15 Unexpected Items People Used to Keep in Their Cars
Long before cars became tech-packed machines, people carried some surprising things inside them. From odd safety gear to unexpected snacks, drivers had their own versions of must-haves. Looking back at these items reveals just how much travel habits have changed over time.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Modern drivers rely on GPS, chargers, and apps, but in past decades, car essentials looked very different. People packed their vehicles with all sorts of strange and useful items to handle daily travel or emergencies. Some were practical, others quirky, but each tells a story about life on the road before today’s conveniences. Here are 15 unexpected things people used to keep in their cars, and why they mattered back then.
1. Road Maps and Atlases
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Before navigation apps, drivers used big folding maps to find their way. Many kept a thick road atlas in the glove compartment or under the seat. Reading them took patience and a good sense of direction.
2. Ashtrays with Actual Ash
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Smoking while driving was once common, and almost every car came with a built-in ashtray. People kept lighters and cigarette packs right in the console. Some even emptied ashes out the window without a second thought.
3. Trash Bags Hanging from the Gear Shift
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Small plastic bags tied to the gear stick were a popular way to collect trash. Gum wrappers, receipts, and tissues all ended up there during long drives. It was a quick solution before car trash bins became a thing.
4. CB Radios for Road Talk
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Long before cell phones, citizens’ band radios enabled people to communicate with each other on the highway. Truckers and curious kids alike used them to share traffic tips or just chat. Knowing the right channel was like having a secret code.
5. Blankets and Pillows
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People often kept a blanket or pillow in the back seat just in case. Whether it was for a roadside nap or keeping warm during a breakdown, it came in handy. Kids especially loved having one for long rides.
6. Disposable Cameras
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Capturing road trip memories meant bringing a camera with film. Drivers and passengers alike stored disposable cameras in the glove box or cup holder. Waiting to develop the pictures added to the excitement.
7. Foldable Maps for Theme Parks or Zoos
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In addition to road maps, people saved attraction brochures with detailed maps. These helped families plan their stops and know what to expect once they arrived. Kids often used them as reading material during the ride.
8. Cassette Tape Adapters
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For those with CD players or early MP3 players, cassette adapters were essential. They let you plug in a device through the tape deck to play your own music. It was a creative fix before Bluetooth took over.
9. Change for Payphones and Tolls
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A cup or ashtray full of coins was once a travel must. Drivers needed exact change for toll booths, parking meters, or emergency phone calls. Digging through quarters was a normal part of the journey.
10. Paper Directions from MapQuest
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People printed driving directions from the computer before leaving home. The pages were often folded up and kept on the dashboard for easy checking. If you missed a turn, there was no “recalculating” to help you out.
11. Ice Scrapers with Attached Mitts
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In colder areas, drivers kept ice scrapers with glove-like mittens attached. These helped clear the windshield without freezing your hands. They were a winter-weather favorite that combined comfort and function.
12. Car Organizers Full of Tapes or CDs
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Music lovers had cases or folders packed with their favorite albums. Choosing a CD at a red light became a skill in itself. Some even organized them by genre or mood.
13. Emergency Snack Stashes
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Chips, mints, or granola bars were tucked away for unexpected hunger. These “just in case” snacks often lived in the glove box or center console. Sometimes they stayed there way past their expiration date.
14. Hand Fans or Beaded Seat Covers
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Before air conditioning was common, drivers used hand fans or covered seats with wood beads. These simple tools helped with airflow and made summer rides bearable. The beads also gave a light massage while you drove.
15. Flashlights
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Many cars had an old flashlight rolling around the trunk or glove box. It was meant for emergencies but rarely got checked. When needed, it was often dim, but still better than nothing.