Glove boxes are small compartments built into the passenger side dashboard. These boxes are commonly used for storing miscellaneous items like a vehicle’s owner’s manual. Some glove boxes also lock, which makes them great storage for your valuables when you leave your vehicle.
While you can put anything that fits into a glove box, it’s better to keep it organized rather than having it look like a junk drawer. Plus, there are some glove box essentials that every driver should have. Read on to learn more below.
Effective Car Cleaning Supplies
Car cleaning supplies are essential for glove boxes. Also, make sure you keep some personal cleaning items in the glove box too. For example, consider keeping wipes for your hands and the dashboard in your glove box.
Some other effective cleaning supplies include hand sanitizer, document organizers, and microfiber cloths.
Document Organizer
While a document organizer won’t make your vehicle clean, it does have an important role. Document organizers are excellent to have because they’ll prevent your glove box from looking like an overflowing mailbox. Furthermore, you’ll have quick access to all of your personal and vehicle information.
It’s also a good idea to keep medical documents, contact information, and other identification tools in the glove box. In case of an accident, doing so makes it easier to get help.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is an easy one. Keep it in your glove box to keep your hands clean and germ-free. While it’s less effective on surfaces, it’s possible to clean things with hand sanitizer if you’re in a pinch. Also, feel free to replace hand sanitizer with soap and water.
Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber cloths are perfect for cleaning spills and other messes. Microfiber is exceptional at absorbing water, soda, juice, and other liquids. Plus, microfiber is also good at cleaning food-related messes.
It’s also a good idea to keep a microfiber cloth for dusting. Keep a spray bottle in the glove box along with microfiber cloths for a quick and effective cleaning system.
Flashlights and Multi-Use Tools
Cleaning up messes is one thing but being prepared is another. Flashlights and multi-use tools are essential to have in your glove box. Having the right tools in your glove box ensures that you’re ready for anything on the road.
Tire Pressure Tools (TPMS Tools)
Every glove box needs a tire pressure tool. There are digital tire pressure tools and traditional tools but the digital ones are more accurate and useful. Still, having at least one or the other will make it easier to put air in your tires.
If you need to change the tire or add air on the road, it’s almost impossible without a proper tire pressure tool. Having one will show you how much air needs to go into each tire. It’s important to have the right amount of air based on what the tire lettering says or driving conditions decline.
LED Flashlights
Flashlights are another glove box essential. When it’s dark, using your car’s headlights is effective but if the engine doesn’t run you’ll drain the battery. It’s also a bad idea to leave the engine running, especially if you’re stuck because you’ll run out of gas.
Luckily, this is where flashlights come in. Having flashlights in the car makes it easier to see in the dark. The best type of flashlight is an LED flashlight because it produces more lumens (brightness) for less power.
Multi-Tools
Multi-tools are tools with more than one function. Many multi-tools will come with a screwdriver, small knife, miniature saw, and scissors. However, there are larger multi-tools that include axes. Most larger multi-tools only have two or three tools, whereas smaller options come with more tools.
For your glove box, a small multi-tool is all you need. Consider a multi-tool that includes a knife and a screwdriver. Having these tools will keep you safe and allow you to make minor repairs to the engine.
Car Escape Tools and First Aid Kit For Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, you need to be prepared. Emergencies like car accidents are dangerous, so a car escape tool or first aid kit might save your life.
Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter
In most cases, window breakers and seat belt cutters are part of the same tool. These are known as 2-in-1 window breakers and seat belt cutters. What makes these tools important is that they help you escape from your vehicle in the event of an accident.
A window breaker is a small tool with a sharp point at the end of a rounded tip. When applying pressure with the tool, automotive windows shatter. It’s useful if your vehicle is underwater or you’re otherwise unable to roll the windows down.
A seat belt cutter removes seat belts you can’t release. They’re small blades and don’t require a lot of pressure to cut through seat belts.
First Aid Kits
First aid kits are essential for glove boxes. Without one, it’s impossible to manage larger wounds. Having a first aid kit is also important to have in case of an accident. Being able to treat your wounds gives you more time to stabilize before help arrives.
While having a small first aid kit is great, you’re probably wondering what you should put in it. The good news is that you only need a few of the essentials. You should put the following in your glove box first aid kit:
- Antiseptic wipes (around five)
- Cotton swabs or cotton balls
- Gauze pads and gauze rolls
- Antiseptic solution (one bottle is plenty)
- Antibiotic packets
- Safety pins
- A pack of bandaids
- Sting relief pads
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- A thermometer
- Adhesive tape
Depending on your vehicle and family, you might need more or fewer supplies. For example, you’ll need first aid instructions if you have small children (toddlers and pre-teens).
Also, babies require unique items. You’ll need to keep diapers and baby wipes in the first aid kit or glove box.
Matches or a Lighter
Another handy tool to keep in the glove box is a lighter or a book of matches. Getting stranded is not ideal but it gets worse when you’re far from home. Having matches and a lighter will help you light road flares or start a fire to keep you warm.
As a side note, it’s a great idea to keep road flares in your vehicle. They’re bright and alert authorities to your area in the event of an accident.
Final Words
Having the necessary glove box essentials makes it easy to thrive in any situation. While you can store many things in a glove box, having some of the basics like a mini first aid kit and multi-tool lower the risk of getting stuck or seriously harmed.
So, make sure you stock up on the necessary tools and items for a safe journey. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re out on the road.
2