It’s time to think outside of the box, glovebox that is, when it comes to what type of tools or emergency aids to keep in your car. Here are 7 handy suggestions that might get you out of a bind when you need it the most:
Duct Tape
Chances are, you know somebody who thinks that just about anything can be fixed with a roll of duct tape. The truth is, they’re mostly right. Even urgent car repairs can sometimes be made in some unconventional ways. Will they always last? Well, no. But it could be what you need to get to town for a more permanent automobile repair option.
http://jalopnik.com/5565920/ten-heroic-duct-tape-car-repairs/
Portable Phone Charger
If both your phone and your car battery are dead, who knows how long you’ll be stuck where you’re at. But, if you keep a portable phone charger ready at a moment’s notice, you can get enough juice to call for help. There are even options that allow you to jump your car battery…with your phone charger.
http://www.howtogeek.com/179499/this-portable-usb-charger-battery-pack-can-also-jump-start-your-car/
A Survival Candle
Survival candles can usually last for up to 36 hours at a time. They provide both lighting and warmth, depending on what you need. There are even small specialty lanterns that can hold certain designs of candles, to keep them from blowing out. Some even suggest purchasing “trick” party candles that don’t blow out when you’re out in high wind!
http://offgridsurvival.com/candles/
Survival/Mylar Blanket
These fairly affordable blankets fold up very small and can easily fit into the narrowest of glove boxes. Not only can they be used to help retain body heat, but they also serve reflective and waterproofing purposes if you need to catch a passerby’s attention or keep yourself warm.
http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/22%C2%BD-uses-for-emergency-mylar-space-blankets-03242014
Wind Up Flashlight
You can keep a flashlight and batteries in your car, but how often do you check to see that the batteries even work? Instead, you can keep a wind up flashlight handy and never have to worry about whether or not you have the battery power to keep it going.
Get a review on the top wind up flashlights here:
http://thetacticalguru.com/best-survival-flashlights/
Dental Floss
Cleaning your teeth is likely the last thing on your mind if you’re broke down in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, dental floss’s small packaging can make a big punch. Floss can be used for things like fishing or sewing, but you can also wrap it around firewood and then light it up as if it were a candle! Just don’t tell your dentist that the samples never make their way out of your car.
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/07/20-uses-dental-floss-dont-involve-teeth.html
A Pocket Knife
Whether you pick a standard pocket knife or opt for one with all of the bells and whistles, having something to cut with can get you out of a lot of trouble when you need it to. Just be sure to follow local laws in regard to the type and size of knife that can legally be carried in your vehicle (we don’t want you getting into any trouble!)