It’s Time to Stop Filling Your Trunk With Junk
Reusable bags, empty soda cans, a shirt you wore to the gym two years ago—what horrible surprises lie in your trunk? Our poor trunks get treated like storage, and while you want some essentials on hand, you don’t need spare batteries or electronics to bake in the sun. Let’s go through which items to pitch and which ones you should always bring.
1. Spare Batteries
You never know when you’ll experience a breakdown on the road, and the last thing you want is to get caught without juice. Keeping a spare battery seems wise, but extreme temperatures can turn that trusty replacement into a melted hunk of plastic. You can also deal with additional dangers, like leakage, short circuits, and fire risks.
2. Fuel
You might feel ahead of the curve by storing spare fuel, but the decision is more deceiving than it looks. Rather than get you out of a jam, your jerry can runs the risk of leaking or exploding in severe cases. Those toxic fumes don’t do you any favors, either.
3. Leftover Paint
Our trunks serve as storage more often than not, and that means bits and bobs get tucked away. Leftover paint has moseyed its way into a fair share of cars, but those cans belong in the garage. Extreme temperatures not only increase the odds of leakage, but they also ruin the consistency; you could easily see curdled or runny paint that’s virtually unusable.
4. Medication
It seems like a no-brainer to keep medication out of the trunk, but many people stick important prescriptions in their emergency kits. Medication belongs on you, not in the back, and storing it there only reduces its potency.
5. Electronics
You’re a target with electronics in the trunk. Nefarious neighbors might help themselves in the night, so it’s always wise to bring them inside. Not only that, but electronics don’t do well in the heat—you might just come back to a fried laptop.
Howard Bouchevereau on Unsplash
6. Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans don’t belong in the trunk. That packaging can easily explode in the wrong circumstances, leaving you to deal with the aftermath. Plenty of cans warn you of such on their labels, so read them carefully before sticking them any ol’ place.
7. Food and Drink
Trunks are airtight containers—they’re hot, they’re humid, and they don’t do your perishable foods any good. It’s one thing to transport groceries home, but it’s another to entrust your car with food storage. Even plastic water bottles can experience leaching and bacterial growth.
8. Outdoor Gear
When that camping trip is said and done, make sure you move your gear back indoors. You want your trunk empty for essentials, not packed with nonsensical items that eat up room. Be practical about what you’ll need, and move out anything you don’t regularly use.
9. Sweaty Gym Clothes
No one wants to smell their gym clothes after a workout. You know what that means: into the trunk they go! While we can hardly blame you, we will remind you to remove those items when you get home. Filthy clothing not only stinks up your car, but it can also grow mold.
10. Power Banks
It’s not the end of the world to keep power banks in your trunk, but it’s not the best idea, either. If you have to store one, make sure it’s properly tucked away in a battery bag—loose banks are susceptible to fire hazards or damage, just like electronics.
With a few bad apples out of the way, it’s time we popped the trunk and took a look at which items deserve a spot every time.
1. Jumper Cables
No driver wants to deal with a random roadside breakdown. Even fewer want to get caught without booster cables. Pack a set in your trunk, should the worst happen; it’s peace of mind for you, and it can get you out of a bind if the other driver doesn’t have their own.
Daniel @ bestjumpstarterreview.com on Unsplash
2. Spare Tire
We know spare tires take up a lot of space, but it’s worth it to avoid getting caught without one. Just about any driver can handle swapping in a new tire, but those who can’t will still have the necessary parts for any mechanics or good Samaritans.
3. First Aid Kit
You don’t need an emergency room in your car—a few simple items will do. Anything from bandages and adhesive tape to ointment and gauze can wrap wounds after an accident. Those lifesavers come in handy off the road, too; you never know who might nick themselves or need a quick patch in the passenger seat.
Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash
4. Blanket
We all love snuggling under a good blanket, but Grandma’s quilt can also save your life. In the event of a wintertime breakdown, blankets make all the difference while you wait for help. They’re also great for kids and pets, and serve a number of everyday purposes.
5. Flashlight
Flaslights do a lot more than protect against the shadows. They help you find items in the dark, properly check your engine, and can even flag down help in the event of an emergency. They’re far more reliable than your phone and don’t take up much space in your trunk.
6. Simple Tools
Don’t get caught without the basics! Motorists can use screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers for all sorts of things, so keep an everyday toolkit in your car. They’re perfect for roadside repairs and temporary fixes, keeping you safe until you find a proper mechanic.
7. Warning Triangles
Disaster can strike at any time, and you never know when you’ll have to pull over. Warning triangles set up a safety perimeter around you and your vehicle, allowing you to tackle minor repairs. You’ll stay safe in adverse weather and warn incoming motorists after dark.
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia
8. Emergency Fluids
Alright, you don’t want jerry cans knocking around back there—but emergency fluids like motor oil and brake fluid deserve a spot. It isn’t a bad idea to store coolant and windshield washer fluid, either. Why wait for the pros to top you up when you can handle it on your own?
9. Waterproof Matches
It’s not the best idea to store lighters in the trunk. Like batteries and aerosol cans, they can also suffer spontaneous leaks or explosions. However, waterproof matches are a great alternative! They won’t eat up any space, and they’re terrific in a pinch.
10. Tire Inflator
Is that spare tire a little flat? No problem—a handy inflator breathes life back into your baby. Keep one in the trunk to avoid riding around on a flat. You can also keep a tire gauge tucked away to maintain proper pressure every time.
