How to Stock a Car Trunk with Necessities

You never know when you’ll be driving down the road and run into unforeseen, and often disastrous, circumstance. You’ll have to worry a little less if you stock your car trunk with necessities. In addition to the spare tire, which should be a given, your car trunk can also contain enough goodies to make it a virtual mobile survival unit. You can stock a car trunk with necessities with plenty of forethought and a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Cordless compressor
• Tools
• Snacks and water
• Extra clothes
• Blanket
• First aid items
• Other small necessities

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Instructions

• 1

  Think about car troubles. The first thing in your trunk should be items that can fix a flat, charge a battery and offer some light in the dark when you’re changing that tire or gazing into the engine. Many auto supply shops sell a multi-purpose cordless compressor that can be easily carried around in your trunk. The device is charged from a regular socket at home and includes a light, tire pump, battery cables that can restart your car using power in the device. Also keep several wrenches and other tools you’ll need to change a tire or adjust an engine.

• 2

  Keep some snacks and water in the trunk. While you’re waiting for that tow truck, or otherwise stranded at a scene, you’ll be grateful to have a gallon of water and non-perishable snacks, like nuts or beef jerky, back in the trunk.

• 3

  Keep a stash of first aid items in your trunk. You don’t need to cart around a pharmacy, but do have a small kit that includes bandages, peroxide, aspirin or the like, gauze and tape.

• 4

  Stay warm by packing your trunk with a thick pair of socks, gloves, extra jacket and knit hat. An entire change of clothes is also a good idea, for warm or cold weather, depending on the climate, in case you end up needing to change for whatever reason. At least keep a pair of sneakers in the trunk so you can switch out of sandals if circumstances make you walk.

• 5

  Always carry a blanket. This can be used to keep you even warmer than your hat and gloves or serve as a platform for an impromptu picnic. It also comes in handy when you have to transport items that may otherwise scratch or dirty your car or cart around a couple of muddy dogs.

• 6

  Add any other small necessities that you may need on a regular basis. These include extra plastic or garbage bags, twine or a bungee cord, rags or paper towel and anything else you always seem to need but never have when you’re out driving.