1. Blankets and Quilts
Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon for grandparents to keep a heavy quilt or blanket in the car. They were prepared for anything, from chilly early mornings to unexpected roadside picnics. These blankets were multi-functional, providing warmth, comfort, and even a makeshift bed when the family needed a quick nap on long road trips. A cozy quilt could come in handy for everything, including shielding from the sun or adding an extra layer on chilly evenings by the campsite.
Today, most people rely on car heaters or air conditioning, and while comfort is still a priority, blankets have largely been replaced by more modern options. With vehicle manufacturers offering built-in seat warmers and heated steering wheels, the idea of keeping a bulky blanket in the back seat seems almost quaint. In addition, many of us are more conscious of space in our cars, and something as large as a quilt now seems unnecessary.
2. Paper Maps
Before the days of GPS and smartphone apps, paper maps were a staple in every car. Grandparents would carefully fold them, often with a sense of nostalgia, as they charted their road trips. These maps weren’t just for getting from point A to point B; they were an essential part of the journey. Many families spent hours deciphering the winding routes and scenic byways, with no instant recalculations when a wrong turn was made.
In today’s digital age, paper maps have practically become obsolete. With smartphones, GPS systems, and voice-guided directions, the need to carry around a paper map feels outdated. While some people still appreciate the tactile nature of paper maps, for most, the ease of digital navigation has taken over.
3. Cigarette Lighter
Not just for lighting cigarettes, the old cigarette lighter in cars served a much wider purpose. Grandparents would use it to power a variety of gadgets, from electric razors to portable fans or even heated blankets on winter road trips. These lighters were once a symbol of convenience, providing a quick power source when on the go.
Today, many cars have switched to USB charging ports, leaving the cigarette lighter a relic of the past. While some classic car enthusiasts still maintain the functionality, most modern vehicles have phased out this once-essential feature. Now, charging your phone or powering a device is a much sleeker and more efficient process, with plug-in options for every need.
4. Tupperware Containers
Grandparents often kept a stash of Tupperware or other plastic containers in their cars. These were used to store leftover snacks, sandwiches, or fruits for long trips. They were also useful for storing a variety of odds and ends that could easily be cleaned and reused. Tupperware became a part of the car culture, offering practicality for both travel and daily use.
Now, we see less of the traditional Tupperware in vehicles. With the rise of fast-food containers, reusable water bottles, and travel-friendly lunchboxes, the classic Tupperware set has mostly been replaced. People are looking for more modern, space-saving alternatives that fit easily in the cup holders or the back seat.
5. Ashtray Full of Mementos
For years, ashtrays in the car were a fixture, but they weren’t just for smoking. Grandparents often used them as mini catch-alls for loose change, pens, or receipts. It wasn’t uncommon to find a tiny collection of random objects in there, making the ashtray more of a quirky, nostalgic item than a place for discarded cigarette butts.
With smoking no longer as common in cars, ashtrays have almost completely disappeared from modern vehicles. Most cars are now built with cleaner interiors, with cup holders and storage compartments taking over the job of holding small items. Ashtrays, if they’re even present, are generally just relics of the past.
6. First Aid Kit
Car first aid kits were a must-have for grandparents, containing everything from bandages to antiseptic wipes, and even aspirin. Whether it was for minor cuts and bruises during a family picnic or a precaution for a road trip, grandparents took pride in being prepared for any little mishap. It was more than just a safety item—it was a way to ensure everyone’s well-being on the go.
Today, most people don’t think about having a fully stocked first aid kit in their car. With so many modern safety features built into vehicles—like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and backup cameras—the emphasis is on prevention rather than emergency response. That said, some still keep a minimal first aid kit, but it’s not as common as it once was.
7. Extra Shoes
Grandparents loved being prepared for anything, which often meant keeping an extra pair of shoes in the car. Whether it was an old pair of sandals for a beach stop or a more formal set for unexpected events, they were always ready. This small act of preparedness was both practical and thoughtful, ensuring no one ever had to suffer through a change in plans due to footwear.
Nowadays, we often rely on carrying everything we need in our bags or keeping extra clothes at home, so shoes in the car have become less of a necessity. Additionally, many people find it more convenient to just keep a pair of flip-flops or shoes they can wear all day, negating the need for a second pair stashed in the back seat.
8. Car Wax and Cleaning Supplies
Grandparents took pride in their cars, often keeping a bottle of car wax, microfiber cloths, and cleaning supplies in the trunk. These items were their ticket to maintaining a spotless vehicle, no matter where they were. Many car owners would take a break on the side of the road to give their ride a quick shine before continuing on their journey.
