You probably don’t think about your car’s trunk very often, but in the event of an emergency, it could prove to be one of the most useful places in which to keep things. Trunks are typically small and not always equipped with a lot of space. That being said, there are plenty of items that you can store there that might come in handy if you find yourself stranded somewhere without any assistance. With that said, storing items in your car trunk isn’t exactly easy. First and foremost, you need to ensure that the trunk has enough space for everything. If not, it’s time to rearrange some things or purchase a new vehicle with a larger trunk! Once you’ve cleared up some space, here are 10 tools you should have in your car trunk at all times:
Change of Clothing
If you’re on the road and find yourself in a situation where you have to change a tire, have a small cut or scrape, or even just get caught in a heavy rainstorm, a change of clothes can prove to be incredibly useful. If you don’t have a spare tire in your trunk (which is something else that you should always have!), you can even use a shirt or a pair of pants to change a tire. Just make sure that you don’t get them too dirty! If you’re stranded in a particularly cold season, a change of clothes can help you stay warm. If you’re stuck in a situation where you’re completely soaked, you can even use your change of clothes as a makeshift towel to help keep yourself dry.
Battery Jump Starter
A jump starter is a small device with two clamps that attaches to both your car and the battery. If you’re on the side of the road with a dead battery, this device can help you get it running again. Most jump starters also come with an USB port so that you can charge your phone while you’re waiting for assistance. Most importantly, though, jump starters are designed to prevent your car’s battery from overheating. Often, if your car’s battery is completely drained, it will start to overheat and run the risk of bursting into flames. This can be particularly dangerous if you’re still inside the car. Jump starters have an automatic shutoff timer that will turn off your car as soon as the battery is charged. This will prevent any potential damage to your car and keep you safe.
Flashlight
A flashlight is another incredibly useful tool to keep in your car. Flashlights are helpful for a variety of situations, ranging from changing a tire in the middle of the night to fending off wildlife that might be attracted to your car’s engine. If you’re in a situation where you’re completely alone, a flashlight can help you see what you’re doing, which can be incredibly helpful if you have to change a tire in the dark. Flashlights can also be helpful if you’re on a long drive in which you get stuck in a thunderstorm or heavy fog. This can help you see what’s ahead of you so you can slow down and avoid crashing.
Blanket
Blankets are incredibly useful items to keep in your trunk. They can be used to cover your windshield if you’re in a situation where rain is falling heavily and obscuring your visibility. They can also help keep you warm if you’re in a situation where you’re stuck in the cold. If you have a large blanket and are in a situation where you’re completely alone, you can also use it to cover your car windows and create an illusion of safety. This is often referred to as “blacking out” the inside of the car and can be helpful if you’re afraid of being robbed or attacked.
Can of Professional Cleaner
Most people keep a can of professional cleaner in their car as a means of preventing unsightly stains from appearing on the carpet in their vehicle. Professional cleaners do a great job of preventing spilled drinks, dirt, and sand from leaving behind a stain. Most professional cleaners can be sprayed directly onto the stain and be left to sit for a few hours until it dries. Once the stain is completely dry, you can vacuum the carpet to remove the remaining cleaner. If you have a small cut or scrape on your hand, you can use the professional cleaner to clean it. If you have a larger cut, however, you should avoid cleaning it with a cleaner as it runs the risk of stinging and reopening the wound.
Roll of Duct Tape
Duct tape is a tool that can be used for many different purposes. It can be used to secure a broken taillight, seal a leaky car window, or even just to keep a loose bumper in place. Duct tape is useful for more than just the inside of your car, though. If you’re on the side of the road with a flat tire, you can use duct tape to repair it. This will get you on your way again until you have the time and money to have it replaced or fixed by a professional. If you have a small crevice that needs to be sealed, duct tape can be incredibly helpful. It’s often used to seal the doors of refrigerators and freezers that aren’t working properly.
Small Shovel and/or Snow Shovel
If you happen to live in an area that receives a lot of snowfall, having a small shovel in your trunk can be incredibly helpful. Small shovels are typically used for clearing a small space, such as your car’s windshield. Snow shovels, on the other hand, are used for clearing snow from a larger area, such as the sidewalk in front of your house. If you get stuck in the snow and need to clear a path for yourself, you can use your small shovel to help. If you get stuck in a large amount of snow and need to clear it away so you can get going again, you can use your snow shovel.
Lug Wrench and/or Tire Iron
If you ever have a tire that needs to be removed, a lug wrench can help you do so. Similarly, if you have a flat tire and need to remove the tire and replace it with a spare, you’ll need a tire iron. These tools can also be helpful if you get a flat tire in a remote area where you’re not close to the road. If you have a spare tire in your trunk, you can remove the flat tire and use the tire iron to secure it to the spare. If you don’t have a spare tire in your trunk, however, you can use a lug wrench to tighten the lugs on your tire. This is a quick way to plug the hole in your tire and get back on the road.
Conclusion
A car’s trunk is a very useful tool for storing tools and supplies that you might need in an emergency. While you definitely don’t need to keep all of these things in your trunk at all times, it’s a good idea to have them on hand in case you ever need them. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use any of these tools, you’ll be glad you kept them close by!
