1. Ice Scrapers and Snow Brushes
For those in northern states, a snow brush and ice scraper are non-negotiable car staples, according to Tim Heffernan of The New York Times. They live in backseats or trunks for months at a time, often forgotten until the first frost. These tools are used to clear off windshields, headlights, and mirrors—sometimes daily. Without them, winter driving is a dangerous mess.
Foreigners from warmer climates often marvel at how routine this task is in snowy parts of the U.S. And yes, Americans will risk frostbitten fingers rather than be late to work. Some even keep two scrapers in case one breaks. It’s a little brutal, but very normal.
2. Fast Food Trash (That Just Stays There)
It’s not uncommon to climb into an American’s car and find fast food wrappers, cups, or napkins scattered around, Bettina Makalintal of VICE explains. To some, this signals laziness, but for many Americans, it reflects how cars double as dining rooms on wheels. Commutes can be long, drive-thrus are everywhere, and eating in the car is almost a national pastime. Cleaning it up? That can wait.
Other countries with better public transportation systems just don’t eat on the go as often. But when you spend hours a week behind the wheel, that leftover McDonald’s bag starts to feel normal. Many Americans just tune it out or tell themselves they’ll clean up on the weekend. It rarely happens.
3. Emergency “Go Bags”
Many Americans keep a bag packed with first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and even food or clothes in their trunk. This level of emergency preparedness might surprise foreigners used to denser cities with easier access to help. But in the U.S., especially in rural areas or during winter, getting stranded is a real concern. So people prep for worst-case scenarios—even if they rarely happen.
The go-bag reflects a broader cultural emphasis on self-reliance and being prepared for anything. Some even include road flares, thermal blankets, or emergency cash. It might seem like overkill, but stories of being stuck on highways during snowstorms make the habit understandable. Plus, Americans love a good survivalist mindset.
4. Giant Travel Mugs
Americans adore their oversized travel mugs, the kind that can keep coffee hot for hours and wouldn’t fit in most foreign cup holders, Meaghan Kenny of Condé Nast Traveler shares. You’ll see them sitting in center consoles or wedged into cup holders, often from big brands like Yeti or Stanley. Coffee culture in the U.S. is about volume and portability, not tiny espresso shots. And when your morning commute is 45 minutes long, a large coffee feels essential.
In many other countries, people drink their coffee at home or in cafes, not while operating heavy machinery. But in the States, a steaming cup of caffeine is part of the driving ritual. These mugs are often as durable as camping gear—and treated with the same reverence. They’re basically travel companions.
5. Phone Mounts (Sometimes Multiples)
You’ll often find phone mounts suctioned to American windshields or clipped to air vents. Americans rely heavily on navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, especially in sprawling metro areas. A mount helps keep phones visible and accessible without technically “using” them while driving, Roderick Scott of The New York Times explains. But some people even have backup mounts, just in case.
In many European countries, using a phone while driving is strictly enforced and discouraged—even hands-free. In the U.S., the enforcement is spotty, and phone mounts feel like a compromise. They’re part of a tech-heavy driving experience that many foreigners find overdone. But for Americans, convenience wins.
6. Sunglasses Stashed Everywhere
Between glove boxes, visors, and center consoles, Americans seem to keep backup sunglasses everywhere in their car. The country’s wide range of climates and bright sun make them a must-have for many drivers. Even in northern states, sun glare during winter can be brutal. So multiple pairs are a kind of built-in contingency plan.
In other countries, drivers may simply remember to bring their sunglasses—or rely on public transport. But Americans prefer to be ready, and often treat sunglasses like cheap, disposable items. Some even forget how many pairs they’ve accumulated over the years. The “car sunglasses” are often old or scratched, but they get the job done.
7. Folding Chairs and Picnic Blankets
Yes, a surprising number of Americans keep foldable chairs and picnic blankets in their trunks year-round. Tailgating culture, summer concerts, kids’ soccer games—these are all part of life that happens outside, but near cars. The folding chair is almost a symbol of American leisure and spontaneity. You never know when you’ll need to sit comfortably outdoors.
