A car expert has revealed why a common household item should be kept in every driver’s glove compartment for safety reasons. As summer road trip season kicks into high gear, drivers will be stocking up on the usual essentials: spare tyres, jumper cables and emergency kits. But according to one automotive expert, there’s an everyday household item that deserves a permanent spot in your glove compartment – and it’s probably sitting in your sock drawer right now.

A simple pair of socks could prove to be a useful item to have in your glove box – and while you might be wondering how they could be useful, there’s actually a few ways they could be used. The affordable item could be the ideal addition to your car.

Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, has seen his fair share of roadside predicaments. 

With over 4,000 auto dismantlers and recyclers in the company’s network, Urbonas understands what drivers need when things go wrong on the road.

“Summer driving brings with it unique challenges – sudden downpours, muddy breakdown spots, and unexpected repairs,” says Urbonas.

He added: “Smart preparation means thinking beyond the obvious emergency kit items.”

The item Urbonas recommends keeping in your glove box at all times might surprise you: a simple pair of socks. 

While it sounds unconventional, this humble piece of clothing can become your best friend during unexpected automotive emergencies, especially with unpredictable weather patterns making summer driving more challenging than ever.

If you ever need to change a tyre or check under the hood in wet or muddy conditions, socks can double as makeshift gloves to protect your hands. 

In winter, if your wipers freeze over, slipping socks over them can act as a temporary frost guard. 

They also come in handy if your shoes get soaked and you need to drive comfortably or safely – wet footwear can slip on pedals and reduce control.

“Drivers often overlook the basics when preparing for emergencies,” explains Urbonas. “A pair of clean socks takes up virtually no space but can solve multiple problems you might face on the road.”

Beyond hand protection, socks can provide extra grip when you’re trying to get traction on slippery surfaces. 

Slip them over your shoes when walking on icy patches around your vehicle, or use them to create makeshift grip aids for your hands when handling tools in cold conditions.

Of course, proper gloves are the better option for wearing on your hands, and ideally, every emergency kit should include a durable pair. 

But a lot of drivers don’t think to keep gloves in their glove box year-round. “That’s where socks come in,” said Urbonas. “They’re not a perfect substitute, but they’ll protect your hands, help with grip, and can make a real difference when you’ve got nothing else to work with.”

If you’re hoping to make sure your car is prepared for any emergencies, don’t forget to add a pair of your socks to your glove box.