Summer driving around Indian Head can mean a quick errand on Maryland 210, a drive toward Waldorf or La Plata, or a longer trip out of town with the family. No matter where you are headed, it helps to be prepared before the car is packed and everyone is ready to go.
A road trip emergency kit does not need to be fancy. The goal is simple: keep a few useful items in your vehicle so you are not caught off guard by a dead battery, low tire, hot weather, or a long roadside wait.
One of the first things to pack is jumper cables or a portable jump starter. Heat can weaken car batteries, especially if the battery is already near the end of its life. If your car does not start at home, at the store, or during a trip, jumper cables can help. A portable jump starter is even more helpful because you can use it without another car nearby.
Keep water in the car too. A few bottles can help you and your passengers stay comfortable if you are stuck in traffic or waiting for help. Water may also be useful in some vehicle emergencies, but do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. That can be dangerous.
A flashlight belongs in every emergency kit. Car problems do not always happen in daylight. If you need to check a tire, look under the hood, or find something in the trunk after dark, a flashlight is much easier than using your phone. Add extra batteries so it is ready when you need it.
A portable tire inflator is another smart item for summer drives. Tire pressure can change with the weather, and long trips can make small tire issues worse. If your tire pressure light turns on, an inflator can help you add air until you can have the tire checked. A tire pressure gauge is small, cheap, and easy to keep in the glove box.
A first aid kit is also important. You do not need a huge one. Bandages, wipes, gauze, gloves, and pain reliever can help with small cuts, scrapes, headaches, or bug bites during a trip.
Phone chargers are easy to overlook, but they matter. Keep a charger in the car and add a backup power bank if you can. If your car is off or your phone battery is low, a power bank can help you call for help, check directions, or update family.
Other useful items include snacks, hand sanitizer, paper towels, gloves, a towel, a small blanket, a rain poncho, and reflective warning triangles. If you have to pull over on a busy road, reflective triangles help other drivers see you sooner.
It is also a good idea to schedule a pre-trip check before a longer summer drive. Tires, brakes, fluids, battery, belts, hoses, lights, and air conditioning should all be ready before you leave.
Getting ready for a summer road trip? Bring your vehicle to Ben Nielsen’s Charles County Automotive in Indian Head, MD for a quick pre-trip check. Call (301) 743-5000 or schedule online before you head out.