A car is indispensable in our everyday lives. No longer is car simply way to get from point A and to point B. Today’s cars offer every variety of luxury and pure excess in the world of technology. One need never gets lost thanks to navigation systems that not only tell us how to get where we are going but even when to make a turn. And even better, you never have to find yourself sitting on a cold seat. The eight-track tape for those of us who remember has been replaced many times over and now, with the iPod, we have the freedom to take our own personalized music with us from the house to the car and virtually anywhere. Road trips become concerts. Automobiles, for many, represent the size of the wallet and a pecking order in society. Color, style, make and model can define us and, can become just another perfect accessory. Technology, luxury, and convenience are standard on today’s fully loaded modern car? What can make any car truly special? How about some common sense items! Here is a list of things that make any car top notch in my book. So, keep your wallets at home. These items are the perfect addition to any automobile, are practical, important to have and better yet, won’t break the bank. It’s all about the details!
A TOWEL
A towel is a must for unexpected clean-ups. If you have a dog or ever borrowed one to take to the park or to the beach, you know where I’m going. As a happy pet owner, I like to think that I’m always prepared. Waste bags in the glove compartment are a must, but a towel offers easy clean-up for paw marks on leather seats. Perfect as a throw or a seat cover, a towel can have a variety of useful purposes. I like to use an old beach towel because of its size and practicality. I keep it in the trunk and when I’m not using it for the dog, I often use it to cover the seats to protect them from mulch bags or plants purchased at the nursery. One would think that after all these years I would own a truck, but my towel idea works so well I’ve had no real need.
FIRST AID KIT
More and more new cars are coming with first aid kits as part of the overall car package. I have personally never received one but I think it’s a really good idea. Have you ever thought about keeping a first aid kit in your car and if you did, would you know what to keep in it? If you are lucky enough to have one come with your car, great. But if not, purchase a good one from your local pharmacy or call the Red Cross. Then, compliment it with your own personal items. Adding extra fun bandages for the kids is a great way to start.
A PILLOW
This is the perfect accent to a back seat and a wonderful way to add some color and interest to your car. Fellas, the ladies love this; a pillow on which to rest a weary head or support a tired lower lumbar. The unfortunate instance of having to sleep in your car can be mellowed by having a comfy pillow on which to rest your head. Just watch how often it will be used. I would never be caught without one and my passengers have come to enjoy this convenience. Do it for the look, do it for the head rest. Either way, it’s a hit to have one in the car! Keep it poofed and clean.
SUNGLASSES
Afternoon sun can be a dangerous distraction when driving, especially in the winter when the glare off of snow and ice is really bright. Sunglasses in this instance are a safety item. One can spend hundreds of dollars on just one pair. Why? Ok, I know some who must have a designer label, but for many of us, they are a functional need, not a fashion item. I like to have two pairs: one with a designer look and one for everyday road trips that I keep in the car at all times.
EMERGENCY KIT
One should never be without one of these. These kits provide you with more than you will ever need in the case if an emergency. They contain things like flares, a thermal blanket, small lantern and matches or safety lighter and are available in a variety of price points to fit any budget. I was given one as a gift when I first started to drive and have kept it in the trunk of my car ever since. In the event of an emergency, one can never be too prepared.
ARMORALL PROTECTANT WIPES
I love this product as it gives me the opportunity to keep my car looking fresh and new. I keep a supply in the trunk and find myself using them right after a car wash. It renews and restores many of the surfaces inside and out including the tires by protecting against discoloration and fading. For me, it’s a quick and easy way to clean, shine and protect a cars’ rubber, plastic, and vinyl. It’s a good thing to have on hand.
BREATHE MINTS
Being a single guy, I never know when the next opportunity may come to meet someone special. I never want it to happen with bad breath. Whether you’re on the dating circuit or not, one can always benefit from having some mints on board for an interview, a meeting or just to experience a burst of freshness in your month. Having a supply is a good thing not just for yourself, but for the benefit and/or protection of others.
And, by the way, never ever chew gum in public. This is one of my pet peeves. Gum should be used to freshen one’s breath or during a flight to keep the ears open. Walking and talking and chewing gum is never attractive.
NAPKINS/TISSUES
Napkins, wet wipes and/or tissues are a must to have on hand, especially if you have children or find yourself borrowing them. From time to time, you might also want to consider a waterless hand cleaner. It’s perfect for those times when you need a little extra.
PAD AND PEN
Need something to write on”_. you got it covered. I’ll always keep a hardcover pad with a Bic grip roller fine black pen. There have been so many times when I’ve needed this. When giving your business card is too much, a casual note works better. Quite often for business, I need to leave a note in the mailbox or on the door and find that my business card does not provide enough room on which to write. Never mind that it can also easily get lost or misplaced. A quality pad and pen gives you the means to leave a professional note. If you want to step it up, keep a small supply of monogrammed note cards. These present a stylish and personal touch. Don’t forget the envelopes. Now you’re ready for just about anything.
QUARTERS
This used to happen to me all the time. I’d find the perfect parking space but realize that it was metered and I had no change on hand. This can be a problem as many stores may refuse to make change for you. Women are more fortunate in this regard thanks to the invention of the handbag, but for us men, having a ready supply of quarters may be an issue. Keeping a roll of quarters available at all times solves this problem and an ashtray is a perfect place for them. Since I and most of my friends are non-smokers, who needs the ashtray anyway? If your car comes with a change tray, good for you. Otherwise, utilize the ashtray for your change. It’s better than smoking”_..you’ll live longer.
When all is said and done, your car is your home away from home. Why not provide yourself with the conveniences that will help you the most when traveling around. Pick items that work best for your particular day-to-day driving lifestyle and ones that are the most practical for your vehicle. Trust me, you will find yourself impressing your passengers when you can confidently say to them, “not to worry, I happen to have that right here”.
And there you have it.