There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip. Windows down, playlist on, adventure ahead, nothing beats it.
But equally, if you aren’t prepared for it, you can end up stressing yourself out or hitting a problem midway through your journey. The best thing you can do to avoid a catastrophe is to make sure you and your car are ready for your summer road trip before you leave.
How? Scan through this checklist, which covers all the essentials you need.
First Things First, Get Your Car Checked
Before any long journey, especially in the heat of summer, you need to give your car a thorough once-over. Check your oil levels, and if possible, take it to a trusted mechanic for a health check.
Inspect tire pressure and make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. A clean air filter is also important.
You should also carry jumper cables and a portable tire inflator that connects to your car’s cigarette lighter, it is unlikely you will need these, but they are fairly affordable and a lifesaver in an emergency.
It’s better to check before you leave to prevent a breakdown from ruining your road trip later.
Interior Clean Out
A clean car makes all the difference when you set off for your summer road trip. Both psychologically and practically.
It doesn’t take long either. Remove all the clutter, hoover the seats, and you’ll be good to go. Car mats wrecked? If your car mats have seen better days, definitely consider picking up a new set. For example, if you drive a Vauxhall, you can easily pick up new custom car mats for a fair price at FinestCarMats. You would be surprised at how much of an instant impact these make to your interior.
Pack a few essentials to keep things tidy on the go: bin bags for rubbish, paper towels for spills, and maybe even some air freshener for a pleasant ride.
No one wants to spend hours in a car that feels like it hasn’t been cleaned in years.
First Aid Kit With Plenty of Medicines
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any road trip, especially if you’re travelling with kids or heading to remote areas.
Make sure your kit includes the basics, like plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and scissors. Medications too. Always include pain relievers, allergy tablets, antihistamines, anti-nausea meds, anything that you and your passengers may need. Always prepare for car sickness!
Suncream and insect bite treatment can also be useful in the summer. It’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Cooler for Food & Drinks
Onto the leisurely essentials. Keeping your drinks cold and snacks fresh is a life saver when travelling during the summer. A decent cooler can help you store fresh fruit, sandwiches, drinks and other perishables safely for longer stretches between stops.
You can opt for a compact electric version that plugs into your 12V socket or a traditional ice-packed cooler, either works.
Comfortable Pillows, Blankets & Hoodies
Even in summer, temperatures can dip at night, so packing some soft blankets, hoodies, and travel pillows is still wise.
Even if you aren’t planning to sleep in the car, something as simple as a pillow can do wonders when you’re sitting around not doing much. Always bring at least one hoodie as they’re warm, easy to take on and off, and double as an extra cushion in a pinch.
Water, and Lots Of It
Staying hydrated is really important, especially if it’s hot weather. And the last thing you want is to buy single-use plastic bottles every time. Stock up beforehand and whack them in the cooler.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need, bottled, reusable, or in large containers if space allows. Keep a bottle handy for each passenger and top up whenever you stop. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability, definitely not what you want on a road trip.
Don’t forget a separate bottle or bowl if you’re bringing pets along too.
Summer is Coming, Get Yourself Ready
Now’s the perfect time to get yourself, and your car, ready for the adventures ahead. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your journey smooth, and the people happy. So grab your checklist, get organised, and go enjoy your trip.
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