Summer is the season of increased travel, whether by air or road. When going on road trips, however, it’s important to pack everything you will need and might need in case of unforeseen events while driving. When heading out for a longer than usual drive, it’s important to check the condition of your car. Head over to your trusted car service center and have your vehicle checked, especially if you’re going to drive for two or more hours cross-state or cross-country. Make sure your wheels are in tip top condition and ensure that your spare tire is, too, so you don’t have to look for a spare when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you also have your oil and engine checked, and bring tools you might need for quick repairs on the road. Here, we’ve curated some safe driving essentials for summer road trips that you need to pack before heading out on the road. Check this list and share it with your loved ones to remind them before they head out to their next summer adventure.
How to Keep Safe on the Road: Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit
1. Lifeline AAA 42 Piece Premium Road Emergency Car Kit
When going on a long drive, make sure you’re equipped with a top notch quality road emergency kit that you can rely on if you encounter any car trouble on the road. When choosing emergency car kits, choose Lifeline AAA, which offers premium quality and is one of the most recognized and trusted names in the automotive industry. This kit comes with up to 42 components to help keep you prepared for any unforeseeable events on the road, whether it’s a dead battery, flat tire, and other emergencies. This premium road kit includes a handy carry case, 8 foot 8 gauge jumper cables, Aluminum Flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, Duct Tape, Emergency Poncho, Shop Cloth 5 cable ties, 20 bandages, 4 towelettes, reusable zipper lock bag, and even an AAA membership brochure and AAA accident guidelines so you always stay safe on the road wherever you go. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This pack came with absolutely everything needed for a good go kit on a weekend or seasonal adventure. With everything from first aid, car jumping, and a good quality light to give you a good vantage in the night time when jumping cars (Montana winter/spring is dark in the evenings quite quickly), this kit has helped me out personally quite a few times. For the cost of what it is, I’m surprised at the result.” Alexander
2. Performance Tool W1556 Commuter Emergency Roadside Safety Tool Kit
Stay prepared on the road with the Performance Tool’s set of useful automotive tools for a basic roadside repair. It comes in a resealable plastic storage case that offers compact storage so you can do away with bulky bags and kits in your car. This useful kit contains 8-feet jumper cables, flashlight, pencil tire gauge, knit gloves, a whistle, 10-piece fuse and terminal kit, 6-inch slip joint pliers, #2 Philips screwdriver, and 1/4-inch slotted screwdriver. This kit also comes with 9 1/4-in. drive sockets sizes 1/4 inches, 5/16 inches, 3/8 inches, 7/16 inches, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12mm; 1/4-inch drive spinner handle, 3/4-inch x 25-foot electrical tape, and 2AA Batteries included for the flashlight. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I gave this item to my brother in law for Christmas and I was very impressed, tools were very good, the jumper cables are awesome and the case is compact and sturdy. This is something I will get for my daughter for her car too, it is more than perfect.” Yanira Lopez
3. JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator
If you’ve packed your bike in your car for traveling long distances and for going on adventures this summer, make sure you have the JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator with you. It’s powered by SmartPressure Technology, which lets you pre-set the built-in digital air gauge to your target pressure and will automatically turn off when it is reached. It can inflate passenger vehicle tires (car, truck, SUV) up to 65 PSI and bike tires up to 100 PSI. Its built-in digital air gauge means you get an accurate load of air every time. Its long-reach heavy duty 24 inch air hose features a rugged brass twist-connect nozzle chuck for a secure and hands-free seal to the tire valve stem. It also has an built-in air bleeder valve for airing down overinflated tires. Lastly, it’s also equipped with a bright built-in LED safety light that also features an emergency SOS mode. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “As if having an outstanding product wasn’t enough, I found JACO’s customer service to be extraordinary. I received fast response to product questions and operation, and those responses were well-written and directly addressed my question. This company stands behind its products, and I’m more than pleased to have chosen JACO.” Mikul
4. BIG RED T10152 Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit
Never leave home without the Big Red collapsible steel scissor lift jack, which features a compact design that can be used as a rugged replacement jack or as an extra utility jack that can be stored in the trunk of your car. This car jack features a lifting range of 4-1/8 to 15-1/8-inch with a 1.5 ton (3,000 lb) capacity. It’s engineered using a drop forged alloyed steel construction so you’re sure to get quality and durability in one. It’s also equipped with an extra-wide base which adds stability and strength and a one-piece handle that delivers accurate, quick response and speed. This product meets ANSI/ASME PASE safety standards and includes a limited 1 year manufacturer warranty. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I’ve used this jack to not only change a flat but also to get my car on stands to work underneath. It got the job done without any issues. Best thing, its compact and fits in the exact same location as my original jack which was misplaced.” Ashbee
5. MARCALA Roadside Safety Discs Complete LED Road Flare Kit
Make sure you have high visibility when stalled on the road with the Marcala road flare kit. Unlike other road flares, the Marcala car flares are made with 20 larger LEDs that gets you noticed up to 2 miles away at night and one mile away during the day. This kit offers non-burning LED emergency flares for cars that are safe, reusable and easy to use. It’s also great for recreational activities such as camping and boating. It’s made of ABS material that allows it to be crush proof so you can use it for longer. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Similar to the round lights I have but like the square style. The lights seem as durable as others in this category. Very easy to use and brilliant lighting. Durable zippered case stows easily in any vehicle. The magnets are strong but could be a little stronger but they still work as intended. I would definitely recommend to friends and family to purchase a set.” Kevin J.
