13. Cell phone charger—
This is actually the only type of charger I have for my cell phone. I do not have a wall charger at home. Typically I am able to keep my phone charged enough just by plugging it in on my way to and from the office. Not only is a cell phone car charger a convenience, it’s also a safety measure in case you are stranded and your phone is on its last virtual protein bar.
14. Hand Gloves—
People in the north know this already. Your heater could go out and your hands are the most important driving control measure, but not much use when you can not feel them. Plus you get to feel more like a race car driver.
15. Spare tire –
I’m not talking about what is going to form along your midsection in your not-so-distant-as-you-think future. Of course I am talking about the extra little tire commonly referred to as a donut most cars come with, that you aren’t supposed to go over 55 mph hour while using. I have had to use mine several times over my driving career. This may seen obvious, but make sure it’s full of air too. I have actually busted a spare tire before.
16. Jack & racket set –
These are mandatory tools for changing the tire, unless you are one of the special and privileged that can call a service to save you within a 50 mile radius for a yearly fee. I learned to change a tire in Boy Scouts 35 years ago and never felt right calling someone to do it for me. No one is judging you if you do call someone (woos).
17. State Map or GPS –
I used to never think either one of these were necessary before my wife made it mandatory. Many forget what driving directions were like before that special website came out that everyone uses. It took a few years for me to adjust, at least now I know what a “slight left” and a “slight right” is (hint: you don’t actually turn).
You won’t always have access to the Internet before taking a trip, or you may be sidetracked on a trip and at least know a general direction or highway. Pull out the ole’ laminated state road map and experience what traveling was like pre-Internet.
18. 3 or 4 pens –
During my younger years, I can not tell you have many times I needed to sign a check late at night before depositing it into an ATM, and have been pen less. I would then feel obligated to make small purchase at as gas station in order to use their pen.
19. Jumper Cables –
Help a friend or a stranger jump their car or help a friend or stranger help you when, inedibility, your battery will have a temporary failure. You can get jumper cables now and cut down on the learning curve, or get them after it happens. Believe me, one breakdown is enough.
20. Air Freshener –
Cars smell funny, you do too sometimes. Make it stop.
21. Gym bag: shoes, shorts, shirt –
Encourages working out by creating one less step and one less excuse between you and the gym. I have to quash all the excuses I can.
22. Plastic bag for trash –
Unless you fall along the line of the more anal of personalities (Google Freud and anal fixation or wait till college), you’re going to build up trash in your car. Have the bag already ready to bag it up and ship it out.
23. Sun visor-
These are a lot cooler than they used to be literally and figuratively now than when I was first introduced to them in the early 80s. They aren’t as often made from cardboard with cartoon figures, and a big pre-cell phone era “Call the Police, this is an Emergency” stenciled on the back for those unlucky enough to be stranded.
Sun visors definitely cut down the heat absorption on your car’s interior (especially on leather). In the south, one of these can be your life-saver, or at least save you from quoting Yosemite Sam, “My burns are burning, my buns are burning!”
24. Sun glasses –
These were a necessity when I was racing cars. I’m as huge a sun glasses fan as I was then, but figured they really didn’t have much use other than the “make you look cool” factor. Within the last fifteen years with global warming and UV rays and all, I have changed my position.
Along with vision health benefits and cool factor they really do help cut out glare that could otherwise interfere with your driving. One pair of sun glasses permanently stays in my car.
I hope you have found these tips useful. Maybe they will save you a little time and stress.
