Junk in the Trunk: 10 Essentials You Need In Your Car When The Heat Hits Hard

Some junk in the trunk can save your behind in case of an automotive emergency. However, don't carry too much as the clutter can weigh down a car, which hurts fuel economy. Here are the 10 essentials that you should carry which are handy and won't weight your car down.

Extra coolant

It's a great idea to carry coolant in your trunk during the summer. The sealed gallon will not explode or freeze in the trunk and can help a lot if your engine runs hot after a coolant runs low or a leak is present.

Water

Keep some water in your vehicle in case of emergency. Keep the water in a metal container as plastic bottles can leak dangerous chemicals into water in the heat. This water can be there to drink if there is an emergency or can be used as coolant in dire situations. Pouring water into a radiator can keep a car going 30 minutes longer to the next help point or garage, but should be done in a dire emergency as a fluid flush will be needed afterward.

Sunglasses holder

Keep a sunglasses holder handy which fits onto visors for easy access to keep the sun rays away while driving.

Fire-proof blanket

A fire-proof blanket can be used to keep warm as, even in the summer, temperatures will plummet if you're stuck in your car at night waiting for a tow. This is especially true in the desert as summer temps can get to freezing level overnight. The blanket can also be used to help smother a small fire in case one breaks out.

Tire pressure gauge

The heat of summer causes the air in a car's tires to expand and contract. Over-filled tires lead to blowouts and added ware. On the other hand, under-filled tires lead to the destruction of a tire as added ware makes them fall apart. A tire pressure gauge is small, handy and can save a vehicle's tires for the initial investment of less than five dollars.

Air freshener

The best part about summer is that the hot temperatures make air fresheners smell stronger, which is always a good thing after sweaty passengers get in after a day of fun.

Sun shades

It's tiny and foldable, but a reflector insert to put in front of a windshield is an inexpensive way to keep the sun and heat out of your ride as it's parked. It keeps your interior shady so your entrance back inside isn't painfully hot as well as keeping damaging UV rays off of the interior panels which can age and eventually ruin them.

Oil

A quart of oil is handy to keep in the summer. In hot temperatures, your oil is working double time to keep your vehicle running at a proper temperature. As a result, it can run out quicker in the summer. A sudden spike in engine temperature can signal that it is time to pull over and check to see if it needs more. Be careful when opening the engine after driving and give it some time to cool down before adding any new fluids.

Cloth seat covers

They are added summer accessories that don't take up space in the trunk. A cloth seat cover can protect upholstery from blistering sunlight and keep passengers from getting burnt on hot leather.

Tunes

Summer might be a great time to invest in a stereo upgrade which hosts capability to hook up to a phone. This way commercials can be avoided and the fun can never stop with downloaded as well as streaming music.

Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.