Blanket: If you decide to sleep in your car, a blanket can be used for more than just keeping you warm. If you are unexpectedly stuck in traffic at night and need to turn off the engine to save fuel, you will be glad to have an extra layer to keep you warm. This is a particularly good idea when driving long distances on the highway during the winter. Blankets are also useful if you need to transport large, bulky items, as you can pad any corners or cover seats to avoid damaging your car.
Jumper cables: Jumper cables don’t weigh much, so they don’t increase the amount of fuel you need to get from point A to point B, but they are very useful. Jumper cables are one of those things that you rarely use, but when you do need them, it’s worth keeping them in your trunk at all times.
A cloth: It’s always a good idea to keep a cloth, duster or old rag in your glove box, as it can help you keep your windshield and mirrors clear at all times. If your windshield is fogged up, then you can use the rag to wipe it off before the defogger goes to work. It can also be used to clean the mirrors when it rains, as well as for cleaning up any spills or leaks in the car.
Spare tyre: This only makes sense if your car is not fitted with run-flat tyres. More and more drivers no longer need to carry a spare tyre in their car, but a puncture can happen at any time, so it’s always good to be prepared.
Windscreen washer: Being able to see clearly through your windscreen is absolutely vital to staying safe on the road. While you can buy windscreen washer fluid at most service stations, if you run out in the middle of the motorway, it can be a long drive to the next service station. Road surfaces are rarely clean, and all sorts of substances can stain your windscreen and make it difficult for you to see the road. You should always have at least a small amount of spare windscreen washer fluid in your car in case it runs out when you need it most.