Consider the lowly glove compartment -- it actually goes back to the earliest horseless carriages of about 1900, when the little box was actually meant for gloves (as part of any motorist's smart motoring ensemble).
There's not much room in there, so what do you keep in your glove box? Fast-food mustard packets? Maps (who uses those anymore)? The kids' report cards?
Here's a quick rundown of important things and convenient things you might want to keep in there:
- Owner's manual: Self-explanatory.
- Insurance papers: You may have that info on an app for your smart phone, but you're better off with a paper backup, too.
- Emergency numbers: Just in case. You don't want people to have to guess at that kind of thing.
- Medical information: Again, you don't want anyone to have to guess at this. Things like blood types, allergies, medications and other important stuff, if God forbid you're ever in an accident and can't communicate these needs yourself.
- Pen and note pad: How many times have you needed these two simple things, and not been able to find them in your car?
- Power bank: A good fully-charged power bank and cable can help you out a lot if you're stuck someplace with a depleted cell phone. You can, of course, also use that for things like MP3 players or other devices.
- Flashlight: Self-explanatory.
- Multi-tool: There are good ones on the market (the Leatherman style), and terrible ones. Spend a little more and get a good one, with screwdrivers, scissors, knife, pliers and an assortment of other tools. You might be amazed at how useful these devices can be in a pinch, and how much you can actually do with one.
- Snacks: If you're ever stuck someplace, or even just on a long commute home, protein-rich snacks like beef jerky or even a granola bar can help tide you over 'til you get where you need to be.
- Napkins, hand wipes, sanitizer: Just the thing if you find yourself dirtied-up, or even if you splashed some gas on yourself while filling up and want to get the stink off. Keep 'em in a ziploc bag, and you can reuse the bag at some point to!
OK, we hear you...you've already got a bunch of this stuff in your car. But if you don't, you can't say we didn't tell you! Got any concerns about your car? Make an appointment with us at 106 St Tire & Wheel!