While there are a few good places to keep essential things in your car- your bag, the console, the door side pockets, a car's glovebox is known for holding the most important things like your registration and car insurance documentation. If you have a car accident or get pulled over by law enforcement, you'll need your driver's license and one of these documents.
But what else do you need? The unexpected happens and we all want to be prepared and drive safely. Yes, have a first aid kit and other roadside essentials for things like putting air in your tires. Then add five additional items to your glovebox.
5 Things to keep in your glovebox
1. Service records
A small, simple notebook with a pen in your car with dates such as oil changes, filters, tire rotation, and brake pad replacement is a convenient way to track the most important car maintenance. You can also track gas mileage (date, gallons, odometer reading) and service dates, so you don't have a bunch of paperwork stuffed in the glove box. Being organized will also give you a quick reference when you're already in the repair shop for your Virginia Safety Inspection and want to coordinate needed service.
2. An extra cell phone charger
Our phones are valuable lifelines in an emergency. You never know when your primary phone charger might fail so it's wise to have a backup. A passenger might also have a low battery at the same time. Some chargers have a second port built-in. Either way, you can give them a helping hand.
3. Your car owner's manual
Car manuals can have some excellent quick guides and references for inconvenient problems with your car. Let's face it; it's never really convenient. You can search online, but your car's manual is precise to your car, convenient, and easy to read.
4. Medical information
If you are hurt or unable to speak for yourself, having this type of information could save your life. Having a proper ICE card (In Case of Emergency) would include emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, and medications to help first responders and medical professionals in case of an emergency. Keep the information visible at the top of your glovebox.
5. Paper map
Would you like to sharpen your navigation skills? Never underestimate the power of a paper map! Have you ever lost your cell signal or had a low battery? A map can come in handy, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area. Paper maps provide a more detailed, expansive, big-picture lay-of-the-land. There are also places where the GPS navigation just doesn't work well or the routing is ridiculous.
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