Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready and you’re prepared for any unexpected emergencies that you may encounter along the way.

Prepared for Emergencies

While no one likes to think they’ll be involved in an accident while enjoying time away, it’s better to be prepared just in case.

Of course, you should check your brakes, tires, fluids and have the oil changed before planning any trips far from your hometown.

And if you should get delayed or stranded on your road trip, there are some absolute essentials you need packed in your car to keep safe until help arrives or you can safely get back on the road.

Keep in mind that it’s never a good idea to abandon your vehicle on the side of the road. Staying with the vehicle is your safest bet to make sure the car isn’t vandalized or damaged and at the same time, offers you protection from the outdoors.

The odds of getting help increase if a patrol officer or helpful passerby notices a stranded vehicle.

Stay put, call for help, and rely on your emergency roadside supplies to help the wait go by without experiencing any other problems.

Emergency Road Trip Supplies

Here’s a quick checklist of items you should bring with you on any long-distance trip:

• A fully charged cell phone + charger to call for help
• Your vehicle’s owner’s manual for reference information regarding helpful vehicle information
• Car insurance information
• Car registration
• A supply of warm blankets or clothing
• Bottled water
• Some non-perishable snacks such as nuts, crackers, or trail mix
• Jumper cables
• First aid kit
• Spare tire that is inflated and ready to use
• Tire patch repair kit
• Small air compressor
• Road flares
• Tool kit with the basics of a hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Extra batteries in AA and AAA sizes
• A full can of WD-40
• Jugs of water for cooling down an overheated engine
• Spare change and money

Conclusion

Summer is certainly a time for new adventures and hitting the open road. As long as you’re prepared, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way on the road trip.

If you’re involved in a road trip mishap or collision, contact Downtown Collision in Santa Rosa to take care of the damage to restore your vehicle to its pre-existing condition.

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