5 Essential Items Every Driver Should Keep in Their Car 

Because flat tires, dead batteries, and coffee spills don’t care how prepared you are — until you’re not.You don’t need to be a prepper to keep your car stocked with the right gear. You just need to be a person who drives — because at some point, whether it’s a roadside hiccup or just an “ugh, I didn’t think I’d need that today” moment, your future self is going to thank you for thinking ahead. 

We’re not talking about turning your trunk into a survival bunker. Just five items — five things that cover the basics: safety, breakdowns, small emergencies, and life’s inconvenient curveballs. 

Here’s what every driver should have in their car — no matter how new or reliable it is. 

1. A Basic Emergency Kit 

Yes, the kind you hope you never use. But when you do need it? It’s gold. 

What to keep inside: 

• Jumper cables (or even better: a portable jump starter) 

• A flashlight (with fresh batteries) 

• First-aid basics (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers) 

• Gloves, poncho, and a small towel 

• Multi-tool or basic wrench/screwdriver combo 

You don’t need to build a full disaster kit. Just cover the bases — minor injuries, night breakdowns, and quick fixes. Throw it all in a soft case or small bin and tuck it in the trunk. 

2. A Reliable Spare Tire — and the Tools to Change It 

Surprisingly, not all new cars come with spare tires anymore. Some just have “repair kits” or run-flats. Double-check your vehicle. 

If you do have a spare, make sure: 

• It’s properly inflated (check it every few months — seriously) 

• You’ve got a working jack and lug wrench 

• You actually know how to use them (YouTube it before you’re on the side of a highway) 

No one plans for a flat tire. But if you’ve got what you need on hand, it’s just an annoying blip — not an expensive tow and a ruined day. 

3. Wipes, Napkins, and Trash Bags 

This might sound like overkill until you spill a smoothie all over your center console or someone sneezes mid-road trip. 

What to stash: 

• A pack of baby wipes (good for sticky hands, coffee spills, foggy windshields) 

• A roll of paper towels or travel napkins 

• A couple of plastic grocery bags or a small trash bag 

These are the items that turn your car from a chaotic mess into a slightly more civilized ride. They take up almost no space, and they save your sanity more often than you’d expect. 

4. Phone Charger (Car-Compatible) 

Your phone is your map, your lifeline, your “call for help” button. And nothing kills the vibe faster than a dead battery — especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar. 

You want: 

• A solid USB car charger (preferably fast-charging) 

• A spare charging cable you never remove from the car 

• Bonus: A power bank (in case your car battery is dead too) 

Pro tip: Don’t rely on your Bluetooth-connected phone to keep working without a backup. A fully charged phone can save you in more ways than one — directions, roadside help, even documenting an accident. 

5. Vehicle Info and Emergency Contacts 

Yes, we live in a digital world — but some paper still matters. 

Keep a small folder or envelope in your glove compartment with: 

• A copy of your car’s registration 

• Proof of insurance 

• Your roadside assistance contact info (AAA, manufacturer service, etc.) 

• A handwritten emergency contact number or two 

Why handwritten? If your phone’s dead or locked and someone else needs to help you — it’s right there. No passcode required. 

Bonus Items (If You’ve Got the Room): 

• Blanket (for cold nights or impromptu picnics) 

• Reusable water bottle (or emergency bottled water) 

• Tire pressure gauge 

• Reusable shopping bags 

• Snacks that don’t melt or expire in a week 

These aren’t must-haves, but they’re absolutely-nice-to-haves — especially if your car doubles as your office, your lunchroom, or your escape pod. 

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared — Not Paranoid 

You’re not building a survival bunker. You’re just covering your bases. Five items — that’s all it takes to turn “ugh, why don’t I have…” into “thank past me for having my life together.” 

It’s easy to think you’ll never need these things — until you do. 

And when that day comes? You won’t be scrambling. You’ll pop the trunk, grab what you need, and carry on. 

Like a boss.