Thirty-seven things you should always keep in your car

Know a Car-Obsessed Kiddo? Shop These Cute Items

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As a first-time mom, I figured it was best to cover my bases and buy a variety of different types of toys for my soon-to-be-born baby boy. I painstakingly researched the best items to encourage his developmental milestones and excitedly added the sweetest stuffed animals to my registry. When my now 3 year old was born, it became clear rather quickly that he had a really strong affinity for things that go. When he was 9 months old, he began requesting we sit at the end of our driveway to watch cars drive by while he excitedly babbled the word car over and over.

While I encouraged him to try new things by continuing to introduce a variety of toys, puzzles, books, and games over the next few years, cars are still the main attraction in my house. From building car washes with blocks, to creating outdoor roads with chalk—the most fun play always has cars at the center. When my second son was born, he too decided that vehicles were the absolute best.

So I decided that if this is their favorite thing, then I might as well lean into it and find them the most engaging and interesting mix of products on the market. From utensils that make meal time hassle-free to car-themed toys that support children’s developmental growth, I have found it all.

Read on for 22 of our favorite gear for your car-obsessed kiddo.

Toys

Clothing & Home Items

Books

This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

17 Things You Should Have in the Car

You should always have certain items in the car, and no, we’re not talking about the piles of trash that are currently in the back seat. This list of car essentials will keep your car running and help you deal with unforeseen obstacles in the road.

You may even run into a “Good Samaritan” opportunity to help a stranded stranger in need. Who knows? You may just meet your future love this way. It’s a stretch, but that doesn’t make these items any less important!

While city drivers can do without some of these items since they are never too far from a mechanic, if you live in a rural area or are planning a long road trip, it’s always a good idea to double check some emergency essentials before heading out on the road.

So, use your instinct and view these items as strong suggestions rather than absolute requirements. Someone in Southern California may not need an extra parka, for example. But everyone needs their license, insurance, and registration.

We’ve divided these items into the essential categories: Documentation, Car Repairs & Maintenance, Safety, and Winter. Read on for the 17 things you should have in your car in 2017, and drive on to new adventures this winter and all year round!

17 Things You Should Have in the Car

Documentation

1. Owner’s Manual

Double check your glove box or wherever you keep your owner’s manual to make sure that it is indeed there. Your owner’s manual will tell you important information, such as recommended fuel and PSI levels, in addition to other important information that will be unique to your vehicle. It comes with your car, so if you never take it out, you’ll never have to worry about its whereabouts.

2. Car Repair Information

We recommend keeping car repair information, as well as insurance claim forms and AAA information, all in the same location. Car repair records help you when you are selling or repairing your vehicle, provide important information about vehicle history, and can be deducted as a business expense.

3. License, Insurance, and Registration

It may seem obvious, but you should always have your license, registration, and insurance in the car whenever you are driving it. Especially when the new insurance card comes in the mail, remembering to actually stick it in the glove box could take months. And in the meantime, you’re driving around without the main documentation asked for by police officers and required by law.

Hopefully you won’t be pulled over, but it’s the law to have these documents whenever you are driving. Knowing you’re all set and up to date with your paperwork, makes every ride all the more smooth and secure.

Keep all of your important car documents in a file folder in the glovebox:

Owner’s manual

Car maintenance receipts

Registration

Insurance

Emergency contact information

Car Repairs and Maintenance

4. Tire Jack, Spare Tire, and Lug Wrench

We’ll count this as 3 things, although they must be grouped together. Nothing is quite so frustrating as finding out that your spare tire has a flat or you forgot your jack in the garage. So, make sure you have a jack, inflated spare tire, and lug wrench in the car. If you have two of these items and not the third, it’s all useless. These three things go together so make sure you have them all.

Some cars have special locking lug nuts, so make sure you have a lug nut key if that’s the case.

Learn how to change a flat tire here.

5. Jumper Cables

If your vehicle’s battery dies, it’s not always efficient or even likely that you can depend on a helpful passerby to supply you with a jumpstart. Jumper cables alone are not enough to get your engine revved up again. Because of this, you’ll also need an emergency battery booster. Sure, your insurance provider’s roadside assistance is always an option, but often the wait is longer than anticipated which can be a problem if you are late or in a dangerous situation.

Jumper cables are relatively inexpensive, costing below $20 at most retail stores or online. A dead battery tends to always be a surprise and super inconvenient. But if you’ve taken the time to purchase jumper cables and practice with jumpstarting a battery, your car, and most importantly your day, won’t be dead for long.

Most compact battery jump-starter kits now come with USB connections to keep all of your devices charged. Whether you need to jump start a vehicle or simply need to recharge your phone, a jump-starter kit is a great item to have in the car and a great gift.

