America is back on the move for weekend getaways, visits to the grandparents, or business meetings in the next state. If you and your passengers want to stay comfortable, Glockner South Point Ford recommends the following to keep in your car for road trips.
Foam Tire Sealant
Even if you're a wiz at changing a tire, a flat can be a major hassle and dangerous, if it happens on a busy highway in the middle of rush hour. Using a foam tire sealant can provide a quick fix that at least allows you to drive to a safer area to change your tire.
Spare Tire
If your vehicle comes with a spare tire, you need to check it before you get going to make sure that it's fit to help you in an emergency. Make sure that the tread is deep enough to hold traction, the surface isn't worn, and the air is filled to the correct pressure. Also, ensure that you have the tools for changing the tire.
First Aid Kid
You might suffer a burn while checking an overheated engine or your kids might get a cut when they're a bit too rowdy in the back. A first aid kit can take care of these minor issues and more, and spare you from an expensive trip to a clinic. You'll easily find these at big box or auto stores. Or you can make your own using this handy guide from the American Red Cross.
Fire Extinguisher
Even a small flame can quickly turn into a raging inferno that consumes your vehicle if you don't have a way to put it out. Bring a fire extinguisher that is rated from Class B and C fires by the National Fire Protection Association. It can then be used to put out fires caused by electrical equipment or flammable liquids, which you're likely to encounter in a vehicle fire.
Water and Snacks
You and your passengers may get hungry or thirsty when you're miles away from any eatery or gas station. When you have snacks and water, you won't have to spend time searching for a place to eat. Just pull over to a safe place and have an in-car picnic. Make sure that the snacks you buy are non-perishable. Water serves other purposes too: cleaning up spilled food, filling an empty windshield wiper reservoir, or cleaning dirt off the windshield.
Multipurpose Tool
A multipurpose tool contains such useful accessories as a screwdriver, wrench, file, and scissors. It comes in handy when you have to open a package of snacks, fix a loose dashboard panel, or cut a discount coupon out of a flyer. The number and quality of tools you get depend on the price you want to pay.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Yes, you could use your smartphone light to find your kid's favorite toy that has rolled under the front seat or locate a problem component in your engine compartment. But that would mean taking power off your most useful electronic tool. A flashlight lets you light up the problem while talking to someone on the phone. Don't forget to have extra batteries for it.
Paper Map
Nowadays, we typically rely on our smartphones or in-car navigation systems to tell us where we're going. But what happens if you have no reception or lose power in the middle of nowhere. You won't even be able to ask someone for directions if you're lost. A paper map never runs out of reception or power. You'll find these online or at the Auto Club. In a pinch, you can also print a paper map from online mapping sites.
Emergency Warnings
If you break down on the road, you want to warn other drivers to steer clear and tell emergency responders that you need help. Road flares and warning triangles are some of the emergency warnings that you should have on hand to reveal that you're in trouble.
Electronic Accessories
Unless your vehicle contains a Wireless Charger, you're going to need a USB cord at the very least to hook your personal devices to the dashboard USB port for a recharge. If you don't have a port, you can buy a portable one that attaches to your car's power port or cigarette lighter.