The Boy Scouts of America have a motto, and that is, "Be prepared." Whether you were a boy scout (or girl scout, really) growing up or not, it wouldn't be a bad idea to follow their motto when it comes to almost everything involving your car. One way to accomplish this goal is to keep a few things at the ready in your glove box, trunk and under your seat. You don't want to fill your car with things that will almost never get used, but some things will come in handy from time to time and some things will be just what you need when you're in a bit of a bind.
Rain or Shine or Dark of Night
Umbrellas and sunglasses are a couple of things that just make life a little better (or maybe a lot in some instances). When you drive a half hour or 45 minutes to work and it wasn't raining when you left, but it's pouring when you hit the parking lot outside your office, you'll be glad you keep an umbrella in the car. A compact model will fit under your seat and you'll be all smiles when you are at your desk and still as dry as when you left the house. The same goes for sunglasses; there are plenty of days of the year that start out cloudy and there seems like there's no reason to bring them at all. So keep a pair you like to wear when you drive in your glove compartment or in the space provided in your overhead console. You'll be glad you avoided an hour of squinting and kicking yourself for not having a pair with you. As for the dark, there are most likely several dozen reasons why it's a great idea to keep a flashlight in your car, but you can easily sum them all up: you can't see in the dark. From changing a tire to just finding something you dropped getting into your car, you'll never be sorry you had your torch with you.
It's Going to Snow
For a large portion of the population of the United States, this is a commonly uttered phrase for three, four, maybe even six months of the year depending on exactly where you live. Thus, there are a few things for those fun times when you're out on the road and the snows coming down to have in your vehicle. A combination ice scraper / snow brush is a must; be sure to get all of the snow and ice off the top of your car, too, so you don't endanger other drivers while you're on the road. Everyone gets stuck sooner or later, so having pieces or cardboard or carpeting to put under your tires for a little extra traction will turn a bad day around quickly. If you live in a less populated area, emergency food (like protein bars), water, blankets and flares so people can see and find you may be more than just a convenience, they may save your life.
So be hopeful that today's ride is a smooth one--but prepared in case it's not.