Learn how to jumpstart a car here.

6. Tire Pressure Gauge

Boy does this little gadget come in handy! No one can just look at a tire and know exactly how much air has been lost and how much needs to be added. It’s easy to find out, however, with a tire pressure gauge.

Even if a specific tire doesn’t look especially low, routine checks of all four tires are always encouraged. Ensuring that your tire pressure is on point will improve handling, prolong the lifespan of your tires, and increase your vehicle’s fuel economy.

You can get your own standard gauge for under $5 on Amazon. It’s a super helpful, inexpensive safety tool that every car owner should stash in the glove box.

Click here for more information on how to take care of your tires.

7. WD-40

How many times have you struggled to loosen a nut or bolt on your car? Whether you are switching your license plate out, loosening lug nuts, or silencing a creaky door, WD-40 is a great item to always have in the car.

We’ve published a whole page on WD-40 automotive uses. Learn more about how WD-40 can help remove dirt and grease and maintain your vehicle on

8. Duct Tape

It’s durable duct tape to the rescue when it comes to many emergency fixes! Arguably the most magical and diverse object ever, car owners have found endless ways to use duct tape as a DIY tool for unexpected leaks, cracks, and breaks. For a laugh, but also some future inspiration, check out this compilation of Ten Heroic Duct Tape Car Repairs.

9. Cleaning Supplies

Having certain cleaning and hygiene items in the car won’t save your life, but it could save you a lot of frustration. Keep these items in your car for a cleaner and easier trip:

zipper lock backs

reusable shopping bags

paper towels

tissues

car trash can

water bottles

Mom’s Emergency Kit (from Angie at Echoes of Laughter)

Safety

10. First Aid Kit

You never know when you are going to need a First Aid Kit. Life has a way of springing unexpected scrapes on you, especially if you have children. You may need to clean up a cut or bandage a blister. If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, it’s much more convenient to have a small supply of medical essentials on hand.

Your kit should include items such as Band-Aids, ointment, gauze pads, scissors, and gloves. If you don’t want to think too hard about all the little odds and ends you may need, you can purchase pre-made kits online. The AAA 53 Piece Tune Up First Aid Kit is basic, but a bargain at $8.25 on Amazon, or opt for the more thorough AAA 85 Piece Commuter First Aid Kit for $14.55. Either way, you’re looking at a pretty complete kit for under $15. Why not make the purchase rather than risk the alternative?

11. Tactical Flashlight

Good luck trying to change a tire at night without one of these. Keep a strong tactical flashlight in your car for the darkest maintenance moments that hit even the best of us at some time or another. If your flashlight requires batteries, keep some extra of those in the glove box as well.

Tactical flashlights are used by the police and military, so in addition to emitting much more light, they can also be used as a personal self-defense tool.

We offer further information on durable tactical flashlight options and other car essentials on our blog.

12. Reflective Triangles and/or Flares

Alongside a tactical flashlight, reflective triangles and/or flares are your nighttime safeguards. If you’ve pulled off to the shoulder for any prolonged amount of time, put these safety essentials around your vehicle. They offer enhanced visibility for ongoing traffic, lowering the possibility of you being hit by unsuspecting drivers while you’re waiting for the help you need.

13. Multi-Tool

Just in case you need scissors, a screwdriver, or a sharp edge, a good multi-tool will give you peace of mind knowing you have all that and much more. Here are some multi-tool user favorites.

14. Car Hammer

This little tool can save your life! While you may be able to use your tactical flashlight to break a car window in the event of an emergency, many people complain about this feature not working.

It’s much easier to break a window and escape from your car with a car hammer or emergency escape tool. Most come with a seatbelt cutter too. All cars should have one mounted for easy access.

Winter

15. Windshield Wiper Fluid

Baby, it’s cold outside. And driving in any type of precipitation — rain, snow, ice — is no joke! To prevent the potential hazards caused by winter splash-back and combat the road sludge and slush attacking your window, you’re going to need a backup of wiper fluid.

Without visibility, get off the road! Windshield wiper fluid is your biggest support system when it comes to keeping the road visible and your path clear throughout these unpredictable weather months.

16. Ice-scraper or Snowbrush

Snowfall has greeted Chattanooga and parts of North Georgia with its icy glow. If you have snow on your windshield, you’re not going anywhere. An ice-scraper or a snowbrush are crucial for car owners in snow-covered areas.

