Female drivers often get unfairly judged for their skills behind the wheel. If you are a woman and drive a car, you’re probably tired of hearing stereotypical comments about lady drivers being slow, reckless, and accident-prone.
But studies prove otherwise.[1] Women are statistically better and safer drivers than men. They’re less pasaway and less likely to figure in an accident.
So the next time you’re on the receiving end of another sexist remark, show who the boss lady is! Be always prepared—before taking your car out for a drive, make sure you carry all car accessories that will help you stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for any emergency on the road.
Whether for long road trips or quick grocery trips, this list of car essentials for women will certainly help. If you’re a guy who’s looking for thoughtful gift ideas for the most important woman in your life—your mom, wife, girlfriend, or sister—this car essentials list is also for you!
For Road Safety and Survival: 13 Car Essentials for Women
☑️ Phone Charger
Forgot to power up your mobile phone last night? No problem—as long as you have a charger in your car.
Even if your smartphone has a long-lasting battery, you’ll never know when it’ll run out of juice. You need enough battery life to make calls when your car breaks down and ask for roadside assistance. So always keep a charger on hand.
☑️ Car Phone Mount/Holder and Bluetooth Headset
Safe driving entails having your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Mount your phone on a steady holder, so you can navigate more easily when using driving apps like Waze. Pair your phone with a Bluetooth headset for answering important calls when you’re driving alone.
☑️ Spare Tire
Being a woman doesn’t mean you can’t change a flat tire by yourself.[2] Find the right spare tire for your particular car model (consult your owner’s manual or ask the nearest automotive service center) and keep it in your trunk.
☑️ Car Jack and Cross Wrench
A spare tire isn’t the only car essential for women when it comes to changing flats. It would help if you also have the right tools for jacking your car up and removing the lug nuts that secure the wheels.
To do the job right, get the correct jack for your car and an X-shaped wrench for budging firmly installed lug nuts.
☑️ Jumper Cables
Having your car battery die on you when you’re rushing to an important appointment can be very stressful. Among the car essentials for women that can save the day are jumper cables to get your battery going again.
☑️ Duct Tape
For any issue in your car that needs a temporary fix, you can count on duct tape to do the job. Use it for a leaking hose, broken mirror, or any damaged car part—it can last until you have the problematic part replaced.
☑️ Flashlight
A small flashlight and extra batteries are heaven-sent car essentials for women when you need to change a flat tire in the dark. While your cellphone’s built-in flashlight can also do the job, it’s great to have a backup when your phone’s battery has died.
☑️ Early Warning Device
When you pull over to the side of the road due to a car breakdown, you must use an early warning device (also called a reflective triangle or warning triangle). This will make your car visible to oncoming vehicles and prevent you from getting hit at the roadside.
☑️ Vehicle Documents
When driving, always bring the following important documents with you:
- Driver’s license
- Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt (OR/CR)
- Car insurance policy
Driving without a driver’s license and/or OR/CR will cost you a fine of ₱1,000.
Don’t forget to carry your auto insurance policy, too. It will come in handy when you need to file a claim.
Looking for car insurance? Moneymax can help you find the best coverage for your needs and budget. Check out these options from reputable car insurance companies in the Philippines.
☑️ Bottled Water
You need to hydrate wherever you are, even when you’re on the road. If your car stalls and you’re stuck somewhere with no convenience or sari-sari store nearby, having bottled water in your car will come in handy. It’s also useful as a temporary fix for an overheating engine.
☑️ Non-Perishable Food Items
What makes getting stranded in the middle of the road feel much worse? A hungry stomach. Make sure you have a stash of snacks like granola bars and trail mix that will keep you well-fed while waiting for roadside assistance.
☑️ First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is one of the car essentials for women that you should never drive without. If someone in the car is injured, dizzy, or in pain, this kit can help them feel better while you drive to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Store these first-aid items in your glove compartment:
- Antiseptic
- Bandages
- Cotton balls
- Gauze pads
- Gloves
- Medicines for headache, dizziness, allergy, diarrhea, etc.
- Scissors
☑️ Baby/Toddler Essentials
For moms who usually drive with their young ones, a bag filled with baby care and safety items is a must in the car.
What moms should have in their car? Prepare these car essentials for babies and toddlers before driving with your child:
- Child car seat/child restraint
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Milk bottles or sippy cups
- Other baby products
For Travel Convenience and Comfort: 4 Car Essentials for Women
☑️ Spare Change
Keep a purse for spare change in your glove compartment. This way, you won’t have to rummage through your bag trying to find coins for paying for gas, toll fees, parking fees, or drive-thru orders.
Several 50-peso and 20-peso bills plus coins in different denominations should be enough as your emergency money in the car.
☑️ Driving Shoes
Driving in high heels, platforms, strappy sandals, or flip-flops may be cute and stylish—but such footwear is never safe and comfy. Aside from getting sore feet after long hours of driving, you might get your shoes slipped off under the pedal.
Especially for long drives, you need lightweight, comfortable driving shoes with a good grip and sole that’s not too thin or too thick. Your safest bets: sneakers, loafers, or thin-soled walking shoes.
☑️ Period Protection Kit
Ugh, the most dreaded time of the month! Your period may come too early or later than expected. Save yourself from stress and embarrassment by having extra sanitary pads, tampons, feminine wipes, and pantyliners in a bag tucked under the driver’s seat.
☑️ Driving Sunglasses
Being stuck in traffic with the harsh, blinding sunlight is bad for your eyes. Protect them under the heat of the sun by wearing sunglasses as needed. Keep a pair in your glove compartment.
The best driving sunglasses for women[3] are color-neutral (like gray or brown), provide 100% UV protection, and have a good, comfortable fit.
Final Thoughts
For lady drivers, there’s no such thing as being over-prepared. Be your own boss on the road—carry all car essentials for women and say hello to stress-free and worry-free driving!
See also: Tips for First-Time Filipino Drivers
Source:
- [1] Fatality Facts 2020: Males and Females ( Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2022)
- [2] Steps for Changing a Flat Tire (Edmunds)
- [3] Best Women's Driving Sunglasses (SportRx, 2021)
Back to Blog 
