A garage mechanic's wish list: all the tools you could ever need (and want) in your shop for car maintenance. A garage mechanic's wish list: all the tools you could ever need (and want) in your shop for car maintenance. In the old days, you laid your tools out on a fender pad. Try that on a late-model vehicle with a sloped.
The features every buyer should opt for—and which ones to skip
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Today’s car buyers are presented with a dizzying array of jargon and acronyms describing options, packaged features, and dealer-installed accessories to choose from. There is great temptation to grab them all, but the costs quickly add up.
Consumer Reports receives questions all the time from car shoppers asking what they should be looking for in today’s models. Frequently, they have some vague notions about what is available, but they’re not clear on what’s worth the added expense.
To help these new-car shoppers who haven’t checked out the market in some time, CR’s experts have assembled a list of key features they should consider getting, including safety and convenience items. Just as important: We have flagged the items that can be skipped.
Safety-related items are ranked in order of importance by CR’s car-safety experts. The other features are listed alphabetically.
Must-Have Safety Features
Automatic emergency braking: The system applies the brakes on its own to prevent a collision when it senses a vehicle in its way, or to reduce the force of an impact that can’t be avoided. System s that include pedestrian detection are some of the most beneficial.
Forward collision warning: This gives drivers a visual and/or audible warning that a collision may be imminent.
Forward collision warning: This gives drivers a visual and/or audible warning that a collision may be imminent.
Blind spot warning/alert: Gives drivers a visual and/or audible notification that a vehicle is alongside the car in a blind spot.
“These three safety systems have been proven to reduce injuries and crashes,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s Auto Test Center in Connecticut. In fact, CR believes so strongly in these systems that it gives extra credit to models that come with them as standard equipment on all versions.
Nice-to-Have Safety Features
Automatic high beams: This system automatically turns the high beams on when there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead and switches back to low beams as soon as traffic appears, to prevent blinding other drivers. This promotes greater use of high beams, which makes driving safer.
Rear cross traffic warning: When the car is in Reverse, this system notifies the driver when sensors detect that a vehicle or an object is approaching out of rear-camera range and could be moving into the car’s path.
Must-Have Convenience Features
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: These bring familiar smartphone interfaces and some important but limited features and usability to the car’s infotainment system. They encourage drivers to put their phones down and instead interact with the car’s built-in screen, letting them pay more attention to driving.
Knobs for audio and climate systems: We find that physical knobs for climate controls (such as temperature or fan) and audio systems (for volume, tuning, and power) are far better than touch-sensitive controls, which are tedious and distracting to use when driving.
“Any time you force drivers to avert their eyes from the road, it’s an invitation for trouble,” says Shawn Sinclair, automotive engineer at CR. “The best systems let drivers make adjustments without having to verify those choices visually.”
Nice-to-Have Convenience Features
360-degree surround-view camera systems: These use cameras located around the car (in the grille, often below the side mirrors, and the rearview camera). The systems give drivers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle as if from above; help them check for children and objects around the car, particularly when backing up; and make parking easier.
Auto-dimming mirrors: These help prevent driver distraction from bright lights in the rearview mirror. The mirror senses light, particularly from the headlights of a vehicle following behind, that is cast on the mirror. At that point, the glass will automatically darken to prevent glare from bothering the driver. This is particularly useful when the car behind has its bright lights on.
Fast USB charging: The typical USB outlet in a car charges at 0.5 amps, which charges a phone slowly. If an app is being used, the phone may lose charge even when plugged in. Many new cars now have at least a 1.5-, 2.0-, or 2.4-amp rating (noted by 1.5A, 1.5A, 2A, 2.1A, or 2.4A on the outlet), and the newer USB Type-C plugs support up to 3 amps of charging, making phone charging faster, no matter how the phone is being used.
Keyless entry: This feature works by the car sensing that the fob is nearby, without the driver having to press any buttons on the fob. It’s a very handy way to lock or unlock a vehicle without fishing for the keys or putting bags, boxes, or a child down on the ground. Some systems unlock the door automatically if it senses the key is nearby, but others require drivers to touch a button on a front-door handle. A number of vehicles have the ability to unlock and raise the tailgate or trunk as well, just by sensing the fob’s presence.
