What to Keep in Your Car for Road Trips
A business trip may demand a road trip to corporate HQ. Or you and your family may take one to visit an attraction over the weekend. If you want your journey to be smooth and trouble-free, Sport Cadillac near Baltimore, MD, suggests to keep these items in your car.
Snacks and Water
If you have refreshments like nonperishable snacks and bottled water on hand, you won't have to stop so often when somebody gets hungry or thirsty. Just park someplace safe and you can all have an in-car picnic. Don't forget to pack some napkins and wipes that you can use for cleaning up. Water is also useful for temporarily filling up your windshield washer reservoir, cleaning your windshield, or washing hands.First Aid Kit
On a long car trip, kids can get a little too rowdy in the back and inadvertently hurt themselves or others. If you have a first aid kit, you can easily take care of any minor cuts and bruises plus spare yourself a trip to an expensive clinic. You can also use the kit if you accidentally hurt yourself, such as by burning a finger when you touch an overheated engine.Books and Games
If you don't want your children to be asking "Are we there yet?" every few minutes, keep them entertained with books and games. Make sure to get travel versions that don't take up too much room in your vehicle. You might want to also bring a favorite toy or two to keep the little ones company.Paper Map
You're probably used to relying on your in-car navigation system or smartphone when you need directions. But what happens when you're out in the middle of nowhere and your smartphone reception disappears or your navigation screen goes dark. A paper map never malfunctions. If you can't find the location that you're traveling to at your local auto club, you can always print a hard copy from online mapping sites.Foam Tire Sealant
If you suffer a flat tire on a busy road, you don't want to spend time repairing it then and there because it's dangerous, as you could block traffic. A can of foam tire sealant can temporarily seal the puncture, add any missing air, and allow you to drive to a gas station or other safer location to change the tire.Spare Tire
If your vehicle has a spare tire, be sure to check it before any long trips. Make sure that it has enough air, the surface is solid, and that the treads are deep enough to hold traction. Don't forget to check that you also have the tools for changing a tire, such as a jack.Flashlight and Batteries
We all depend on our smartphone light to illuminate dark places, but what happens when you need to talk to somebody and use the light at the same time? It's best to have a small flashlight in your car and extra batteries that let you light up any issues that you are discussing on your smartphone. Your kids will also be able to look for any toys that have rolled under the seat without having to use your smartphone lights.Electronic Accessories
Even if you have a USB port, you're going to need a USB cable to connect your personal device for more power. If you don't have a port but have a cigarette lighter, you can always buy a portable USB port that inserts into the lighter receptacle.Multipurpose Tool
Having a multipurpose tool spares you from carrying a toolbox full of useful equipment. This tool will have such useful components as scissors, a wrench, a metal file, a screwdriver, and even a fire starter. You'll find it useful when you need to cut open a snack pack, tighten a loose bolt, file a dangerous protrusion, or screw in a part.Warning Devices
If you're disabled on the road or want to signal emergency responders who are on their way, you want to put out warning devices such as orange triangles or road flares. Have enough of these devices on hand so that you can surround your vehicle if needed.