What’s in My Car? 10 Essential Things I Keep In My Car

Disclosure: The article is sponsored by Advance Auto Parts.

Since my car is pretty much my base camp when I am outside the house, I always ensure that I keep ten car essentials in it on a daily basis. Now, don’t get me wrong, it took me a while to figure out what they are, but now that I know I rarely deviate from these specific items.

These car essentials listed below make my daily commute as comfortable and safe as possible, while helping me deal with unforeseen obstacles when on the road.

Check them out…

What’s in My Car? 10 Car Essentials

1. Sunglasses

I always keep an extra pair of shades in my car. Why? Well for three reasons. One, they protect my eyes from the intense South Florida sun. Two, I don’t have to worry about getting a headache from constantly squinting, and three, I look cool while I am driving. 🙂

There is nothing better than simultaneously being practical and looking good.

2. Cooler

South Florida is really hot pretty much all the time, so it is important that I keep a cooler in my car to ensure my drinks and snacks stay nice and cool at all times.

I remember when I originally moved here from Michigan. I had no idea just how hot it gets, until one day I was running errands and left a bottle of water in the car for a few hours. When I took a sip, it felt like there was warm syrup going down my throat. Talk about being traumatized. LOL!!

At that very moment I knew I needed a cooler. I started out with a traditional one, but it was hard to handle, so I upgraded to a softer version that fits in my trunk and is a lot easier to manage.

3. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is imperative, especially when you live in an extremely hot climate. I have several reusable water bottles that I keep in rotation. When I return home for the evening, I take the one that I was using that day in my house and the next morning add ice and cold water in a fresh bottle. This always helps when I become thirsting while sitting in heavy traffic. It also helps me to save money, because I am not buying different drinks all-day.

4. Favorite Snacks

Since finding out that I have several food allergies, I make it a point to always keep allergy friendly foods with me on a daily basis. There is nothing worse than running errands and realizing that I am officially hangry because none of the surrounding locations sell food that I can eat.

Hangry = when you are angry and hungry at the same time.

Trust me when I say it is not a good look! LOL!

5. Wipes/Hand Sanitizer

Before Covid-19 I didn’t keep wipes/sanitizer in my handbag/car. However, keeping them in close proximity is now our new normal. They are both great for keeping your hands and car germ and virus free, so I ensure I keep both in my car at all times.

6. Trunk Organizer

My Autocraft 2-Bin Trunk Organizer is extremely durable and great for keeping everything in place. It is ideal for organizing a variety of loose items. I usually keep my car care products, additional reusable water bottles etc. etc. in it to keep them from getting damaged when rolling around in my trunk.

Check out the 2-Bin trunk organizer below…

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7. Plug-in Vacuum

When my car is clean, it not only looks better, but I feel better. I tend to snack on some of my favorite foods when driving, and as we know this is when crumbs drop or random spills happen. That’s why I always keep a few of my favorite cleaning tools on hand. One essential tool is my handy dandy vacuum cleaner. It is easy to use and helps to keep my car nice and tidy.

8. First Aid Kit

Having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand is very important for my peace of mind. I actually have two. I keep one at home and one in my car. It is comforting to know that they are on stand-by in case of an emergency.

9. Jumper Cables

Jump starters or jumper cables are good to have in your car for both road trips and day-to-day driving. It’s no fun when your car won’t start because you need a jump. I have been the person on both ends. The one who needs a jump and the person who has to give one.

Like I stated in my Traveling Solo Article, consider taking additional precautions in case the unexpected happens.

10. Gloves

I keep a pair of mechanics gloves, because they help prevent any unnecessary injuries when I am filling air in my tires, and they keep my hands gem/virus free when I am pumping gas.

Do you keep gloves in your car? 

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A post shared by Dawn gibson-thigpen (@simplysassystyle)

They also keep my nails nice and pretty after doing both.

I ensure the above items are in my car to make my daily commute as smooth as possible. What essentials do you keep in your car?