Multizone climate systems: This lets drivers and passengers set their own temperature for their climate zone. In some models, even rear-seat passengers can get their own climate controls. We’ve found that this can really help to take some stress out of family travel.
Head-up display:This projects information such as the car’s current speed, navigation information (shown above), or audio selections on the windshield directly in front of the driver’s eyes. The more sophisticated ones let drivers change their display using steering-wheel buttons, which helps keep their focus on the road.
Heated seats and steering wheel: These come into direct contact with a driver or passenger, so in cold weather they warm occupants faster than the climate system can heat the car’s interior.
Power driver’s seat with height-adjustable lumbar: Power seats help drivers find a much more comfortable driving position than is possible with most manual seats, especially in families where more than one person drives the car. In addition, movable cushions on the driver’s seatback can be adjusted to help provide support to the driver’s lower back, known as the lumbar region. Those that adjust up and down as well as in and out provide even better back support. This makes long-distance driving easier, and it reduces fatigue.
“Manually adjustable seats and those that lack lumbar support can accelerate driver fatigue, even during short trips,” says Gabe Shenhar, associate director of CR’s Auto Test Program. “With power adjustments, and particularly four-way lumbar support, drivers can fine-tune an optimal seating position and make adjustments on the fly.”
WiFi hotspot: These are often bundled with telematic systems or upgraded infotainment packages. They provide WiFi in the vehicle, allowing passengers to use mobile devices without eating up their cellular data plans. Often, a hotspot service is free for an introductory period, then owners must pay a monthly fee. Some services offer unlimited data for a flat fee that is less expensive than an unlimited data plan from a wireless phone carrier.
Wireless charging pad: These pads use induction to directly charge a phone battery without connecting it to a USB outlet. Most of the newest smartphones can be charged this way; others will need a special case to do so. One benefit to this kind of wireless charging setup is that it keeps the phone tucked away, so the driver is less tempted to use it while driving.
Features to Skip
Bigger wheels and low-profile tires: These often make the ride less comfortable, primarily because the low-profile tires are stiffer than the more common sized tires that have taller sidewalls. In addition, the larger wheels and thinner tires are more susceptible to damage from potholes and curbs.
“Don’t be fooled by how they look,” says Gene Petersen, who runs CR’s tire-testing program. “The low-profile tires and larger wheels mean there’s less rubber to absorb road bumps—and you’ll definitely feel the difference, not in a good way.”
Built-in navigation systems: Most of these are expensive and may require map updates. Instead, use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay by plugging your smartphone into your car through a USB port. Doing so allows drivers to directly tap into their phone’s map apps and display them on the car’s screen.
Built-in navigation systems: Most of these are expensive and may require map updates. Instead, use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay by plugging your smartphone into your car through a USB port. Doing so allows drivers to directly tap into their phone’s map apps and display them on the car’s screen.
Android Auto users can choose from Google Maps or Waze, the mapping app that alerts drivers to potholes, stopped cars, and police. CarPlay users can choose one of those or use the Apple Maps app.
Lane keeping assist : Automatically steers or brakes when the car crosses lane markings if the driver hasn’t activated a turn signal.
“Although drivers may be eager to buy the latest driver-assist technology, there are no data to show that automated steering has any safety benefits,” says CR’s Kelly Funkhouser, who examines how drivers and passengers use car controls. “There are still kinks that need to be worked out, such as the system trying to keep the car in a lane even though the driver is intentionally crossing the lane line in order to give a bicyclist more room on the road.”
Rear entertainment units: It’s better to travel with relatively inexpensive tablets, which can carry movies, books, and games, and can be recharged using the rear USB outlets. In addition, each child can have his or her own, avoiding arguments about what to watch.
Headlight Testing
Properly functioning headlights are a vital part of car safety. On the 'Consumer 101' TV show, Consumer Reports’ expert Jen Stockberger explains how CR puts them to the test.
