Summer months mean great weather, great adventures, oftentimes traveling further from the house than we normally would. As we wander away from the safe-havens of our homes, driveways, and garages, it’s important to be prepared to tackle any reasonable physical or mechanical issues that come our way. Being ready for both involves having a good tool kit, some food and water, and a great playlist for windows-down driving.

If you take care of your vehicle, fixing issues as they arise, there’s probably a pretty low chance you run into any mechanical hiccups; but anything is possible, so it’s helpful to keep some extra things in the trunk to circumvent any problems that may pop up. Having a few spare fluids on hand is helpful, as things like anti-freeze/coolant and engine oil can be a quick and easy short-term fix if your vehicle’s cooling system or engine start to react strangely in the heat of the summer. It’s great to be able to pull off to a safe location on the side of the road, top off low fluids, and be back on your way until you’re able to have a more thorough look at the problem.

Other things to keep for your vehicle include the more obvious things like a matching size spare tire (your 31” spare won’t help you if your 35” tire goes flat!), a jack, and lug wrench that fits your wheel nuts. Important electrical items to have on hand include a 12v phone charger, spare fuses, and jumper cables, the latter of which will be very useful if your vehicle dies and a passing motorist stops to offer help. While we live in the age of services like AAA, it’s important to have basic safety measures and tools to get yourself going again under your own power. 

We know that keeping the vehicle going may not always be easiest, but keeping yourself and your family in good spirits will go a long way during a minor breakdown or interruption in your adventures. Having cash in your wallet or purse can be helpful, but a well-stocked first aid kit, snacks, and a gallon or two of water are often overlooked items that can make or break a situation when there aren’t always resources nearby.

Take some time and a little bit of money to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the unexpected. Summer months mean longer days and warmer weather… Make use of it by getting out there and seeing the country, your surrounding states, and even your local unexplored areas with friends, family, or solo!

Summer Adventure Essentials Checklist:

• Spare Tire
• Lug Wrench
• Jack Stand
• Basic Vehicle Fluids
• Jumper Cables
• Fuses
• Phone Charger
• First Aid Kit
• Water
• Snacks
• Cash

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