Having one of these tools on hand will save time and help you to avoid scratches and awkward attempts at getting the snow off with whatever random items you have in your car. You also want to make sure you brush the snow off your roof, because it will either fly off the back and bother the car behind you, or it will simply loosen up enough to slide onto your windshield while you’re driving. Brush off, then drive on!

17. Warm Gear

Winter weather is unpredictable. You might leave the house with only a jacket, but find when you’re leaving work that you need gloves, a beanie, and a scarf in order to get home comfortably. Keep a reusable tote in the back of your car with these winter essentials. Leather driving gloves should be in there too. They’re both practical and stylish.

Don’t forget a blanket. In addition to keeping you warm, a blanket is perfect for picnics, preventing messes, and getting underneath your car.

Many car owners also recommend the following items:

Kitty Litter and/or Traction Mat

Pen and Paper

Umbrella

Spare Change and Cash

Extra Clothes

Shovel

Snacks and Energy Bars

Toilet Paper

Sunglasses

Makeup

Gum

Matches and Flares

Portable Tire Inflator

Foam Cooler

Medication (only store as directed)

What do you keep in the car? Let us know!

For more car tips, read our Car Winterization, New Year’s Resolutions for the Car, and Winter Driving Tips to prevent winter accidents and inconveniences.

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Auto Simple wants you to find a car you love at a price you can afford. We carry a large selection of hand-picked, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, all of which come with a 6 month/6,000-mile powertrain warranty.

With locations in Cleveland, Chattanooga, Dayton, and a new store in Dalton, GA, we make it easy to walk away with your dream car.

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Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600

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Thirty-seven things you should always keep in your car

With summer road trip season approaching fast, now is a good time to get your car in order. Would you have what you needed if your car broke down? Or if you were stranded somewhere? Check out our list of things you should have in your car - then knock on wood that you never need to use them.

First, though, let's just acknowledge that this list is long. Really long. What's more, when we were conducting our research, we discovered that it's a topic that inspires a lot of heated debate. So I'm going to preface the list with this statement: You probably don't need everything on this list, many of you likely don't have room for it anyway, and that is perfectly okay!

As someone who drives a teeny tiny hatchback with about 2 feet of storage space, there just wouldn't be room for everything without taking over some of the back seat as well. But then, I'm also a city driver, never more than 100 yards away from an auto mechanic's shop, gas station or taqueria, except for occasional forays onto a very well traveled interstate. Basically, I'm never going to be stranded for long and help is always nearby, and that cuts down my own list of essentials quite a lot.

On the other hand, when I lived in Colorado and drove an SUV over winding, steeply graded mountain roads on a regular basis, more intense provisioning was definitely a wise move. Likewise, someone who lives in Southern California isn't as likely to need to keep a second winter coat in the car as someone in Northern Minnesota.

You get the idea. While our list is pretty comprehensive, it's ultimately up to you: Assess your own needs and risks, and pack accordingly.

For roadside emergencies and repairs:

Tire changing supplies

The number one item on our list is actually a collection of items - a spare tire, tire iron, lug wrench, tire jack and some WD-40. If you've got these essentials on hand, then you've got everything you need to change a tire should one go flat.

Tire Sealant

A shot of tire sealant like Fix-A-Flat or Slime can patch a leaky tire on the fly. This 16 oz. bottle of Slime Tubeless Automotive Tire Sealant is $7.99 at Amazon, the best value we found online.

Jumper cables

A dead battery can take you by surprise, so don't rely on a good Samaritan to supply jumper cables. We found a set of Everstart 10-Gauge Booster Cables for $11.73 shipped or $6.76 with in-store pickup at Walmart, a price low for this set either way.

Owner's manual

You know, that book that came with your car that you never looked at? Keep it in your glove compartment. You never know when it might come in handy. Can't find yours? Most are available online for free. has a great list of shortcuts to help you out.

Tire pressure gauge

So your tire needs air. Great! You pull up to the air compressor at your favorite gas station, and... wait, how do you know when you've added enough air? Did you add too much? How lucky that you've stashed a tire pressure gauge in your trunk. While there are plenty of digital options on the market, we opted for this ultra-basic Bell Automotive Standard Pencil Tire Gauge for $2.29 at Amazon. Not only does it cost less than the digital models, it also doesn't have a battery that might turn out to be dead someday when you need it.

Duct tape

Great for everything from temporary auto repairs to roadside first aid, duct tape is a no-brainer. gives us 38 ways you can use duct tape to fix your car. Seriously, duct tape is the rock star of your care emergency kit.

Gas can

Sure, you can walk to the nearest gas station when you run out of gas, but then how do you get the gas back to your car? It's probably not wise to keep a full gas can, though, given that it's a highly flammable spill risk, and besides, you don't want to fumigate your trunk. If you don't have room for a gas can, though, don't fret too much. You can buy one at the gas station too.

