Things to Keep in Your Car

Some people are packrats when it comes to their cars; others leave their vehicles barren and clean.  One thing to consider when deciding what's important to have in a car and what's not is that the things you keep in your car may one day save your life (or at least save you a headache).

You may have a CD holder, a headrest DVD player, a gym bag, and an air freshener, but consider adding some or all of the things in the list below to your vehicle's inventory.  You may never need them, but it will be nice to have them if you do.

- Jumper cables

Everyone should carry jumper cables in their car.  If you don't have jumper cables and you suddenly find yourself with a battery that needs a jump, now you not only need a helpful motorist to come along, you need a helpful motorist that also has jumper cables.  You can find inexpensive jumper cables at many discount stores, and some stores even sell auto emergency tool kits for $10 or $20 that include jumper cables as well as things like pliers or screwdrivers, spare fuses, duct or electrical tape, and more.

- Blankets

If you ever get stranded in the cold, or your heat stops working, or you come across someone else stranded in the cold, a good heavy blanket can make all the difference in the world.  Blankets fold up so they don't take up a lot of space when not needed, and they can be a life saver.  They're also good for putting over your floors or seats when transporting a pet (or a child with dirty shoes).  If you don't have a blanket, a large towel can be a decent substitute.

- First aid kit

A small or travel-sized first aid kit can fit in your glove box or trunk, where you'll probably forget about it until you need it.  It's always good to have bandages, gauze, and other first aid necessities around, especially if you're taking a long trip.

- Rubber mallet

This one may seem silly, but for those times when you need to change a tire and you just can't get the old tire off for anything, a rubber mallet can be your best friend.  You can find a decent rubber mallet for around $3, and it won't take up a lot of space in your trunk.

(Originally published on Bubblews.com, February 2014)