8 Smart Items North Dakotans Should Keep in Their Glove Compartment

That mysterious little box sitting quietly in front of the passenger seat is more than just a box. Once upon a time, it had a noble purpose—holding actual gloves for drivers who didn’t want to freeze their fingers on steering wheels made of metal and wood. But let’s be honest: when was the last time anyone actually used it for gloves?

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These days, the glove box has become the car’s junk drawer. It’s where napkins go to retire, where pens mysteriously dry out, and where half of us still keep CDs even though we don’t own a CD player anymore. If you’re like me, yours probably looks less like a glove compartment and more like a garage sale in miniature. In mine, you’ll find sunglasses, a dart set (yes, really), a tire gauge, and enough random papers to make me look suspiciously unorganized. Gloves? Not a chance.

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But according to mechanic Todd Bialaszewski, founder of Junk Car Medics, this little compartment should be more than just a catch-all for road trip clutter. “A well-prepared glove box is your best friend,” he says. And honestly, he’s got a point.

Here’s his recommended glove box starter pack:

• Flashlight (because your phone battery will die at the worst possible moment)

• Vehicle manual (AKA the book you only crack open when a weird light appears on the dash)

• Proof of insurance and registration (the only time you’ll actually know where they are is during a traffic stop)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Mini first aid kit

• Pen and paper (yes, people still write things down)

• Multi-tool with pliers, screwdriver, and knife

• Spare fuses (bonus points if you actually know how to replace them)

So, go ahead—give your glove compartment a makeover. Clear out the ketchup packets and the 47 gas station receipts. Stock it with the essentials. That way, the next time life throws you a curveball on the road, your glove box will finally live up to its potential as a hero instead of just a hiding spot for melted lip balm.