Summer and fall are some of the most road trip-friendly times of the year. If you plan to head out on the road, a DIY emergency kit should be one of the first things you put together. Items such as jumper cables, a flashlight, a toolkit, and a spare tire are essential year-round. For the hotter months, however, you should also have some specific items, such as electrolyte tablets and sunscreen.

Knowing what to put in your road trip emergency kit will help you be prepared the next time you head out for an adventure.

Why You Need an Emergency Kit

One of the best ways to make the most of your road trip is to be as prepared as possible. Knowing where you are going and planning for things like pit stops and fuel-ups is important, but it’s even more crucial that you expect the unexpected. Even if your vehicle is in great shape and you have been good about maintenance, you never know what issues might arise out on the road. An emergency kit will ensure that no matter what happens, you can get the help you need.

An emergency kit should include things like jumper cables and tools, which can help you fix your vehicle if it breaks down. It should also include things that will keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of an emergency. If you have rations of water and snacks available, you can stay safe and healthy, even if you end up stranded for an extended period. Having this kind of peace of mind will allow you to fully enjoy your road trip and make some lasting memories instead of worrying.

What to Include in Your DIY Emergency Kit

When putting together DIY emergency supplies, there are some staples that you will need, no matter what time of year it is. Some extra items should also be included to account for hot weather and sunshine, so you can stay safe in an emergency. While your specific needs will be different from someone else’s and you can tailor your emergency kit to those needs, knowing some of the most basic items will help you get started.

Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are a staple of any car emergency kit, no matter what time of year it is. Dead batteries can happen for all kinds of reasons, and the last thing you want is to be stranded at a rest stop with no way to get a jump.

Flashlight

A flashlight is one of the most important items to have in an emergency. With a quality flashlight, you can not only see what you are doing in the dark, but you can also signal other drivers if need be. A large flashlight with extra batteries will give you peace of mind when the sun goes down.

Toolkit

Every driver should have a toolkit in their car with some basic necessities. Things like a socket set, screwdriver, wrenches that fit the nuts and bolts on your car, duct tape, pliers, and a torque wrench will help you get out of some seriously rough situations in the event of a breakdown on the road.

First Aid Kit

First aid kits are essential for any driver who is taking off for a longer road trip. Stock your first aid kit with bandages, gauze, small scissors, burn creams, antibiotic ointments, and other items that can help you deliver first aid quickly and easily. You never know when an injury might occur, and a good first aid kit could be the difference between a small issue and a big one.

Spare Tire and Jack

A flat tire can be devastating for your road trip, but if you have a spare, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded. A quality spare tire and a jack can help you get your car to the nearest shop for a replacement. Before you head out, though, make sure you know how to use the jack safely and how to properly change a tire so you don’t end up with more problems further down the road. Road flares or safety cones can also be helpful to set up on the side of the road to signal to other drivers that your vehicle needs extra space on the shoulder.

Cell Phone Power Bank

These days, help is just a phone call or a click away when an emergency arises. If your phone is dead, though, it is going to be a lot harder to call for a tow truck or an ambulance. A cell phone charger and a power bank will ensure that you can keep your phone charged, even if your car battery is dead.

Water and Snacks

In the summer and fall, you burn a lot more calories and lose a lot more water than you do in other, milder times of the year. Your emergency preparedness kit should have things like non-perishable food such as energy bars, vitamins, and at least a gallon of water per person. This way, no matter how long you are stranded, you will have the supplies you need.

Electrolyte Tablets

When you sweat, you end up losing a lot of salt through your pores, which can lead to a loss of electrolytes. Drinking a lot of water can also reduce your electrolyte levels, so tablets should be a part of your emergency kit. Even if you end up being stuck on the side of the road on a hot day, you can be sure your energy levels will be where they need to be.

Miscellaneous Seasonal Items

Sun protection is important at all times, but especially in an emergency situation on a summer road trip. If your vehicle breaks down, it might be difficult to get yourself out of the sun. Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF will ensure that you stay safe and that your skin is protected, no matter how long you need to wait for a tow truck or other emergency services to show up.

If your car breaks down, the chances are good that the AC will not be working. A small, battery-powered fan can make a big difference when your air conditioning fails. Even a hot breeze is better than no breeze, especially in a survival situation.

In addition to a battery-powered fan, a misting spray bottle is a great way to stay cool when you don’t have access to the AC in your car. While you don’t want to use up too much of your emergency water, it could be well worth it to keep your body temperature as low as possible while you wait for help to arrive. Alternatively, if the weather is cold during the fall or winter, make sure you have a sleeping bag or emergency blanket to keep warm.

How Endurance Keeps You Safe on the Road

While an emergency on the road is going to be stressful no matter what, a vehicle protection plan is one of the best ways to reduce that stress level and get a little more confidence on your road trip. Endurance provides vehicle service contracts, commonly called extended warranties, that include comprehensive coverage so you can get your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. With an Endurance plan, you don’t have to worry about spending your entire vacation budget on an automotive repair.

On top of excellent coverage, Endurance plans also come with a suite of standard benefits that will help keep you safe on the road. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. You can also enjoy a free year of Endurance’s Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and more.* With these extra perks on your side, you can get help when you need it most.

Protect Yourself and Your Car With Endurance

Whether you are planning on heading out for a long road trip across the country or you simply want to be prepared for anything, an emergency kit in your car is essential. With that, as well as a vehicle protection plan from Endurance, you can be sure that no matter what happens, you can get help and get your car repaired. Endurance has plans for everything from older high-mileage vehicles to top-notch luxury and exotic cars and will even cover vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title, and cars used for rideshare or delivery.

If you want the protection you need this summer, fall, and beyond, get in touch with our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations when you shop online.

For more auto expert resources, check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, and much more.