What to Keep in Your Glove Compartment

Emergencies happen every day in our cars - from spilled coffee to flat tires to fender benders. Be prepared and keep what you need at your fingertips in the glove compartment of your car. The little things can make a big difference in your day!

Maps - Keep a detailed map of the city and state you're in inside your car at all times - or even a current atlas if you have room. While GPS is great, don't rely on it completely.

First aid kit - Invest in a small kit from your drugstore. Add important over-the-counter medications too like aspirin, anti-nausea meds, and allergy pills.

Proof of insurance - Keep it with other important papers. Experts advise not storing the car's title (keep at home) or registration (keep it in your wallet) in your glove compartment.

Owner's manual and recommended maintenance schedule - So you can figure out what those weird symbols on the dash mean and which fuse controls your windshield wipers.

Emergency money - Keep $10-20 in small bills for tipping the tow truck, getting gas or paying the toll.

Important information - Write down any medical conditions, medications and allergies for each family member. Add emergency contact numbers. If you are in an accident, this information can be invaluable if you are unable to communicate.

Pen and paper - You'll need to write down information if you're in an accident. Also great for notes and lists!

Flashlight - Too many uses to list!

Napkins/travel wipes/tissues/hand sanitizer - Refer back to the spilled coffee. And if you have kids, enough said.

Plastic grocery bags - Put one in the glove compartment and in the back seat. They are good for trash, sick kids and wet shoes.

Screwdriver and pliers - Not just for car repair, they come in handy for adventures on the road.

Tire air gauge- This isn't vital for emergencies, but is absolutely essential for preventive maintenance. Keeping your tires fully inflated not only improves gas mileage, but reduces the risk of flats.

There are other items that may be of importance to you as well. Try and remember to clean out your glove compartment at least annually to check for batteries, update emergency lists and make sure you are prepared before hitting the road.