What Should You Keep in Your Glove Compartment?

Your vehicle’s glove compartment is so much more than a space for takeout cutlery and random receipts you collect on your travels. It’s an easily accessible space where you can organize the most essential items and quickly reach them in the event of a traffic stop, roadside emergency, or collision.

Keep reading to see what you should keep in your glove compartment.

Essential Documents

In the event of a roadside emergency or collision, you don’t want to waste time fumbling around for the most essential paperwork, or worse, realizing you don’t have it with you. Your vehicle permit or registration (depending on your province), proof of insurance, owner’s manual, and emergency contact card should all be safely stored in the glove box, so you always know where they are when you need them most.

(Some provinces allow an electronic copy of your auto insurance stored on your phone. Double-check your province’s requirements before switching to an e-copy.)

Consider keeping your documents in a small folder or pouch to prevent them from getting lost among your other glove box’s contents. Regularly check the expiry dates on your insurance and permit/registration documents and swap them out at each renewal.

Safety and Quick Access Items

In the event of an emergency, you don’t want to be digging in your trunk or backseat for essential safety items or tools.

Your glove compartment should also contain a flashlight to help you check under the hood or signal for help in the dark. A tire pressure gauge is also helpful to have on hand, so you can check for slow tire leaks before they cause uneven wear or tire failure. Finally, pack a small first-aid kit (including adhesive bandages and gloves) and add emergency contact information for roadside assistance or your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.

Small Tools and Comfort Items

While space can be limited in the glove compartment, you can fit in quite a few small essential items. For example, a basic multitool or screwdriver can be integral in a roadside emergency.

Consider keeping a small notepad and pen in the event that you need to exchange information after a collision and your phone is dead. Having an extra pair of sunglasses can also be a lifesaver on those extra sunny days when you leave your usual pair at home.

Allergies or dead phones can take the fun out of any road trip. However, don’t store anything heat-sensitive in your vehicle when you’re not driving, such as batteries and medication. These are best stored in the passenger area of the vehicle and removed with you.

Finally, a messy glove compartment is of no use when you need to quickly find your insurance or that handy pocket-sized flashlight. Make a note to clean your glove box periodically, and double-check that its contents are in good condition.

What Belongs in the Trunk Instead

Glove compartment space should be reserved for items that are small, frequently used, and need to be easily reachable from the driver’s seat. However, items that are bulkier and are only accessed once you’re safely stopped, like emergency kit supplies such as blankets, food, and water, should be stored in the trunk to keep your cabin clutter-free.

Being prepared on the road can be the difference between waiting for help or having the supplies and tools to get you out of any inconvenience. Alongside a stocked glove compartment, regular vehicle maintenance is the key to a safe and enjoyable trip. Before you depart on your next adventure, speak with your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre about routine vehicle checks.