Summer means one thing when it comes to your vehicle: Road Trips! 

We’re seeing a little more freedom to move around the country this year, so whether you are planning a trip to the mountain or a trip to the beach, here are some tips to make sure you are prepared, and your summer road trip is the best it can be.

Along with the household essentials, don’t forget to pack an emergency kit. Move the beach gear over to make room for the roadside emergency kit. Even if you’ve prepared your vehicle for summer travel, it never hurts to have a “just in case” kit in your trunk. Your emergency kit should include:

• Jumper cables in case you or someone else needs a jump start
• Flashlight
• Emergency flat tire repair and/or spare tire
• Gloves, blankets and towels
• Hazard triangle, road flares, brightly colored distress sign, or “Help” or “Call Police” flag
• Screwdrivers and wrenches
• First aid kit
• Cell phone and charger
• Water for both the car radiator and your family
• High-calorie, non-perishable food

If you are a family who plans on traveling with kids, you should remember these important tips that could also help your kids become safer drivers in the future: 

• Always use proper safety restraints for all occupants
• Use the long drive as teaching moments about safe driving
• Pack a cooler with healthy snacks like water, fruit, nuts and granola (and maybe a handheld vacuum if we are being honest)
• Stop every few hours to let the kids stretch their legs

Adults should take the time to exit the vehicle and stretch too. If you become drowsy, don’t hesitate to pull over to a safe location and rest until you feel able to continue the drive. Allow the kids to use electronic devices to help keep away the boredom (and “are we there yet”) on the long drives, as long as it’s not distracting to the driver.

Make sure to check and stock trunk supplies twice a year (that’s a good time to toss those old granola bars) and remember to never leave on a road trip with your vehicle’s “check engine light” or “malfunction indicator light” lit up. If you take these precautions, you and your vehicle might be happier on the roads this summer. If you have a road trip planned already, make an appointment to get your vehicle inspected by our skilled technicians. You will start your trip with the assurance that you are safe, and that is the first step in having fun!