Are you going on a road trip? So that small problems on the road do not become big ones, in advance, form a “traveling motorist’s kit”. Every car traveler should know this.
Drivers of the old school take with them and an impressive set to repair the car, and the most common spare parts, and a full set of technical fluids. But of course, this is overkill. There are plenty of auto repair shops and stores with spare parts at popular destinations. Why bring unnecessary with you? I’ll tell you about what you really need to bring (besides personal belongings, a compressor for tires, and a regular set of tools for changing tires).
Map
Be sure to download the application Maps.me. It will help you not to get lost. If you are planning a long-distance trip, you should plan your route clearly in advance, including gas stations, places to sleep, eat, rest, and refill water. Then there will not be unpleasant surprises in the form of an overnight stay in the woods or searching for shelter late at night in an unfamiliar area. I also advise you to install tuners, which you can find here https://tonybassogm.com/accessories/tuners-and-programmers-for-jeep-jk/. Here you will find all the pros and cons of all models and you can choose the most suitable one for you.
Emergency Kit
It is also a driver’s kit. It can be considered as a whole, as a separate unit, or in parts. It includes a sign of an emergency stop, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow rope, starting wires (wires for “cigarette lighter”). Let’s go over all the items.
Emergency Stop Sign
Emergency stop signs (aka warning triangle) must meet the technical requirements. It is better to have it in a cover – this way it is easier to carry and less likely to get damaged. And besides, the sign must be stable, so it won’t be blown off the road.
First Aid Kit
There are certain requirements for the first aid kit. For today its structure is very modest. It must contain: bandages, tourniquets, scissors, rubber gloves, and napkins. But nobody prevents you from making a really useful aid kit.
Fire Extinguisher
A passenger car burns down completely in 5-10 minutes, and there can be many causes for a fire. So, a fire extinguisher in the car is not a whim of the traffic cops, but an item of prime necessity. If you do not need it, someone on the road may need it. Due to the fact that car owners save space in the car, they buy the smallest fire extinguishers, which to eliminate the fire need a dozen. Be wiser and buy a larger fire extinguisher by getting a consultation at a fire equipment store.
Tow Rope
Don’t think that ropes are only required by SUV owners to pull vehicles out of a swamp. First, they don’t use ropes, they use jerk slings. And second, any car may need to be towed. It is a problem to find a tow truck for enough money, even for popular directions. And is it really necessary if you, for example, simply ran out of fuel and need to get to the nearest petrol station? Buy a strong rope with reliable loops and put it in the trunk. And others might need it, too, if it’s not useful to you.
Starting Cords
These are more commonly referred to as “cigarette lighter” cords. Do you remember when you changed the battery? Can you vouch for its condition? The jump leads are worth putting in the car, even if you answered yes both times. If they are not useful for you, they will help less lucky colleagues. Our experts have repeatedly tested products from different manufacturers.
The Signal Vest
Nevertheless, some drivers have not bought it yet, and don’t intend to buy it, even if the cost of such vests is inexpensive. And the effectiveness is repeatedly proved by both foreign and domestic experience. If you are going on a trip with your family, it is better to buy vests for all the passengers. You never know, we will have to stop at night on the side of the road, and everyone will need to stretch their legs. And it’s better to keep them in the car, not in the trunk, and put them on before getting out of the car. And not to use the vests, having them, is even more silly, than to save on buying them.
Stocking Up on Fuel
Unfortunately, even experienced drivers sometimes get into trouble by “drying out” on the road. Beginners – even more so. The fuel gauge lies or fails, you don’t compare your fuel consumption with the distance to the nearest gas station – and here is the result: the engine stalls, you don’t know where to go. But it is enough to take a jerry can with you on a long-distance trip. It may be small, about 10 liters. This reserve is certainly enough to get you to the nearest gas station. And compactness will save space in the trunk. When choosing a jerry can, make sure it is hermetically sealed. Models with fueling cans are more convenient, but models without them are more reliable. In this case, you should also buy a funnel. But, of course, work on your habits and don’t procrastinate with filling until the last. Stocking up on fuel can save even if you’re traveling on a familiar highway.
Water
Obligatory on a long journey. Drink, wash your hands, pour into the windshield washer tank or expansion tank (if the coolant level has dropped). In summer, the water should be hidden away from the sun (you can in the trunk), in winter – keep it in a warm cabin. And renew as often as possible. Water in a plastic container (and you probably won’t have any other option) spoils from long storage. A small bottle of water is unlikely to help much in a critical situation. Before a long journey, it is better to buy a five-liter can and regularly replenish the stock.
As a result, long-distance travel always involves a range of preparations, especially if the destination is many kilometers away from home. What do you need to take with you on a road trip to be as protected as possible from unforeseen situations and to drive comfortably? Today we have considered this question, and I hope this article was useful to you.
