With the cost of airline travel increasing, you may be considering taking a summer road trip. Road trips can be a great way to cut travel costs and experience a whole host of adventures that you wouldn't normally experience on a plane.
However, road trips can leave you more prone to roadside emergencies. Getting stranded in an unfamiliar area is always a terrifying thought, that's why you should keep the 5 P's in mind: proper preparation prevents poor performance. Before leaving on your trip, your car should be equipped with some basic items to handle a variety of emergencies.
Cellphone:
Communication is king. Your cellphone can be one of the most comforting and useful tools in a road side emergency.
Car Cellphone Charger:
A dead cell phone is a useless paperweight. Be sure to keep a car charger with you so that you can stay connected.
Flashlight:
Fact - Emergencies don't always happen during the day. If you need to fix a flat tire or jump your vehicle at night, a flashlight will be a necessity.
Jumper Cables:
Sometimes that annoying little light in your trunk stays on and drains your battery. Jumper cables will help you get your car started again and are also a great way to meet new people!
Flat Tire Gear:
Make sure you cover the basics for fixing your car's tires - jack, tire iron, spare tire, and a small manual or 12 volt pump.
An Empty Gas Container:
If you run out of fuel, you can walk to the nearest gas station or in extreme situations, the nearest source of civilization.
A Tarp:
Emergencies love to happen in inclimate weather. If you have to fix your vehicle, it's nicer to lay on clean dry tarp rather than a muddy shoulder.
A Gallon of Filtered Fresh Water:
In case you get stranded, you'll need to keep hydrated. Also in case your engine overheats, water can be used to cool the radiator.
A Light Blanket and Pillow:
Fatigued driving is extremely unsafe. Sometimes you might need to pull over and get some sleep and a hotel might not be close enough.
Before you leave for your trip, make sure you have your vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. They will look over the critical areas of your vehicle and let you know if it can handle the journey.
You might also want to consider having your vehicle's windows tinted at Ziebart before you leave. You and your passengers will be spending many hours in a window seat, exposed to the sun. Your vehicle's windows do not properly protect you from UV rays. A genuine Ziebart Window Tint will keep you and your passengers cool and protected from 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Contact your local Ziebart store today to learn more about window tinting options.
We hope you have a safe and fun trip!