Other Essentials for Summer Road Trips
1. ZeeHoo Wireless Car Charger, 10W Qi Fast Charging Auto-Clamping Car Mount
We never leave our homes without our phones, so make sure your car is equipped with a car charger and holder in one. Do away with messy wires and awkward phone holders that obstruct your view and go for the ZeeHoo wireless car charger, a fast-charging car mount. It features an automatic opening and clamping design that can be operated with one hand. Its two-in one design combines a Qi charger and a holder. It’s compatible with most smartphones, including the Samsung S10 and below, iPhone XS Max up to 8, and more. You can even fully rotate it 360 degrees for optimum viewing and easy use of functions. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I wanted something simple to hold my phone up in my car so that I can easily see my GPS display. After trying a couple others that were cheaply made and didn’t last, this was the perfect product to do just that! Took no time at all to install, the materials feel very durable and well-made. And the fact that it also charges my phone at the same time is an added bonus! Definitely recommend!” KaliB23
2. UCART Car Backseat Organizer with 10″ Table Holder and Storage POckets
When going on a road trip, you might want to pack a punch in your car. You’ll need essentials for yourself and your kids, if you’re bringing them along. So how can you maximize the space in your car? By adding the Ucart backseat organizer! This functional car organizer measures 24 x 16 inches and features extra-strong straps with quick-release buckles for easy maneuvering. It uses Tonha improved stronger 600D Polyester and waterproof frosted PVC to ensure durability and safety and for longer use. It’s equipped with a pocket with a clear touch-screen viewer window that fits up to 10” Android or iPad tablets. It’s also water resistant and machine washable for easy maintenance. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These are perfect for what I needed. My daughters are able to store books, coloring books, pencil pouch and more without it falling on the floor.” Jenjen2681
3. KMMOTORS Foldable Car Garbage Can
When going on long car rides, make sure your vehicle is equipped with a mobile garbage can so you don’t have to deal with messy trash, especially when you have kids on board. This car trash can has a 3-gallon capacity to help keep you organized in your car. It has a plastic board on bottom which keeps the trash can in shape and prevents it from closing. It’s also constructed with high quality durable materials for strength and longevity. Useful for road trips, picnics, and camping. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This garbage fitted perfectly in my car and attached well to the arm rest so that it doesn’t move while I am driving. Also, it can fit multiple things and the size is great!” Dul S.
4. First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit
Ensure you and your family’s safety on and off the road with this emergency care kit with up to 299 essential first aid supplies for treating minor aches and injuries. This handy set for long drives and camping includes adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, aspirin, ibrufen, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other multi-use items for any potential emergency. This emergency kit comes in a convenient fabric case with clear pockets for organization and easy access. The case is compact and spacious, with two separate layers with individual compartments to make retrieval quick and easy. Perfect for traveling or on the go and even home use. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “A great first aid kit for a car or college dorm! I’m using it for my dorm which is awesome because college can get crazy and you definitely will need a bandage at some point. Everything seems to be in here and I have no complaints. I do think I will move some things into my car kit because I won’t need them in my room!” Kensey
5. Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes, Extra Gentle 40 Count Canister
When going on a road trip, make sure you’re packing some Wet Ones Sensitive Sin Hand Wipes, reliable hand wipes that are thick and strong to handle tough messes but gentle on your hands because it has an alcohol and fragrance free formula. It comes in a canister that fits perfectly in a standard car holder so you don’t have to go into your bag to grab travel wipes. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I keep these in my car to “wash” my hands after eating on road trips (or for whatever else comes I need them for) and they’re great. I have very dry skin and these sensitive ones don’t dry my hands out more like some other wipes, nor do they leave a weird residue behind. The scent is very light and pleasant.” Alisha
For more great summer ideas, check out the stories below.
Style and Home Essentials for Keeping Cool This Summer
The Best Summer Finds at Neiman Marcus Right Now
A Park Picnic: Fun Picnic Essentials for Summer
Summer Holiday OOTD’s That are Totally Instagrammable
How to Keep Skin Hydrated Throughout Summer
Easy and Affordable Boho Fashion Looks for Spring/Summer 2021
Spring/Summer 2021 Home Trend: Natural Materials
Best Outdoor Furniture for Spring/Summer 2021
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
