Glove compartments are often cluttered with everything except driving gloves. Earlier, they were installed to store gloves in roofless cars so drivers could prevent their fingers from numbing down. Though the cars evolved over time, what didn’t get replaced is a glove compartment that’s now used to store other items. Here are the top 16 things you should store in the glove compartment to save your day.
First Aid Kit
It won’t be out of the world if someone claims to spend more time in their car than at home. Since your car is out on the road, you might encounter emergencies where a first aid box will come in handy. We recommend including antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandage, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, and OTC painkillers in your car’s first aid kit.
Flashlight
Every other movie has a scene where the hero gets stuck on the roadside with a flat tire at night. And what do we see in their hands? Yes, a flashlight. It’s still a mystery why tires mostly flat out at night. However, we know that you will surely thank yourself for keeping a flashlight in your glove compartment one day.
Emergency Escape Tool
If you ever find yourself in a tragedy, you will be grateful for the moment you put a glass breaker in your car’s glove compartment. The razors in the tool will help you cut leather and seat belts, while the tool will help smash the windows. It’s literally a life-saver.
Air Horn or Whistle
Imagine being chased by suspicious people or catching any other threat while on the move. Blowing a whistle or air horn hard enough will draw enough attention your way to keep you protected from any unfortunate incident.
Car Cell Phone Charger
If the movie we discussed belongs to the “mystery” genre, Mr. Hero’s phone will probably run out of charge to add to the suspense. Well, it’s not just the movies. Anyone can have a bad day. However, it’s not only about getting stuck on the road. The cell phone charger in your glove compartment might help when you spend most of your time on the roads enjoying the scenic nature or rugged terrains.
De-icing Spray
You shouldn’t skip it if you live in colder areas. Nothing is as tiring as waking up to your car covered with ice in the morning. The de-icing product can help you quickly melt this layer. Also, it’s the best way to defrost the layer of snow if you are in a rush or a blessing in case of snowstorms.
Ice Scraper
If you have time to invest in scraping ice off your car, this item is your best friend. It’ll help you clear the snow layer from areas like windshields. It can easily fit in your car’s glove box. However, you may need to be very cautious using a scraper as doing it hard can result in scratches on your vehicle. The best solution is to keep a kit with both the de-ice spray and ice scrapper so you can confidently travel in the cold.
Duct Tape
Whether you have a cracked windshield or a broken side-view mirror, duct tape is indispensable. It even helps you temporarily fix the leakage until you reach the repair shop.
Emergency Flares
Emergency flares are a non-negotiable safety measure. They ensure visibility if your car breaks down in the dark and help rescuers locate you quickly, providing a sense of security and protection. Moreover, they enhance the visibility of other road users and thus prevent potential mishaps.
Hand Sanitizer and Face Masks
It’s not just about COVID – germs are all around us. In fact, we would be playing “Floor is Lava” all our lives if we had a microscopic vision. There can be an infection breakout time, and if it’s not so, you may have to visit crowded places or, sometimes, even hospitals. Therefore, it is very safe to keep a hand sanitizer in your glove compartment all the time. On the same note, we recommend keeping a box of disposable face masks with you.
Plastic Bags
While it’s not very eco-friendly to use a lot of plastic bags, they are inevitable if you suffer from motion sickness. Besides helping someone suffering from nausea, it can also serve as a trash container, especially if you have set off for a long journey with children.
Tire Inflator and Sealer
Imagine you have got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. If you have a tire inflator and sealer in your glove compartment, you are in the safe zone, no matter what the pathway is. This equipment will give your tire enough strength to safely reach the nearby gas station or mechanic shop.
Healthy Snacks
So, you have got a de-icer, emergency flares, and inflators, but what will save you if you are stuck in a traffic jam on an empty stomach or lose your path? Yes, snacks like Granola, protein bars, dry fruits, and drinks can help restore your energy and compose your nerves in such situations.
Medical Information
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of keeping your medical history in the glove compartment. It’s not only about the accident – any other medical emergency may arise, and a record of your medical information can speed up the prognosis. This record must include information about your blood group, allergies, past medical history, any specific ailments, and personal doctor. However, ensure it doesn’t have any personal information that a robber can exploit in any way.
Small Tool Box
Nowadays, there are toolboxes available that can even fit in a pocket. No matter how small, they can carry out huge tasks when needed. The toolbox must include knives, screwdrivers, scissors, and a Swiss Army Knife.
Gloves
You thought we wouldn’t come down to it? Well, we had to. If you get into an accident, you’ll definitely have debris or broken parts inside the car. That’s where the gloves come in handy, and you can prevent the sharp pieces from piercing your hands.
Most importantly, remember to declutter the glove compartment regularly. Otherwise, you may find yourself lost when trying to find the item you need in an emergency.
Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
