You’re about an hour away from the house, your road trip has just begun, and you realize it–you’ve left you *insert essential item here* at home! Hopefully, you’ve never been there, but most of us have. Maybe it was your sunglasses, your hat, or something more dire like your contact solution or your kid’s favorite blanket. Regardless, road-trip planning is all about preparation, from the stops you visit to the things you pack.
What You Should Keep In Your Car For Road-Trips
Packing for a road trip is challenging, whether it’s just you heading out for a vacation or you and the kids. You may think you’re good to go if you’ve packed clothes, toothbrushes, and medications into a suitcase. However, the unique thing about road trips is that your car gets to travel with you. Why not use this space to your advantage by packing a few things into your car? And we don’t mean your suitcase–there are items you should always have in your vehicle at the read. Some things should go into the hotel with you or be in your bag during an excursion, but these things should stay in the car.
- Extra water bottles. You should always have a case of water bottles in your car, just in case you’re waiting on tow or in desperate need. This should not be the water you reach for when you’re a little thirsty, and there’s a gas station up ahead–it should be water reserved for when there are no other options.
- An extra bottle of sunscreen. Your extra bottle of sunscreen will come in handy more often than you think. Sunscreen is the first thing we forget at home, on the side of a pool or a boat. Having an extra bottle of this and bug spray at all times is useful!
- A phone charger. Your car phone charger is to be left in your car. It is not to be taken to your hotel room because your other charger is at the bottom of your duffle bag, and you don’t want to get it. Having a charger in your car during a road trip is vital to making sure your most important piece of technology–your phone–always has a charge.
- Your pair of extra glasses. You’re on a road trip to take in all of the beautiful sights–but if you lose or break your glasses, that’ll be hard. Not to mention, many of us can’t see without our glasses! Have an extra pair of prescription glasses in your car for an emergency.
First aid-kit. A first-aid kit should be a staple in your car, whether you’re on a road trip or not. It should include band-aids, rinse for wounds, gauze, and tweezers. It should also be individualized to your family. If someone needs an epi-pen or has a necessary medication, make sure there’s extra available in the family first-aid kit while being mindful of temperature requirements. - Road flares and an emergency kit. Again, you should have this in your car at all times, but don’t forget it on a road trip. Make sure you have jumper cables, road flares, and extra fluids available in case you need them.
Some Things Can’t Be Packed…Visit Us For That!
We know you can’t pack an oil change or a wheel alignment for your road trip. Make sure to schedule routine maintenance and a digital vehicle inspection before you embark on your journey. Yorba Linda Auto Service would like to remind you to prioritize your vehicle’s safety and stop by for any needed service. Visit us at 801 S Lakeview Avenue, Unit G, Placentia, CA 92870, or click here to schedule an appointment. Lastly, don’t forget to visit us on our Facebook page!
