Some of us keep absolutely nothing in our car trunks, while others have enough packed to live in their cars for weeks. Somewhere in between is this list of thirty things we think every car owner should always have on hand.


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You can buy packaged emergency safety kits, like this one from AAA, which includes a booster cable, flashlight, first aid kit, and many other items, but the DIY approach is more satisfying and you probably already have many of these items lying around. It’s not just about emergencies or safety, either. Below I’ve separated the checklists by category.


Car Repair and Maintenance

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There’s nothing like breaking down at the side of the road and realizing the spare tire in your trunk has a flat from the last time it happened. (True story.) To keep you up and running, keep these in your trunk:

Spare tire (in good condition), along with a tire jack and tire iron , because without them or someone else to help you, the spare tire is useless. Here’s how to change a tire

(in good condition), along with a , because without them or someone else to help you, the spare tire is useless. Tire inflater and sealer, like the Fix-a-Flat




Your car’s manual , which should be in the glove compartment already.

, which should be in the glove compartment already. Tire pressure gauge points out



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Car repair information. A business card for your auto repair shop, the number for AAA (if you’re a member), and car insurance claim forms should also be stored in your glove compartment.


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Safety and Survival


You might already have an emergency go bag or kit set up. If you spend a lot of time in your car and it’s always nearby when you’re home, you could just keep that kit in your trunk—or create a second, perhaps lighter version.

In any case, your safety supplies should include:

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A few car-specific items:

For winter/snow emergencies:

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Ice scraper

Mylar space blanket

Cardboard or carpet remnant you can place under tires for traction in the snow.

Convenience and Comfort


In addition to the basics above, you might want to keep these things around also:

Paper towels or a hand towel

or a hand towel Tissues or a roll of toilet paper

or a roll of toilet paper Pencil and paper

Umbrella

Spare change/emergency money

Reusable shopping bags

Blanket , which comes in handy not just for keeping warm in emergencies, but also at the park, baseball stadium, etc.

, which comes in handy not just for keeping warm in emergencies, but also at the park, baseball stadium, etc. Change of clothes : also an emergency item, because if you get drenched in rain or snow, it’s no good to sit around like that.

: also an emergency item, because if you get drenched in rain or snow, it’s no good to sit around like that. USB mobile device charger

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This isn’t an exhaustive list, and your needs might vary. While it might sound like a lot, all this stuff doesn’t take up too much space. Jalopnik’s Opposite Lock Kinja blog shows us your car might have good hiding places to stash all of your just-in-case items.

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