25 Things to Keep in Your Car: The Ultimate Car Essentials List for Everyday Drivers

In this guide, we're breaking down the top 25 things to keep in your car—a mix of practical tools, emergency gear, and comfort essentials. We'll also highlight how AutoManiacs products can simplify your routine and elevate your car care experience.

Everyday Car Must-Haves for a Smooth Ride

Sometimes, it's the little things that keep your drive stress-free. Here are a few everyday essentials to keep within reach:

1. Phone charger and mount — Staying powered and hands-free is crucial.
2. Tissues or wet wipes — Spills happen. Be ready.
3. Sunglasses — Keep a pair in your glove box to avoid squinting in unexpected sun glare.
4. Pen and notepad — You never know when you'll need to jot something down.
5. Interior Cleaner — A bottle of AutoManiacs Interior Cleaner is perfect for wiping down dashboards, seats, or sticky messes from morning coffee runs.

These simple additions ensure your car always feels like an extension of your home—clean, comfortable, and convenient.

What to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies

Being prepared for the unexpected isn't just smart—it's essential.

What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit

1. Jumper cables — Dead batteries don't call ahead.
2. Flashlight (and batteries) — Invaluable during nighttime breakdowns.
3. First-aid kit — Cuts, scrapes, and headaches don't wait until you get home.
4. Reflective triangle or flares — Keep yourself visible in case of roadside stops.
5. Blanket or poncho — Warmth matters when you're stuck outside in the cold.
6. Ice scraper — A winter must-have in the car.
7. Portable tire inflator — Fix low tire pressure fast.

For added peace of mind, include a bottle of AutoManiacs Ceramic Spray in your trunk. Its protective nano-silica layer helps prevent weather damage—especially important in extreme climates.

What Documents Should I Keep in My Car?

You don't want to be fumbling through your glove compartment if you're ever pulled over or in an accident. Always keep:

1. Vehicle registration
2. Proof of insurance
3. Driver's license (when driving)
4. Emergency contact card
5. Owner's manual

Bonus tip: Keep a small folder that also includes AutoManiacs' product usage guide if you use our DIY kits regularly. That way, even your car maintenance is organized.

Clean-Up and Maintenance Stuff to Keep in Your Car

A clean car isn't just about appearance—it's about pride and comfort. These are the go-to car cleaning must-haves:

1. Microfiber towel — The AutoManiacs Drying Towel is ultra-absorbent and perfect for quick touch-ups.
2. Multi-surface spray — AutoManiacs Interior Detailer helps restore shine and remove dust in seconds.
3. Trash bag or car bin — Keep clutter in check.
4. Glass cleaner — Our Ceramic Glass Cleaner is water-resistant and streak-free—ideal for maintaining visibility.

Regular maintenance doesn't have to be time-consuming. With just a few items, you can keep your car looking—and feeling—fresh in under five minutes.

Comfort Essentials to Keep in Your Car

If you're someone who values a smooth, relaxing ride, these are the good things to have in your car:

1. Reusable shopping bags — Handy for groceries or impromptu stops.
2. Snacks and water — Fuel for the driver, too!
3. Travel pillow or lumbar cushion — Especially useful for longer drives or back pain.
4. Umbrella — Because getting soaked walking to your car is never fun.
5. Gloves and applicators — AutoManiacs Kits include these, so you're always equipped to clean without making a mess.

These items aren't just about luxury—they enhance your everyday driving experience in small but meaningful ways.

What to Keep in Your Car in Winter (and Other Seasonal Must-Haves)

The seasons change, and so should your car essentials. Here's what to rotate in:

Winter:

• Ice scraper
• De-icer spray
• Thermal blanket
• Gloves
• Windshield washer fluid

Summer:

• Sunscreen
• Extra water
• Bug spray
• Windshield sunshade

Applying a layer of AutoManiacs Ceramic Coating in the fall and spring helps protect your car's paint from harsh UV rays in summer and salt in winter.

Stay Ready, Drive Better

Having the right things to keep in your car doesn't just prepare you for the unexpected—it turns every drive into a more enjoyable, comfortable, and stress-free experience. Whether it's a basic tissue, an emergency blanket, or a go-to cleaner, each item plays a role in making car ownership feel a little more effortless.