Windshield wiper fluid

I have two terrifying words for you: Winter Splashback. I can say with authority that there is nothing worse than driving across Ohio in a snowstorm with passing semi trucks constantly kicking road slush up onto your windshield, and then running out of wiper fluid. Been there, done that.

A pair of work gloves

Save your hands while you're wrestling with lugnuts, tire irons, hot engine parts, and anything else you're better off not touching with bare hands. This pair of G & F Heavy Leather Palm Gloves is $4.99 with free shipping at Amazon.

Fire extinguisher

Heaven forbid your engine ever catches fire, or a campfire jumps its boundaries. But if you're thinking of the giant, heavy wall-mounted fire extinguishers you see in schools and corporate stairwells, you'll be pleased to know there are much smaller, more portable options on the market. We found a 16-oz. can of MAX Professional Fire Gone Portable Extinguisher for $10.33 at Amazon, which looks more like a can of bug spray than a fire stopping tool.

For health and safety while stranded:

First aid kit

Taking a leisurely drive through a popular park one day with a friend, a skateboarder wiped out pretty badly, right in front of my car. (No, I didn't hit her.) After slamming on the brakes, we jumped out to see if she was okay. She'd dislocated and possibly broken her shoulder and was pretty scraped up. We cleaned her up as best we could with my first aid kit before driving her back up the hill where her friends and their car were waiting, and ordered one of her friends to take her to an ER. Moral of the story: you never know when you're going to need a first aid kit. The AAA 53-Piece Tune Up First Aid Kit is an affordable option for $13.99 at Amazon.

Flashlight or mini-lantern

Ever tried to change a tire in the dark? Or lose your wedding ring under the seat? Your flashlight will save the day. Because batteries can lose their juice over time, we recommend getting a crank-style light that doesn't need them, like this Energizer Weatheready 3-LED Carabineer Rechargeable Crank Light for $10.58 at Amazon.

Multi-tool

You never know what tool you're going to need. A multi-tool covers your bases on the most common stuff and is loads more space-efficient than a bulky toolbox. Leatherman is the gold standard, but there are plenty of more affordable options on the market, including the Swiss+Tech Micro-Max 19-in-1 Key Ring Multi-Function Pocket Tool for $9.49 at Amazon.

Emergency food

We can't all get lost in the wilderness and survive two weeks on Girl Scout cookies. But if you might be traveling off the beaten path, it's a good idea to keep a few non-perishable, melt-proof, calorie dense food items in the car, like energy bars, granola bars, dried fruit or MREs. I even found one list that included peanut butter, which sounds great in theory but horrible in execution without utensils and water to wash it down.

Water bottles

A couple of bottles of water can literally save your life when you're stranded and facing dehydration. Make sure the bottles are sturdy enough to withstand both extreme heat and freezing conditions.

Weather radio

There's nothing but static on the car radio, your beloved iPhone is getting no service, and those clouds over there on the horizon look like they might be a thing. Time to fire up your weather radio to see what NOAA has to say about it. Chances are pretty good that most of the U.S. would never need when it's so easy to pull up the current weather radar map on a 4G connection these days, but in the wilderness, where fancy tech often means nothing, a weather radio can be a life saver. The Metro Fulfillment House Compact Emergency Solar Hand Crank Weather Radio doubles as a flashlight and is just $12.95 at Amazon.

Reflective triangles

You're already having a bad day, so make sure that night drivers can see you when you're pulled off onto the shoulder to help prevent it from getting any worse. These can be surprisingly expensive, but one the most affordable options we found was this Set of 3 James King Warning Triangles for $23.94 at Amazon.

Printed maps

Thick cloud cover, tree foliage, tall buildings and mountains all can block a GPS signal, and your battery isn't going to last forever. Throw a Rand McNally Road Atlas in the back seat just in case technology fails you. It's $7.06 at Barnes & Noble.

Mylar blanket

Use it to keep warm in cold weather. Fashion it into a sun shade when it's hot. Catch rain for a water supply. Use the reflective surface to dry wet clothes faster. There are plenty of uses for a space blanket. Check out The Organic Prepper for more ideas.

Pail/bucket

Collecting rain water. Temporary garbage can. Spontaneous sand castles. Corralling all of the little things on this list. A pail or bucket is an indispensable car item.

Especially in the winter:

Snow shovel

I regret that I no longer have room for my snow shovel in my tiny car, but when I lived in Colorado I had to dig myself out of my parking spot at the office more than once. It would have done me no good if I'd left it at home in the garage. On the other hand, this cool True Temper AutoBoss Emergency Car Shovel for $18.29 at Amazon takes up a lot less room.

