Summertime is a time for warm fun in the sun and adventures. If you're going on a road trip this summer, you should plan on having a blast but still prepare for worst-case scenarios. Here's a list of four things you should keep in your car, in order to ensure that your trip is smooth, safe, and free from complications:
1. Chargers and car adapters for your electronics
Navigating in your car has never been easier: cell phones can double as GPS, and you can travel without the aid of complicated, bulky paper maps. Unfortunately, electronics can sometimes die at inopportune moments. Don't get stranded without directions on your next road trip. Carry a charger for all your necessary electronics, along with a car adapter, inside your glove compartment.
2. Your local towing service's phone number
Keep the numbers of a trusted auto towing company and an auto body repair shop in your cell phone. If your car breaks down, you don't want to be scrambling through the phonebook. You'll feel better in a bad situation if you know you can call a competent towing service quickly and easily. For an added level of security, write those important phone numbers down on a piece of paper and keep it in your glove compartment so you will still have them if your phone breaks.
3. Spare tire and tire jack
It never hurts to be prepared, and a spare tire can help you get out of tight situations. If you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, it's a good idea to have these items and the knowledge to use them properly. Find space for a spare tire and a tire jack in your trunk, and if you don't know how to change a tire, ask an experienced family member or friend to show you how. You can also check your local library for books on basic auto maintenance.
4. Gas can
It's a fantastic idea to keep a gas can in your car, especially if you live in a rural area or if you're planning to go on a road trip. Invest in a high quality gas can and don't resort to using unapproved containers for holding gasoline, since this can pose a safety hazard, according to the American Petroleum Institute. If your car runs out of gas, pull it over safely to the shoulder of the road, if possible. Lock your doors, then walk or catch a ride to the nearest gas station. Don't store gasoline in the trunk of your car, since the fumes can pose a fire and explosion hazard.
Road trips can be great adventures, full of friends both old and new. These handy items will keep you on the road this summer, and they can help you out if you run into car trouble.
Share18 June 2015
When planning a road trip, there are several things to plan for. Not only do you have to worry about where you are going, but you have to consider everything along the way. Who would you call if the car was to break down along the road? What if you got a flat tire and couldn't get the tire off of the car? Planning for these emergencies can take some of the stress off of things as they happen. Visit my blog to find out what you should do before leaving your home to ensure that you are prepared for all of the roadside emergencies you could face.