10 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car

You'll never use a frying pan at the wheel, true, but keeping a can of cooking spray in your car is still a good idea—especially in winter. If the forecast looks bleak, pull out the spray, then open all your car doors. Spray the rubber seals along the edge of the door, making sure to give each one a good coating. The oil will prevent melting snow from sticking to the seal, so you won't have to play tug-of-war with a door that has frozen shut overnight. 

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Cats may have nine lives, but your car's supernatural abilities are decidedly limited. Instead of hitting the gas when you're stuck in ice or snow, grab a bag of kitty litter from your trunk and sprinkle it in front of your tires. The grains act like gravel, giving you just enough traction to get back on the road.  

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Ice is one of winter's hazards—both on the road and on your car. It's always best to park in your garage or covered carport to prevent ice from forming on your windshield and rearview mirrors. But for those who are stuck with parking en plein air, here's a clever trick. Just open up a few ziplock bags and slip them over your mirrors. The plastic covering will keep most of the ice and snow from sticking, making those frigid mornings way less frustrating. 

Related: 11 Seriously Surprising Uses for a Ziploc Bag

Anyone who's ever shoveled out the driveway after a foot of snow knows that thick socks are a winter must. But did you know that your car could use some help staying toasty too? Just slip a pair over your wipers before a storm, and they'll keep the blades from freezing to your windshield—no ice scraper needed. 

Related: The 8 Best Tools for Conquering Ice and Snow

This miracle product can do just about anything, and that includes patching up your car in an emergency. If your fender is flapping in the breeze, duct tape can hold things together while you drive to the shop for a more permanent fix.

Related: 12 Things You Didn't Know Duct Tape Can Do

Foggy windows can be annoying and sometimes even dangerous. Keep a chalkboard eraser in your car to wipe them down from the inside without leaving streaks behind.

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While a white flag is an age-old sign of surrender, a red flag, or in this case a red bandana, can raise a warning. When tied to your antenna, a red bandana indicates to other drivers that you need help. And, if your car gives out in poor weather when visibility is low, that bright red spot could help other drivers spot your car from afar, even as snow is piling up around it.

Related: 8 Quick Tips for Solving Winter Woes

While you normally want to get the clutter out of the car, it doesn’t hurt to toss these items in the backseat or trunk. They might not be the typical auto accessories you keep on hand, but they will certainly be useful when the unexpected happens.

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