If you’re like me, you’re on a constant mission to get stuff
out of your car rather than put more things in it. Somehow random things just seem to pile up until your backseat resembles the depths of your storage closet! But sometimes there are essential things that are better to keep packed in the car than take them out. So I’ve gathered a list handy car items that will make your life easier when you’re on the run, in a bind or just killing time!
CAR SAFETY
-Jumper cables: You never know when you’ll need a jump — or when you can help someone else in a time of need!
-Spare tire: I’ve already showed you
how to change a tire, so now make sure you have one on hand!
-Car manual: The car manual stores valuable information about your car that you could need at a moment’s notice.
-Ice scraper: Most people think to have an ice scraper on hand in the winter, but I like to keep one year round for freak storms or other random situations where it could come in handy.
-Proof of insurance: If you ever get pulled over, you most certainly will need to show your insurance. Don’t be caught without it!
-Tire pressure gauge: Tires must be kept at a certain
pressure, so it is important to keep a gauge on hand to make sure everything is at the optimal level.
GENERAL SAFETY
-Flashlight: If your car has ever broken down at night, you know how valuable it is to have a flashlight on hand.
-72-hour kit: You never know what can happen when you’re on the road, so be prepared with a first aid kit, water bottles, emergency food and all that comes in a 72-hour kit.
-Blanket: If you get stuck in cold temperatures overnight, you’ll be grateful to have a blanket in your car. As a bonus, it can be used for picnics or long road trips as well!
-Small amount of cash: For the terrible moment when your wallet gets lost or stolen! (Or for the times when you cross a toll booth)
-Emergency phone numbers: In the day of cell phones, you probably don’t know even your own family members’ phone numbers. So write them down and store them in case your phone gets lost, stolen or damaged.
-Maps: Your GPS or cell phone might not always be there for you, but a map will! (Just make sure you know how to read it! 😉 )
CONVENIENCE
-Umbrella: Don’t get caught in a freak storm!
-Car cell phone charger: If you rely on your phone as much as I do, you know how fast the battery can drain. With a handy car phone charger, you won’t be in trouble if you forget to charge it overnight!
-Paper towels: For those times you spill a drink, get mud on the seats or end up with any other mess, paper towels are here to save the day!
-Reusable bags: With the green movement going on these days, it’s always nice to have reusable bags for the moments you need to run into the grocery store.
-Snacks: Do you ever get caught running errands and realize you haven’t eaten in hours? Skip the fast food and keep some healthy snacks stashed in your glove compartment.
-Trash can: The garbage in my car always goes way beyond the built-in trash spot, so I bought
one of these to hang over the seat. Life-changing!
-Change of clothes & overnight supplies: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve decided to stay overnight at a friends at the last minute. In those moments, I’m so glad I keep a stash of clothes, toothbrush and pajamas in the back of my car!
-Anything you need to return or donate: It seems like I always have a pile of items to return or donate to a second-hand store, but it takes
weeks to make it happen unless I keep it in my car with me. That way I can drop it off if I happen to be in the area of the store.
-Wipes: Because sometimes paper towels just don’t get the job done! For the times when the roadside bathroom runs out of soap 🙂
2. Spare the Air
This one seems obvious, but one of the best ways to prolong the life of your car is by not driving it! So whenever you can avoid using your car, take the opportunity. Start a car pool, ride your bike, walk to close destinations, or get a ride with a friend. Especially short trips in your car can be rough on your engine, bad for gas mileage and bad for the environment. So you’ve got a whole host of reasons to minimize your trips in the car!
3. Go In For Regular Maintenance
Oil, fuel filter and air filter changes are an important part of car maintenance. The more you skip these things or get behind on visits to the auto shop, the more your car will suffer. You may not want to shell out the cash at the time, but you’ll really be saving money in the long run! Check your car manual to see how often your car needs to be checked out.
4. Keep It Clean
While it may seem like an image thing, keeping your car washed and clean can have a long-term impact on the quality of your car. Dirt and other chemicals can wear down your paint job and cause chipping and other damage. So make sure to wash your car on a regular basis, particularly in the winter time, when salt builds up from snow melt on the roads!
5. Solve Car Problems Quickly
Take your car into the mechanic at the first sign of trouble. Like your own health, a car’s state can get worse if you don’t have it checked out immediately. So when the engine light goes on, you hear a mysterious rattling or your car just isn’t running like it used to, get it the attention it needs! If you’re nervous about trips to the mechanic, ask around until you find a trusted person to do the job!
6. Keep It Light
While it’s certainly nice to be prepared, you don’t want to keep too much extra stuff loaded up in your car. The added weight can really take a toll on your car, and it also uses up gas more quickly. So make sure to unload random boxes, clothes and unnecessary items from your car. It’ll probably make you feel more organized too!
