9 Things You Never Thought To Store In Your Car—But Should
Most people keep the basics in their car, things like jumper cables, a spare tire, maybe a flashlight. But there are a few lesser-known items that can come in handy in ways you wouldn't expect. These aren’t high-end tools or special automotive gadgets, they’re everyday things that solve real problems quickly and easily. From keeping you warm in winter to getting you out of a jam, here are nine things worth keeping in your car
Cooking Spray
When temperatures drop, your car doors can freeze shut. A light layer of cooking spray on the rubber door seals prevents moisture from freezing between the door and the frame. Just be sure to wipe away any extra to avoid a greasy mess. Keep a travel-sized can in your trunk during the winter months to save you from needing to yank your doors open after a freezing night.
Cat Litter
If your tires get stuck on ice, snow, or mud, a scoop of non-clumping cat litter can help. Sprinkle it under your drive wheels to give your tires something coarse to grip. It's light, clean, and much easier to store than sand. Even a small bag can make the difference between spinning in place and getting back on the road, so it’s a smart addition for winter or wet-weather driving.
Crayons
A crayon can burn like a candle for up to half an hour. It won't replace a flashlight, but if you're without one, it can give you just enough light to see what you're doing—whether you're changing a tire or looking for something inside the car. Toss a few in a sealable bag with some matches or a lighter. They take up very little space and may come in handy more than once.
Plastic Grocery Bags
A handful of plastic grocery bags can be surprisingly helpful in a lot of scenarios. Use them to hold muddy shoes, toss in wet clothes, contain a spill, or collect trash after a road trip. They also make decent makeshift gloves or seat covers in a pinch, if you need to keep something from getting wet. Tuck a few into your glove box or side door pocket so you have a few on hand.
Chalkboard Eraser
When the windshield fogs up faster than your defroster can clear it, a chalkboard eraser can help. It wipes away moisture and fog without leaving streaks, unlike paper towels (or your sleeve). It's especially useful during the fall and spring when the temperature swings make windows fog up constantly.
Old Credit Card
An expired credit card or old gift card is the perfect size and shape for scraping ice from side mirrors, headlights, or tight corners your regular scraper can't reach. It also works for clearing snow buildup around door handles and windshield wipers. It won’t scratch plastic or glass, and it fits neatly in your wallet or glove compartment. It’s not a replacement for a proper scraper, but it’s a handy backup.
A Candle in a Tin
If you're stuck in cold weather with no heat, a single candle in a metal tin, like a coffee tin for example, can make a difference. It gives off just enough warmth to help keep the inside of your car above freezing and warm your hands if it's chilly out. Pair it with a blanket, and you’ll be better off while waiting for help. Choose one with a lid for safe storage and make sure to ventilate if you ever need to light it inside the vehicle.
Zip Ties and Duct Tape
Zip ties and duct tape are your emergency repair team. A few zip ties can hold up a dragging bumper, keep a tailpipe from rattling, or bundle loose wires. Duct tape works for cracked light covers, window gaps, or torn upholstery. Of course, they're not permanent fixes, but they can usually get you home or to a repair shop. Keep a handful of zip ties and wrap a few feet of duct tape around a pen or card to save space if you don't want to carry an entire roll.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil has more uses than you might think. It can help reflect sunlight, make a quick patch for a broken light, or assist in identifying bad electrical contact if a fuse fails. It's heat-resistant and easy to mold into whatever shape you need, which makes it a flexible addition to any emergency kit. A small folded sheet in your glove box can save you from some strange and frustrating problems.
These items might seem odd at first, but each one solves a specific problem in a pinch. They take up almost no space and cost very little, but they can save time, money, and frustration when something goes wrong on the road. Whether you're facing bad weather, a messy situation, or a minor repair, these items can make your car feel a lot more prepared for the unexpected.