Summer Travel Safety: Essential Items for Your Road Trip

Summer is the perfect time for road trips, offering the freedom to explore new places and enjoy scenic drives. However, ensuring your safety on the road is crucial. This blog will guide you on what to carry in your car during a road trip, including the highly recommended Quake Kits survival kit. We'll also discuss steps to take if your car breaks down or you find yourself stranded.

Essential Items for Your Car

When planning a road trip, it's important to be prepared for any situation. Here are essential items to carry in your car:

1. Quake Kits Car Emergency Kit

   The Quake Kits Car Emergency Kit is a comprehensive survival kit designed to keep you safe and prepared. It includes:

   • Food and water supplies
   • Tools and first aid items
   • Light and communication devices
   • Shelter and warmth materials
   • Automotive tools

    

2. Spare Tire and Tools Ensure you have a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Knowing how to change a tire is also crucial.

3. Jumper Cables A dead battery can leave you stranded. Jumper cables can help you get back on the road with the help of another vehicle. Portable battery powered chargers are also available and the best choice for when you will be venturing "the road less traveled". Every Quake Kit auto kit comes with jumper cables. 

4. Portable Phone Charger Keep a fully charged portable charger to ensure your phone remains operational for calls and navigation. The Quake Kits auto guardian uses dynamo power to charge your cell phone or other USB devices. 

5. Maps and Navigation Tools While GPS is handy, having a physical map as a backup is always a good idea in case of poor signal. If you plan on venturing away from your car, be sure you know how to use a map and compass. You can find various tutorials like this one online. 

6. Basic Tool Kit A set of basic tools can help with minor repairs on the go.

7. Blankets and Extra Clothing In case of unexpected weather changes or if you need to spend the night in your car. All Quake Kits auto kits come with a mylar blanket but a personal fleece or warm blanket would be a great comfort addition.

8. Snacks and Water Keep non-perishable snacks and extra drinks to stay nourished and hydrated. The Quake Kits auto kit comes with emergency food and water as well as purification tablets if you need to find a natural water source.

9. Flashlight and Extra Batteries Essential for visibility during nighttime emergencies. The Auto Guardian does not require batteries and uses dynamo power to keep your surroundings luminated. 

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down or You Are Stranded

1. Stay Calm and Safe Move your car to a safe location, away from traffic if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you have a Quake Kits auto kit, set up your road triangle about 30ft from your car to give drivers a bit more notice.

2. Assess the Situation Determine the cause of the breakdown if you can. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for guidance on common issues. 

3. Call for Help Contact roadside assistance or a towing service. If you’re in a remote area without service, set up your road triangle and use the Auto Guardian flashlight SOS feature and affix to the roof of your car to alert any passerby. Use the included notepad and pencil to write a note if you do venture away from your vehicle. Describe where you are headed as well as your situation and put in a place where anyone stopping by will easily see. 

4. Stay with Your Vehicle Unless you are in immediate danger, stay with your car. It provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you.

5. Conserve Resources If stranded for an extended period, ration your food and water. Use mylar blankets and clothing to stay warm if needed.

6. Signal for Assistance Use reflective triangles, flares, the auto guardian, the mylar blanket or your vehicle’s hazard lights to signal your location to other drivers and rescuers.

TL;DR

When planning a summer road trip, ensure your safety by carrying essential items in your car. The Quake Kits Car Emergency Kit is a must-have, providing food, water, first aid, tools, and more. Additionally, pack a spare tire, portable car battery charger, power bank, maps, tool kit, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, and extra batteries. If your car breaks down or you are stranded, stay calm, assess the situation, call for help, stay with your vehicle, conserve resources, and signal for assistance. Being prepared can make your road trip safer and more enjoyable.