Other countries might keep this stuff at home and grab it when needed. But Americans tend to keep their trunks stocked, “just in case.” It’s tied to how much driving is part of their social lives. If you live in a car-centric culture, your trunk becomes your utility closet.
8. Oversized Umbrellas
In many U.S. cars, you’ll find a giant golf umbrella stashed under a seat or in the back. These aren’t dainty fold-up models—they’re built to shield a person, a briefcase, and probably a small dog. Americans like to be fully prepared for sudden downpours, especially in areas with unpredictable weather. A tiny umbrella just doesn’t cut it.
In places with more walkable cities, people may carry compact umbrellas in their bags. But in the U.S., people run from building to car, not block to block. That makes the big umbrella a more logical choice. It also doubles as a sunshade at events or a defensive tool in a pinch.
9. Bottled Water (Lots of It)
Americans often keep multiple bottles of water in their cars at all times, sometimes entire cases. This might seem excessive to foreigners, especially in countries where public hydration spots are common. But in the U.S., where long drives and hot weather are frequent, having water on hand feels more like a necessity than a luxury. Plus, it’s a habit driven by emergency prep and a general “just in case” mindset.
Even in suburban or urban areas, Americans tend to stock up, fearing the inconvenience of being without. It ties into the larger car culture in the U.S.—your car is like a rolling second home. Some even stash reusable water bottles, but disposables still dominate. And yes, they’ll stay there through summer heat, despite the warnings.
10. Reusable Grocery Bags (That Never Make It into the Store)
Many Americans keep a stash of reusable grocery bags in their car trunks with good intentions. These are meant to cut down on plastic use and comply with bans in certain states. But somehow, they always stay in the car and never quite make it into the store. So the cycle of buying new ones repeats endlessly.
In countries with more walkable lifestyles, people often carry a bag with them by habit. But in the U.S., the grocery trip starts and ends with the car, so bags get forgotten. Despite this, most people feel good just owning them. It’s the eco-equivalent of trying.
11. Coins for Tolls (Even with EZ-Pass)
Even in the age of digital everything, many Americans still keep a pile of coins in their center console or ashtray. Tolls still exist in many states and sometimes require cash if electronic passes fail. It’s also handy for parking meters in cities that haven’t fully modernized. This habit is all about contingency planning.
Many foreigners are surprised by how patchwork the American toll system still is. While some places have gone fully digital, others lag behind. Americans have adapted by keeping spare change close at hand. It’s a low-tech fix in a high-tech world.
12. Spare Clothes (Especially Gym Stuff)
You’ll often find a hoodie, t-shirt, or even full gym outfits in American trunks or backseats. This isn’t just for gym rats—it’s for anyone who might spill coffee, get caught in the rain, or decide to squeeze in a workout. In a car-centric culture, the vehicle becomes your changing room. And no one wants to get caught unprepared.
Foreigners from transit-heavy countries often wonder why people lug so much with them. But if your car is your mobile locker room, extra clothes make sense. Some even keep sneakers or formal shoes in case of sudden plans. It’s about flexibility, not fashion.
13. Car Air Fresheners (Layered, Not Replaced)
Walk into many American cars, and you’ll find multiple air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror or hidden under seats. Instead of replacing the old one, people often just add a new scent on top. It’s an odd layering technique that turns a Toyota into a chemical jungle. But it’s all about masking fast food, gym clothes, and pet smells.
In other cultures, less emphasis is put on artificially scenting cars. But in the U.S., the car is a reflection of personal space—almost like a room. A strong scent implies cleanliness, even if the car is messy. It’s an olfactory illusion.
14. Baby Wipes (Even Without Kids)
Baby wipes are a surprisingly common item in American cars, even for people without children. They’re used for everything: wiping hands after fast food, cleaning up spills, refreshing faces on hot days. They’re cheap, convenient, and incredibly multipurpose. Once you’ve had them in your car, it’s hard to go back.
In many countries, people just use napkins or public restrooms for cleanup. But in the U.S., with fewer pedestrian amenities and more time spent in vehicles, wipes fill that gap. They’re a low-effort way to feel slightly more hygienic. It’s the kind of small luxury that becomes a habit.
