Long Car Ride Essentials For Your Epic Road Trip

There’s nothing more fulfilling than the freedom of a road trip. Maybe you’re planning to hit the road with your family or friends to explore beautiful destinations. But just like any other travel experience, you need some items to keep your car running in case of the unexpected. To ensure you have an incredible time, we’ve put together the ultimate long car ride essentials.

Let’s jump right in!

JUMPER CABLES

There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing your car lights are not working because you have a dead battery. If the car battery runs out of juice, a jumper cable takes the worry out of the equation.

SPARE TIRE

Many things can go wrong on your road trip. A flat tire is every traveler’s nightmare. If the road has potholes, your tires could get wear or tear. Most cars come with a spare tire, but you should ensure it's properly inflated. The purpose of bringing extra tires is to avoid wasting time as you wait for help. It’s all about getting a sense of safety, knowing you have a backup if the unexpected happens.

THE JACK

You may have a good tire, but if you don’t have a jack to change it, then it’s of no use. A jack will make it easier to change a flat tire. Scissor jacks work well if you lift one wheel at a time. Unlike hydraulic jacks, they don’t take up much space and lift your vehicle in a matter of minutes. If you have a big car, you need a jack with a large base for stability.

ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT

A roadside emergency kit contains essentials like tire pressure gauges, oils, washer fluid, etc. If you embark on a cold-weather road trip, you can include a thermal blanket and hand warmers. During hot weather, an ice scraper can be part of your emergency kit.

FLASHLIGHT

If you’ll be camping at night or sleeping in your car, you need a flashlight. If you have an emergency, a flashlight will help you see a person or an animal.

TIRE INFLATOR

Nobody likes being trapped in the middle of the road. A tire inflator can be a lifesaver in case of emergencies. This portable equipment comes in handy if you have a puncture. A tire inflator should fit seamlessly within the boot of your car. Nowadays, car tires come with tubeless tires, so they may retain air inside. Upon filling the air, you can reach the nearest repair shop.

DASHBOARD CELL PHONE HOLDER

In an ideal world, you should never use a cell phone while driving. But in reality, this device is the source of information, messages, navigation, music, etc. If you’re using your phone as GPS, you may be tempted to grab your phone. A cell phone holder will prevent you from holding your phone when you hear the `ding’ sound. This is one of the fun things to pack for a road trip. Make sure the device can move in different directions.

AC INVERTER

If you need to plug in your laptop, cellphone, gaming console, camping lights, or charge the camera batteries, an AC converter will give some serious power. The best converter should have multi-protection features. Normally, an external fuse can protect against low loads, overloading, short circuit, and low voltage.

PHYSICAL MAP

While many apps can help you plan your trip, you still need an actual map. If you find pleasure behind the wheel, a physical map will locate worthwhile places. It can also be helpful if you drive in rural areas. Plus, you get an eye bird's view of the surroundings.

SNACKS

If you want to enjoy your epic road trip, you should carry some healthy snacks. While you can satisfy a grumbling belly at a gas station, you must plan if your adventure is off the grid. You can include a packet of chips, but you should focus on healthy options. You can pack snacks like blueberries, fresh veggie strips, grapes, nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, etc.

COZY BLANKET

As you take a cross-country trip, you should include a cozy blanket on your bucket list. It could mean arriving at your destination fully rested or feeling cranky. Look for a material that brings a touch of your home into your car.

Just like everything else in life, a road trip needs preparation. Partsmax Auto Parts and Accessories offers essentials at pocket-friendly prices. We invite you to our online store to shop for aftermarket (new) auto parts & top-quality auto accessories. If you’re in South Florida, you can visit our retail store for great deals.