# What are the best things to have in your vehicle at all times? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 24, 2007, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467 "2007-02-24T03:39:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/1 "2007-02-24T03:39:20Z")
In the handwashing thread, I posted about having a packet of baby wipes/moist towelettes in my car at all times, along with last year’s phone book. What other items are essential for comfort and safety? For me, it’s: - baby wipes (I eat lunch in my vehicle often, and also smoke in my car, and like to “wash” hands after. Also handy for quick cleaning of dashboard and console, or self.) - box of tissues (blow nose, blot oily skin, dab a spill, or even as toilet paper in an emergency) - the previous year’s phone book (it’s not that out of date, and has maps in it, as well as phone numbers and restaurant menus) - map book for our city - bottle of water (I might get dry throat, the dog might need a drink, we might be stranded and could save our life, yada yada…) - emergency snack food (a box of crackers or sumpin’) - pad of paper and pens - coins for parking and a spare twenty-dollar bill for emergency gas purchase - spare grocery bags for garbage or doggy doo pickup - flashlight (I need to put one in; I don’t have one in the car at the moment) - something to read (at lunch or if I’m running an errand and have to wait in line) - cel phone (with me usually as a matter of course) - the usual car stuff: windshield fluid, oil, jumper cables and chains, etc. - some CDs to listen to What are yours? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/2 "2007-02-24T04:49:00Z")
To some of yours, I would add - a bottle of aspirin or ibuprofin or some such - sunglasses (a must when driving into the sun or on bright days) - a towel (for wiping up spills, or as a bib/napkin when eating, or to wipe moisture off the windows, or to kneel on when changing a tire, or…) - some minty sugarless gum (for if my teeth and/or breath get icky) - some rope or clothesline (came in handy when I bought something that wouldn’t quite fit in the trunk; I stuck it halfway in and tied it in securely) - a lawn chair or folding seat ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/3 "2007-02-24T05:04:42Z")
[QUOTE=Thudlow Boink] To some of yours, I would add - a bottle of aspirin or ibuprofin or some such - sunglasses (a must when driving into the sun or on bright days) - a towel (for wiping up spills, or as a bib/napkin when eating, or to wipe moisture off the windows, or to kneel on when changing a tire, or…) - some minty sugarless gum (for if my teeth and/or breath get icky) - some rope or clothesline (came in handy when I bought something that wouldn’t quite fit in the trunk; I stuck it halfway in and tied it in securely) - a lawn chair or folding seat [/QUOTE] Good suggestions! I forgot about the gum–have some stashed in the glove compartment (how come glove compartments are so small?). Sunglasses won’t work for me, though, as I wear prescription glasses. Rope and towel–very handy. ---
**Author:** ![Gorgon\_Heap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f475e1/32.png) [@Gorgon\_Heap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgon_Heap)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/4 "2007-02-24T05:16:54Z")
I don’t really _need_ anything, but never knowing when God may choose to try to smite me, I’m always certain to have: 1. A goodly amount of potable water and 2. At least one MRE in the trunk ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/5 "2007-02-24T05:38:46Z")
Number one? Your wits. Honestly. ---
**Author:** ![Jet\_Jaguar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jet_jaguar/32/3562_2.png) [@Jet\_Jaguar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jet_Jaguar)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/6 "2007-02-24T05:41:37Z")
1. A tent. 2. Your passport. 3. A leather glove for your shooting hand. ---
**Author:** ![Jet\_Jaguar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jet_jaguar/32/3562_2.png) [@Jet\_Jaguar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jet_Jaguar)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/7 "2007-02-24T05:58:12Z")
Okay, more seriously, since I get around by motorcycle, my list is completely different: - Earplugs. - A Leatherman-like multitool. - A handful of bungee cords. - A couple of shop rags. - A tire plug kit. - A small air compressor. - A small first aid kit. - Rain cover for tankbag. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/8 "2007-02-24T06:13:12Z")
I have a heavy (although ugly) coat and a spare pair of gloves in my vehicle at all times. Usually also have - Emergency kit (space blanket, first aid stuff, water purifying tablets, nylon cord) Knife Tissues/napkins Handgun Diet Pepsi ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/9 "2007-02-24T06:29:58Z")
In cooler months, socks and cap or hat. I’ve never gotten around to actually putting the socks in, but I’ve regretted not having them. ---
**Author:** ![SnakesCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/10 "2007-02-24T06:30:44Z")
I \*always \* have a book with me. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/11 "2007-02-24T08:46:42Z")
Escape tool to break windows and cut seatbelt. Water. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/12 "2007-02-24T09:31:24Z")
gas ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/13 "2007-02-24T09:32:41Z")
An umbrella. 5 litres of oil (and a bolt that fits the hole for the oil switch). A spare pair of shoes and socks. A variety of ziplock plastic bags (my wet weather gear - zip valuables up in lunch bags, put back in pockets and you can even swim without wrecking anything). ---
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/14 "2007-02-24T09:52:34Z")
