Ended up using a zippered pencil pouch from the dollar store. It’s not fancy, but it’s held up through coffee spills and heat waves.
That’s actually a clever workaround. I tried one of those “indestructible” plastic sleeves last year—melted into a weird shape after a week in my glovebox. I’ve wondered if those waterproof map cases (like for hiking) would work, but they’re kinda bulky. Has anyone tried just keeping docs in the trunk instead of the glovebox? Not sure if the temp difference is enough to matter, but glovebox heat is brutal where I live.
Tried the trunk thing for a while, thinking it’d be cooler than the glovebox, but honestly, in the summer it still gets pretty toasty in there. My registration paper curled up like a dried leaf after a couple months. The pencil pouch idea’s solid, though—cheap and surprisingly tough. I’ve also used a freezer bag with the zipper seal for a while, and that’s held up better than any of those “premium” sleeves. Map cases seem overkill unless you’re carrying a lot of paperwork, but I get the appeal if you want something waterproof. Glovebox heat is no joke in the Southwest... I’ve had pens explode in there.
Glovebox heat is no joke in the Southwest... I’ve had pens explode in there.
Yeah, glovebox heat can really mess with anything paper or plastic. I’ve seen registration stickers basically melt onto the inside of the windshield. Freezer bags are underrated—cheap, seal tight, and you can see what’s inside. I’d just be careful with anything that could warp or stick together if you’re parked outside a lot. If you ever need to show docs to roadside assistance, having them readable and not stuck together is a lifesaver.
Freezer bags are underrated—cheap, seal tight, and you can see what’s inside.
Honestly, I’ve tried the freezer bag thing but in my minivan they still get pretty hot and sometimes stick together if I leave them in the glovebox too long. Maybe it’s just the way the sun hits my dash? I started keeping a small pouch in the center console instead—less direct heat. Not perfect, but at least my insurance card isn’t a melted mess anymore. Anyone else think gloveboxes are just not designed for real life in hot states?
Gloveboxes in the summer are basically mini ovens, right? I learned that the hard way when my registration literally fused to a plastic sleeve last July. I switched to a fabric zipper pouch and keep it under the seat now—less sun, less melting. Honestly, gloveboxes seem like an afterthought for anyone living where it gets above 90. The center console trick is smart, though. At this point, I’m just glad Progressive lets you pull up your card on their app... paper copies are doomed in my car.
