Summer is a great time to pack up and have a road trip. There are a few things that you might want to pack in your trunk to make sure an auto mishap fails to turn into a major fiasco. Additionally you will want to perform a few car checks and preventative measures to keep your car running smoothly in the trip. For your emergency kit you can purchase simple pack and items your personal. Alternatively, you can buy the deluxe “survive a nuclear disaster” kit from a variety of web sites or stores. No matter what kit you decide on, have these basics with your trunk inside a bright colored bag:

Flash light

Tire inflator – usually this comes in a can and is enough to fill one tire or you can get a small compressor to inflate a tire

Jumper cables

Duct tape

Utility knife

Leather gloves

Light sticks, road flares or reflective triangles (you might get an inexpensive reflective vest)

First, aid kit

Blanket

Gallon of water

Since this article is about summer travel, we won’t go over anything that you might desire for cold weather. If you are traveling to a warmer area, heat, water and shade become an issue and you may have not thought of the sun as a threat, do remember though. Sometimes a gallon of water from the trunk can be a lifesaver for yourself or even your radiator.

Before leaving also do these simple car safety checks:

Perform the tires have plenty of tread?

Do you have all the tools in the car needed to change a tire?

May be the spare tire in the car as well as in working condition?

Do you know the way to change the tire on this particular car?

Are all of the car fluids topped off?

Perhaps you have changed the vehicle oil recently enough and it is it on the right level?

Do you have a map in case the GPS goes bonkers?

Just a few of these handy items in the trunk and a last second check of your oil level can mean the main difference between making lasting memories and having a heck of your time along the side of the road.

At North County Import Specialist we can help you with all your car care needs and we look forward to seeing your and you car for your forthcoming check-up.

Happy summer traveling!