We spend a lot of time in our cars these days. This means we often need things in our cars to make our time there easier and safer. Our glove boxes are the perfect place for all of these essential items. While everyone has different specific needs for their car depending on where they live, how often they drive, and whether or not they have kids (IYKYK), there are certain things that everyone should keep in their glove boxes.
You shouldn’t drive anywhere without a copy of your registration and insurance. Getting caught without these pieces of paper can cost you a lot of money depending on where you live. You can even have your car impounded and in some cases get arrested. So obviously it’s important to make sure that you have both your registration and insurance safely tucked away in your glove box. Check to be sure it is current and whenever new cards arrive be sure to replace them so they are always up to date.
Your owner’s manual is full of useful information, so it’s a good idea to keep it handy. It can be especially valuable if you see a dashboard light that is unfamiliar. But can’t we just look everything up on our phones? Yes, but your manual will be a faster option than trying to find your exact make and model specs online.
Being out without a phone today is a horrible thought. We depend on it to keep in constant contact with friends and family, sure, but we also depend on it for directions and to keep us entertained while driving. Without streaming music or podcasts, what are we to do? Many parking meters and lots these days require (or at least strongly encourage) paying by cell phone, adding another layer of necessity when it comes to our phones. Keeping an extra charger will help ensure that we are never without our phones, especially when we are out and about in our cars.
An emergency escape tool is something we all need but all hope we never have to use. These handy tools will help you to break a window and cut your seat belt in the event that you are in an accident and need to get out of your car. These tools have a spring-loaded pointer made of metal that, when released, will shatter a car window completely. They can be used if your car gets submerged in water, rolls over during a crash, or gets stuck in a weather emergency. Again, you never want to use it but you will be eternally grateful if you have it when you do need it.
Emergency flares are another necessity for survival. Flares can help you get attention if your car breaks down or you are involved in an accident. At the very least they help make you visible so that passing cars do not hit you by accident.
A first aid kit is another survival essential. Whether you get a paper cut while flipping through papers in your front seat or you are involved in an accident, a first aid kit will certainly prove itself useful on more than one occasion. Your ideal first aid kit will have the following:
A first aid manual with basic first aid tasks such as how to perform CPR.
Gloves
Gauze and assorted bandages
Antibacterial spray
Disinfecting wipes
Pain relievers
Anti-bacterial creams
Eye wash
Lip balm
Tweezers
Any additional medications you use
It’s a good idea to always have a fresh bottle of water and snacks of some sort in the case of an emergency. If this won’t fit in your glove box, consider keeping a small box or bag in your trunk. IF you ever get stranded somewhere these items will be crucial.
While this may not apply to you depending on where you live, for many who live in the US an ice scraper is an absolute necessity. You never know when the weather might turn in the winter and you don’t want to get stuck at work or out running errands without an ice scraper. A sudden storm could mean iced over windows with little to visibility, which could easily result in being stranded.
It’s a good idea to have some sort of protection on you. Whether you are in an unfamiliar part of town or are driving through the country, both of these items can help keep you safe. Whether it’s the threat of another person or even an animal, they will both give you a bit more peace of mind.
It’s always a good idea to have either matches or a lighter on hand. They take up very little room and can be incredibly useful. If you ever need to start a fire in the cold or light a flare you will be very grateful to have the assistance.
If you drive at night, which most of us do, a flashlight is absolutely essential. You never want to be stranded in the dark without a light, and relying on your phone’s flashlight will drain your battery. It’s much better to have a heavy duty waterproof flashlight with extra batteries stored in your glove box.
If you are ever involved in an accident it’s important to have information easily accessible for rescue workers. A laminated paper with emergency numbers and any relevant medical information will help the emergency workers get in touch with your loved ones and get you the help that you need more quickly. List the following information on the front of the card:
Your name and address
Phone (Home, Work)
Birth date
Blood Type
Social Security No.
Health Insurance Carrier and Individual and Group #
Physicians
On the back of the card you want to list the following:
Emergency contacts
Any medical conditions or disabilities
Medications
Assistance needed
Allergies
Immunization Dates
Any other information that might be relative
Medical information can be a matter of life and death, so it’s incredibly important to be prepared and make an emergency card for your glove box.
You can’t anticipate every emergency or issue that will pop up while driving, but you can strive to be as prepared as possible. Preparing your finances for emergencies is just as important as preparing your car. If you are overpaying on your car loan every month, Auto Approve can help! Contact us today to see how much you could save.