An extra winter coat

You'll be glad you have it when a fast weather change catches you off guard, or you were only planning on dashing 50 feet from the car to the front door, or you didn't expect it to be below freezing at the top of Mt. Evans when it was mid-70s in the city. Been there, done that. All of that.

A traction helper

The debate over whether you should use a carpet remnant, kitty litter or sand seems to be way more heated than it needs to be, but whatever works for you, keep it handy. Personally, I've used kitty litter to get out of my ice-dammed parking spot more than once. The good news is that you can go cheap with the kitty litter since there's no cat to offend, though I recommend a brand in a plastic jug over a box or bag unless you want random kitty litter strewn throughout your trunk. If you're a Prime Pantry user, you can add some Tidy Cats For Multiple Cats to your next box for $5.

Ice scraper and snow brush

Another one for the northerners who suffer through snowy winters. Where are you going with frost covered windows? Nowhere in a hurry, that's for sure. Also, don't forget to brush the snow off your car's roof. You look pretty silly driving around with a foot of snow on your roof when the rest of your car is clean, the wind shears off the top layers and makes it harder for the driver behind you to see, and eventually your car warms up enough that it all avalanches onto your windshield in one giant wet sploosh, and then you have snow on your hood again and trapped under your windshield wipers. Do everyone in a 10 mile radius a favor and just brush it off already.

Red bandanna

If your car has an exterior antenna, you can tie something brightly colored like a red bandanna to it when the snow is piling up fast to keep your car visible to passing motorists, snow plows, etc. (This one from Amazon is $3 shipped.) This is a good practice both when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere or when you're just parking on the street during Chicago's next Snowmageddon. Be honest, Chicago folks, how many time has the snow bank on your street melted to reveal a car underneath that you had no idea was there? Too many times to count. Additionally, a bandanna can cover your nose and mouth during dust storms, or you can use it as a head cover, a napkin, a tourniquet, etc.

A barbecue lighter, an empty can, and tea light candles

I'm lumping these items into a single line because they all depend on each other. In the winter, stranded in your car with no heat, drop three tea light candles into a tin coffee can to help stay warm. Set it on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Enjoy about 4 hours of radiant heat. You can buy a bag of 50 unscented tea lights for $6.99 at Amazon.

Comfortable walking shoes

I'm looking at you, ladies who like to drive in stilettos. Throw that old scuffed up pair of TOMS you were going to throw away into your car trunk instead, just in case you have to hike somewhere for help.

Because it just makes life easier:

A car-adapted phone charger

Keeping a charger in my car is one of the best decisions I've ever made. My phone is always plugged in while I drive, ensuring that I have a fully charged battery whenever I arrive at my destination, even if I ran the GPS and Pandora the whole way.

A solar phone charger

Speaking honestly, the SunLabz Portable Solar Charger ($29.99 at Amazon) is actually on my wish list since I'm consistently frustrated by dying batteries on camping trips when I'm both more likely to be taking lots of photos and less likely to have a power source. But it could also be a lifesaver in an emergency. Imagine being stranded for days, and yet you still have a charge on your phone. Invaluable.

Paper towels

Quick cleanup options are a good thing. Wipe bugs off of windshields, grape jelly off of little faces and fingers - you know, all the usual stuff.

Tissues

Keep a travel pack in your glove box. Your mom will be proud of you.

Notebook and pen

Jot down directions when you're lost. Or your contact and insurance info after a minor fender bender. Or the name of that amazing roadside BBQ dive you stumbled into. Or the license plate number of the guy who cut you off and went all road rage on you.

Umbrella

More versatile than staying dry while running from the car to your office door, an umbrella also makes a handy sun shade.

A roll of quarters

For unexpected tolls, parking meters, etc.

Reusable tote bags

Impromptu grocery store trips are the obvious reason here, but really, what would you NOT use these for?

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Plastic grocery bags

Yes, these too. While the reusable totes are great for porting your stuff, you wouldn't want a carsick passenger to puke into one of them. Also great for cleaning out the car on the go - just fill up the bag and toss it in a dumpster. Or stashing muddy shoes you don't want mucking up your floor mats.

Blanket

I've gotten more mileage out of an old comforter that I stashed in the car than anything else on this list. It's warm on cool nights. It's a great picnic blanket, It covers the back seat when I have wet and muddy passengers or pets in tow. The ideal car blanket is one you've got buried in a closet somewhere, but if you need to pick something up, these Sherpa Microfleece Reversible Throws are a great deal right now for $9.99 at Brylane Home.