn’t corrode – and it comes in a nice little pouch to prevent it from damaging other stuff in your bag.

4. Torch

I must admit than in recent years I’ve come to rely on the LED in my phone over a proper torch. But for country driving or off-roading I do prefer something a little more substantial, like my LED Lenser. Like the multi-tool, the torch is one of those things you don’t know you need until it isn’t there.

3. Pen and paper

OK, technically that’s two things, but whether it’s taking notes, leaving notes or exchanging information, the trusty old pen and paper is an invaluable piece of kit. Sure, the notes function of my iPhone 6S is terrific, but it’s a little hard to leave a screen-grab under someone’s wiper blade.

2. Sunglasses

I’m susceptible to glare and wear prescription glasses – double whammy! Therefore I find a decent pair of sunglasses with a driving lens is particularly useful. I’ve recently switched to Maui Jim sunnies and can’t believe the clarity they offer, as well as the amazing spectrum of colour (especially reds!). They cut out glare, even in low light, and really help you see hidden hazards in harsh dawn and evening light.

1. Bottle of water
It’s probably the most low-tech item here, but driving with a bottle of water keeps me hydrated; which in turn keeps my concentration up. Driving thirsty is a sure-fire recipe for distraction and fatigue to set in, so I recommend driving with a bottle of water at hand, irrespective of the time of year.