Today, the idea of carrying car maintenance supplies in the vehicle itself seems like a bygone era. With automatic car washes and more advanced protective coatings, there’s less of a need for on-the-go cleaning. People now prefer professional services or simple wipes to handle the occasional mess instead of lugging around a full kit.
9. Matches and Lighters
While the cigarette lighter served one purpose, many grandparents would also keep a small stash of matches or a classic Zippo lighter in the glove box. These were useful for everything from lighting the campfire on a family trip to sparking a grill when they stopped for a roadside cookout. For some, it was simply a backup in case the lighter in the car failed.
Today, with the rise of electric lighters and the decline of smoking, matches and lighters are no longer essential items in cars. Plus, with the increased awareness around fire safety, many people prefer to keep their vehicles free of potential hazards. For most, these items are just a distant memory, if not a fire hazard.
10. Heavy Duty Flashlight
Back when headlights weren’t as powerful and roadside assistance wasn’t as common, grandparents would always keep a heavy-duty flashlight in the car. This was essential for any nighttime roadside issues, from flat tires to engine problems. The flashlight was often reliable and sturdy, ready for anything, from helping to change a tire to checking the undercarriage for damage.
Today, LED flashlights are more compact and efficient, so the heavy-duty flashlight has become an outdated item. While many people still keep smaller, portable flashlights in their vehicles, the large, bulky models of the past rarely find a place in the modern car. With smartphone flashlights available at a moment’s notice, the necessity of a dedicated flashlight has dwindled.
11. Emergency Road Flares
Emergency road flares were a go-to for grandparents, a safety precaution in case of car trouble. They’d set off the bright, burning flare on the side of the road to alert other drivers in case of a breakdown or flat tire. These flares were an essential part of car safety and emergency preparedness.
With modern technology like hazard lights and roadside assistance services, the need for road flares has decreased significantly. They’ve been replaced with reflective triangles or even more advanced emergency roadside kits. Today, fewer people carry these old-school warning devices, opting for the more effective, less hazardous solutions.
12. Old Newspapers
Old newspapers seemed to always find their way into the backseat or glove compartment of a grandparent’s car. Whether it was for cleaning the windows, protecting the seats from spilled food, or just something to keep busy during a long trip, these newspapers were practically a car accessory. They were easily accessible, always ready to be used for any number of tasks.
In today’s digital world, the paper clutter has all but disappeared. People now rely on electronic news, and any physical newspapers are usually read at home, not in the car. With the advent of wipes and seat covers, the need for newspapers has vanished.
13. Jars of Change
Grandparents often kept jars of change in their cars for tolls or small purchases. These jars, filled with spare coins, were ready for any unexpected costs on the road. Whether it was for the toll booth or the candy bar at a gas station, that jar was always handy when change was required.
Today, digital payments and cards have taken over, reducing the need for spare change. Most people keep a few bills and their cards in their wallets, rather than maintaining a jar of coins in the car. The days of scrounging for loose quarters are long gone for most of us.
14. Car Fan
On a hot summer day, nothing felt more comforting than the trusty car fan. Powered either by the cigarette lighter or battery, it provided a cool breeze when the air conditioning wasn’t working or the windows couldn’t be rolled down. For many grandparents, this small fan was a life-saver during long drives in the heat.
Nowadays, the need for a portable car fan has mostly disappeared. With air conditioning being more powerful and common in modern vehicles, the little car fan has become obsolete. Instead, people simply rely on their vehicle’s built-in cooling system.
15. Spare Medications
It was not uncommon for grandparents to keep a small stash of medications in the glove box or console. From aspirin to antacids, these little bottles were there for any on-the-go health emergencies. They were prepared for everything from headaches to upset stomachs, always with a supply just in case.
In today’s world, we tend to carry our medications in our bags or pockets, and often, the need to keep a stash in the car has disappeared. While some still keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or cough drops in the glove box, larger medication collections are rare. Cars are more streamlined, and personal health products are kept more neatly in personal bags or purses.
16. Wooden Clothespins
Grandparents often kept wooden clothespins in their car, usually for clipping clothes to a line or securing items in place during travel. These clothespins were used to keep items tidy and organized, preventing things from shifting around in the trunk or backseat during road trips. It wasn’t uncommon for a few clothespins to be tossed into the car for a makeshift solution to various little problems.
Today, we’ve moved on from clothespins as practical tools. With modern methods like zip ties, velcro straps, and even specialized car organizers, the humble wooden clothespin no longer serves a vital role. Yet, for many, it remains a nostalgic reminder of simpler, more resourceful times.