The First Five:

  1. Jump Starting System
  2. Flares or Reflectors
  3. Fire Extinguisher
  4. Old Towels
  5. Blanket

Organize your trunk!  If you ever have to change a tire, make room for an impulse purchase, find something you need for a roadside emergency, or dispose of a dead body, you'll find that it was time well spent.  Just kidding on the whole "dead body" thing.  Really.

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The List

  1. Gloves

Ever looked at a mechanic's hands?  Cars can be hot, cold, dirty, greasy and sharp - all at the same time! If you have to do anything under the car, under the hood or with the wheels and tires, you will really appreciate having a pair of gloves.  They can also be used to keep your hands warm if you forgot winter gloves or to pick up lumber, potting soil or whatever at the home or garden center.  Save your fingernails, your knuckles and your hand soap.  This pair from Mechanix Wear is rated well.

  1. Grocery Bags

Paper or plastic?  Neither!  The answer is 'reused'.  Go green with reusable grocery bags.  Keep a few tucked inside of one in the trunk and carry them in with you.  I really like the paper ones with the strong rope handles, but paper just doesn't last as long as I would like, so I have bought a few of the really sturdy reusable ones, one or two at a time, during my normal trips to the grocery store.  Lots of places have them for a dollar apiece now.  I've got enough to never need paper OR plastic.

  1. Rope or Bungee Cords

Secure items in the trunk.  Tie down the trunk lid.  Tie something on the roof.  Make an emergency fan belt or an emergency pants belt.  A small amount of rope can serve lots of purposes.  Bungee cords are more flexible, but they are less "flexible" - they can't do as many things as well. 

  1. Hand Tools

You would be surprised how many little problems you can solve with a 6-in-1 screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and a pair of pliers.  Add a roll of duct tape, some electrical tape and a folding utility knife and you're ready for just about anything.  Can you swap out the engine?  Of course not.  But you just might be able to get your disabled car to the guy who can.

  1. Mini Compressor

Your tire looks a little low.  No big deal - except for the poor handling, excess wear, added risk of tire failure and the hit you take on gas mileage.  Pump it up!  While you're at it, be a hero for your kids by inflating the camping mattress, the pool floatie or the soccer ball.  If you carry a compressor, you've got it covered.  Just be sure to get one that's cordless or that has a long cord to plug into the cigarette lighter.