If your car feels like your second office, you probably identify as a road warrior—someone who knows the ins and outs of highway exits, has favorite gas stations, fast food restaurants, and a long list of podcasts and audiobook recommendations. Logging hours of windshield time means having your vehicle set up for comfort, efficiency, and sanity. To achieve this you must first consider what are the must-have car essentials for road warriors.
This week marks my seven year work anniversary. It is hard to believe seven years ago I graduated with my doctorate in audiology and immediately entered into the hearing aid manufacture industry. This audiology career choice right out of graduate school is what led me to starting my blog in 2019! All of these years later, here are the tried-and-true must-have car essentials that I keep in my car to stay prepared, productive, and refreshed no matter where the road leads.
Car Organization
Trunk Organizer
Great for storing all of your product materials, brochures, company swag, etc. If you buy one “must-have car essentials” organizational item, this is it! I’ve had this exact organizer for several years. In fact, this photo is actually from 2021! My mother bought me it as a Christmas gift and it has withstood the test of time.
Car seat headrest hooks
These hooks are great whether you are a road warrior or not. You can easily hook your purse behind the headrest to prevent accidentally dumping your purse in the car and also keeps the bottom of your bag from getting dirty.
Tech and Productivity
Phone Mount
Ohio recently became a hands-free state. These laws are necessary and will result in a safer driving experience. However, as a road warrior I am often utilizing my GPS when driving between different customers’ offices. My current Acura RDX does not have Apple Car Play so a reliable phone mount is a necessity. If your current car has Apple Car Play or Android Auto, a phone mount may not be needed.
I have had this exact model since 2022.
Dual Port Car Charger
Working in the hearing aid industry I am often needing to charge my phone, my iPad and hearing aids while in the car. Being able to charge multiple devices at once is very helpful! It is also nice to have extra space available when you have guests or family in the car.
Clean & Tidy
Lint Roller
If you own a pet, no explanation is needed. I have two Australian Shepherds and their hair manages to join me on every work trip. I typically have at least two lint rollers on me at all times so I can do a quick swipe over before heading into client meetings.
Mini Pet Hair Detailer
While on the topic of pet hair – I saw this on social media a few years ago and had to try it out. When you are in a pinch this works great! For example, let’s just say you need to pick your boss up from the airport within the hour but just realized the floor of your car is covered in dog hair – problem solved!
Car Trash Can
If you spend any time in your car for work then you know that you’re destined to accumulate trash! Whether it be protein bar wrappers, Starbucks cups or McDonalds French Fries, avoid the chaos in your cupholders or on the floor.
Car Wipes
I like to keep these in the back of my car inside of my trunk organizer. Having car wipes on hand helps keep my dashboard and leather seats looking fresh and clean.
Safety + Just in Case
Jumper Cables
Anyone who owns a car should have jumper cables in the car 24/7. Its one of those items that 99% of the time you won’t need but if you ever do, you’ll be happy to have them!
Car Escape Tool
This is the OG car escape tool. Recommended by firefighters and other first responders. This tool can break glass and cut through a seatbelt. A no brainer to include on my list of must-have car essentials
Blanket
A weatherproof blanket is another one of those items that you’ll hopefully never need but do yourself a favor and keep one in your trunk organizer just in case!
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen! Whether it be slipping on ice – yes, I’ve been that gal and over 600K people got to watch it happen over on TikTok. Or, perhaps you are rushing into a meeting and accidentally give yourself a paper cut on brochures – also guilty. It’s best to be prepared and add this first aid kit to your list of must-have car essentials.
Nail Glue
Okay hear me out… if you’re on the go and get your nails done regularly, then YOU KNOW! While my nails are natural, I do get SNS dip powder and I have absolutely broken a nail while on the road. Nothing feels worse then walking into a product demonstration with chipped polish or a broken nail. So yes.. in a pinch my coworkers and I have been known to glue a nail back on until we can make it to the nail salon.
Are you also a fellow road warrior? I’d love to know what your car is stocked with while on the road. Drop a comment or tag me on social media @glowasyougoblog with your fav must-have car essentials for road warriors.
Interested in previous travel tips? Head on over to my Travel Tip Archive.
Stay Connected
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more Travel tip Tuesday content!
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of other entity.