More From Consumer Reports
It's always a good idea to get your car in order. Would you have what you needed if your car broke down? Or if you were stranded somewhere in freezing temps? 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, 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.
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 20 oz. bottle of Slime Tubeless Automotive Tire Sealant is $9.74 at Amazon, the best value we found online.
A shot of tire sealant like Fix-A-Flat or Slime can patch a leaky tire on the fly. This 20 oz. bottle of Slime Tubeless Automotive Tire Sealant is $9.74 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 Ultra Performance 10-gauge Jumper Cables for $13.28 shipped or $7.29 with in-store pickup at Home Depot.
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 Ultra Performance 10-gauge Jumper Cables for $13.28 shipped or $7.29 with in-store pickup at Home Depot.
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. Edmunds.com has a great list of shortcuts to help you out.
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. Edmunds.com 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 $4.69 and free shipping 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.
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 $4.69 and free shipping 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. AskPatty.com 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.
Great for everything from temporary auto repairs to roadside first aid, duct tape is a no-brainer. AskPatty.com 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. The best deal we found is this 1-gallon Midwest Can Company Gas Can at Blain's Farm & Fleet for $8.99 with in-store pickup. If you don't live near a Farm & Fleet, check out the Briggs & Stratton Smart-Fill 1-Gallon Gas Can at Amazon for $10.29. It ships free for Prime members or with a minimum $25 purchase.
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. The best deal we found is this 1-gallon Midwest Can Company Gas Can at Blain's Farm & Fleet for $8.99 with in-store pickup. If you don't live near a Farm & Fleet, check out the Briggs & Stratton Smart-Fill 1-Gallon Gas Can at Amazon for $10.29. It ships free for Prime members or with a minimum $25 purchase.
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.
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 $5.60 with free shipping at Amazon.
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 $5.60 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 First Alert AF400 Tundra Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray for $12.58 at Amazon, which looks more like a can of bug spray than a fire stopping tool.
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 First Alert AF400 Tundra Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray for $12.58 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 $19.99 at Amazon.
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 $19.99 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 $15.95 at Amazon.
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 $15.95 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. One of our favorites is this Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-Tool, available at B&H Photo for $34.95 where it ships for free.
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. One of our favorites is this Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-Tool, available at B&H Photo for $34.95 where it ships for free.
![What tools should i have in my car What tools should i have in my car](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125570202/157137315.jpg)
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.
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.
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 Esky Hand Crank Solar Emergency Weather Radio doubles as a flashlight and is just $18.99 at Amazon. For a limited time, there's also an Amazon coupon you can clip to save an extra 10%.
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 Esky Hand Crank Solar Emergency Weather Radio doubles as a flashlight and is just $18.99 at Amazon. For a limited time, there's also an Amazon coupon you can clip to save an extra 10%.
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 $28.69 at Amazon.
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 $28.69 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 $11.95 at Amazon.
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 $11.95 at Amazon.
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.
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.
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 $14.68 at Amazon takes up a lot less room.
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 $14.68 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.
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. Add some Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter to your Amazon order for $11.29. It comes in four 10 lb. bags, so you can keep just what you need in the car and stash the rest.
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. Add some Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter to your Amazon order for $11.29. It comes in four 10 lb. bags, so you can keep just what you need in the car and stash the rest.
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.
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 $5.25 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.
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 $5.25 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 $14.31 at Amazon.
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 $14.31 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.
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.
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 Solar Charger,Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank ($19.95 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.
Speaking honestly, the Solar Charger,Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank ($19.95 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Impromptu grocery store trips are the obvious reason here, but really, what would you NOT use these for?
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.
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, you can usually score a deal at Kmart or on Amazon.
Do you agree or disagree with our list of must-have car items? Tell us what we missed in the comments below!
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, you can usually score a deal at Kmart or on Amazon.
Do you agree or disagree with our list of must-have car items? Tell us what we missed in the comments below!
Related Deals:
Rooftop Carrier Bag $19 Shipped
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Rooftop Carrier Bag $19 Shipped
Microfiber Blanket $12-$16 Shipped
Car Air Bed $29 Shipped
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