In the back of my car in a duffel bag I have - First aid kit [like this one](http://www.megahanson.com/Sport-Med-Refill-KitPriceKit-First-Aid-Kits-Sports-Medicine-Supports-Sporting-Goods-p-101440.html) - small tarp - roll of paper towels - assorted tools (socket set, screw drivers, multi-tool, etc) - one liter of water - power inverter - Emergency car kit [like this one](http://www.batterysavers.com/Emergency-Road-side-kit.html) There is a few other things in that bag as well. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/15 "2007-02-24T10:52:12Z")
[QUOTE=boytyperanma] gas [/QUOTE] This is amazing! This many posts before **the** essential is mentioned. Must be everybody takes this for granted, but if the gas tank isn’t close to full and some emergency comes up, all that other stuff might as well be in a tent, storage room, or boxes in the closet. Having survived those gas rationing days in the 70’s and the scares associated with inclement weather, I always begin getting nervous when the gas gauge drops below 1/2. Not that I always react to the nervousness by hastening to a gas pump, but the awareness that I ought to lurks constantly. ---
**Author:** ![as\_u\_wish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@as\_u\_wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/as_u_wish)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/16 "2007-02-24T12:15:50Z")
I don’t think anyone’s mentioned an ice scraper. In my role as “wonder mom,” I’ve taken to tossing a couple old electrical outlet covers into each of our glove compartments. They take up almost no room and are perfect emergency ice scrapers (and new ones only cost about 25 cents). Then when the first rock hard freeze hits and you’re at college and no one has an ice scraper because who thinks it’s going to freeze in the early fall because it has NEVER EVER done that before and you’re late for class and the world is going to end, THEN you are the only one who has a scraper and sh_t, you have four and you can share and be a hero and people buy you beer. Also, when those cheap $1.19 pairs of mittens go on sale at Wal_Mart, I pick up 4 or 5 pairs keep them in the car. It’s amazing how many mornings someone leaves the house and somehow doesn’t realize the steering wheel is c o l d until they are 1/2 block from home. ---
**Author:** ![Silence\_of\_the\_clams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Silence\_of\_the\_clams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silence_of_the_clams)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/17 "2007-02-24T13:09:52Z")
Icescrapers are a must, I have two, but thats because they were only 10 kroners at the local store. They are the ones with a scrape in one end an a broom in the other. I also have a big wooden box with a lot of tools, some steel wire, band aids, car fluids, cable, Jesus-tape and an axe. But then again I’m driving a Land Rover (damn you Lucas!). Also I have a set of snowchains, a towing rope and a winch. So far this winter I have helped three cars out from the snow. In this regard I also have a set of oilskins and boots and a pair of wool socks and a pair of padded working gloves. And from 1 March this year its mandatory to have a reflective vest in the car as well, so that we don’t get run down if we have an emergency roadstop. And its not mandatory for pedestrians to wear something reflective? We have a strange government :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/18 "2007-02-24T13:47:11Z")
A fire extinguisher. If you only every have to use it once, you’ll thank me. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/19 "2007-02-24T13:56:24Z")
[QUOTE=blondebear] Number one? Your wits. Honestly. [/QUOTE] 🙂 I didn’t even think about ice scrapers. They are so necessary here that everyone has a couple. Standard equipment. I try to always have. Small knife Flashlight Couple of plastic bags Paper towels Blanket I usually always have a spare coat or two. It’s always very cold in the morning when I go to work, and I layer. Coming home in the afternoon the layers come off. I need to start keeping a tow chain/strap in it again. > [@Zeldar](#): > > Having survived those gas rationing days in the 70’s and the scares associated with inclement weather, I always begin getting nervous when the gas gauge drops below 1/2. Not that I always react to the nervousness by hastening to a gas pump, but the awareness that I ought to lurks constantly. Good point. I filled up at a 1/2 tank yesterday. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2007, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467/20 "2007-02-24T15:08:17Z")
Diapers. I was once riding down the highway at a bracing 3 mph (when we weren’t totally parked) and on the shoulder was a very unhappy family with a very unhappy baby with a very, very full diaper. Their car had overheated, and they were obviously not going anywhere in all that mess, and had no diapers with them. I hopped out, of course, and gave them a couple, along with some wipes and juice and snacks (figured if they had left the diaper bag at home, they probably didn’t have that stuff either.) The young mother just burst into tears when she saw me coming, and went into this whole, “I’m a terrible mother!” guiltfest. No problem, lady, really. Just…have a diaper! I had time to clean and change the poor tyke for her and walk leisurely back to my car, which my husband was still driving down the highway. I now keep a couple in the back, of varying sizes, just in case, along with diaper wipes, the blanket, first aid kit, bottles of water, jumper cables and socket set. Never seen another stranded poopy baby, but you never know! We also have tissues, gum, and ice scrapers, of course. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-things-to-have-in-your-vehicle-at-all-times/393467.md?page=2)