Planning those fun summer road trips is exciting: you’re figuring out where you’re going to stop and what fun sites you’ll be able to take in during your time on the road. Packing up the whole family and heading out on the road means a lot of planning and preparing for the entire trip but have you prepared for an emergency? Do you know what you will do if the worst case scenario happens? Here are some of the essentials you shouldn’t leave home without this summer.

Before You Go

Yes, there’s work to do before you even hit the road. Take an inventory of the tools you already have and how they can help to fix a problem (even temporarily) while you’re on the road. During this planning phase, you can also anticipate whether the people at your destination will have extra tools to help out should the problem be uncommon or much larger than anticipated. Make sure that your tools are in working order, so they are helpful on the road should a problem arise.

Spare Tire

The most common issue that comes up while on a road trip is probably a flat tire, so you’ll need to make sure that your spare tire is in good shape. Now a spare won’t last for the rest of the trip; it’s just meant to work until you can get to a repair shop to buy a new tire. Take a quick check over your current spare to make sure that it isn’t dried out and will help you when you need it.

Essential Tools

Having the right tools is important when it comes to a roadside emergency. Tools such as a hammer, large pry bar, an assortment of pliers, some jack stands, and some hose clamps will come in handy if your car breaks down during your road trip.

Nourishment

While we never plan to be stranded on the side of the road, you want to be prepared for it if it happens. Part of this is making sure that you have some food and water. Bottled water is incredibly important to keep in your car – not even just for a road trip but in general in case you ever get stranded. Food or snacks like granola bars which are non-perishable and will not melt in the heat are a great option. Foods that require ice to keep cool or ones like chocolate that might not fare so well in the summer sun are unlikely to be the best choices.

It’s important to be prepared for your summer road trips, regardless of where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone. Doing a complete check over of your car before you leave for your trip is likely to help determine if there are any problem areas that you need to address before leaving. This will also be a great time to check fluid levels and top up on items like windshield washer fluid if needed. Ensuring that your car is road-ready will make your summer trip that much better!