Summer is right around the corner. For many this means planning the family summer vacation. Even with gas prices always in flux, one popular option many families embrace is the road trip. We will be running a series of articles on everything you need to know before you hit the open road. From what to check on your car, to products for the trip, to helpful tools in planning your trip, even where to visit, we will cover it all.
The key to a successful road trip is to be prepared.While your vehicle may have gotten the ok from your mechanic to venture out on the open road this summer, that doesn’t guarantee an issue free trip. Keeping a roadside emergency kit in your car could make make any issues that arise just that much easier to deal with.
Below is an excerpt from an article that originally appeared on Edmunds.com.
“Some of the basic items include:
- 12-foot jumper cables
- Four 15-minute roadside flares
- Two quarts of oil
- Gallon of antifreeze
- First aid kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
- Blanket
- Extra fuses
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Flat head screwdrivers
- Phillips head screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Vise Grips
- Adjustable wrench
- Tire inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Rags
- Roll of paper towels
- Roll of duct tape
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- Pocketknife
- Ice scraper
- Pen and paper
- Help sign
- Granola or energy bars
- Bottled water
- and heavy-duty nylon bag to carry it all in.
Granted, all these items practically necessitate a Ford Excursion to haul them down the road, but a basic version with two roadside flares, a quart of oil, small first aid kit, extra fuses, flashlight, Leatherman Tool (or any other multipurpose tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl), tire inflator, rags, pocket knife, pen and paper and a help sign will take up a minimal amount of trunk space. ”
There are also pre-assembled kits for sale by various companies. Check your local auto parts store or online retailers such as Amazon.com.
While no one tool will work for every road side emergency, a bit of planning and trunk space, can mean the difference of being stranded for a long while, or getting back on the road in minimal time.