How to Get Your Car Ready for a Road Trip
Get your car ready for a road trip with a car emergency kit and car maintenance checklist. Make sure you have right coverage for car insurance before traveling.
by Dawn Klintworth
If you live or are traveling in an area where winter weather could turn snowy, icy or just plain cold, you need to prepare for winter driving hazards. Whether you’re going across town or across the country, having a well-stocked winter emergency car kit could save you from a roadside crisis. If your car breaks down or you become stranded in a snow drift, you need to be prepared to get help and stay safe until that roadside assistance arrives.
You can buy pre-made emergency kits or you could review our car emergency kit list and go to your local hardware, grocery or big-box store to select the car essentials to meet your needs. So, what are some items to include in your emergency car kit?
Think about the types of emergencies you could face to help you identify what you may need. You may have mechanical problems, a dead battery or a flat tire leaving you stranded on the side of the road. You could slide into a ditch or have an accident. You could have a medical emergency leaving you unable to drive. An emergency car kit could make all the difference.
Consider these items to get help:
Consider these additional car essentials to try to get yourself out of a jam:
Consider these items to keep yourself safe:
If you live in a rural area or are taking a longer trip, becoming stranded could be more of a concern. If help could be delayed or perhaps passing cars might not see you if you were in trouble, consider adding items to your emergency car kit to help people find you and keep you comfortable until they do.
Stocking a kit is not a once-and-done process. Check twice a year to make sure your emergency car essentials and tools are in good working order and are right for the season.
As winter approaches, take steps to keep your car in good working order. While it’s great to be prepared for a crisis, avoiding one all together is even better. Consider these car maintenance tips to get your car ready for the next time you hit the road.
Updated 12-13-22
Get your car ready for a road trip with a car emergency kit and car maintenance checklist. Make sure you have right coverage for car insurance before traveling.
There are six main types of car insurance coverage. Learn about what they cover, which auto insurance coverage you need, additional coverages and more.
Save money on car insurance by following the speed limit, keeping your credit score up, choosing your car carefully and making sure you get all the auto insurance discounts you qualify for.
Connect with your local rep or call us at 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879). Find out more about car insurance.
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