As we approach the festive season, many families are planning to take a road trip. As you travel, it is vital that you have these road trip essentials in your car.
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Water
Always carry plenty of water when on a road trip, especially when travelling to dry areas. You need to stay hydrated at all times and you may need to refill your carburettor in the event it overheats. Keep a case of bottled water in the boot and in the glove compartment.
2. Multipurpose Tool
Having a swiss army knife is vital during a road trip as something can come up and you may need a versatile tool to get you through.
3.Warning Devices
Anything from a mechanical breakdown to a traffic accident can render your car inoperable and create a dangerous situation for you and other drivers. Most Japanese cars do come with an emergency flare standard, which you may use when in distress.
4.First Aid Kit
Whether you’re driving around town or across the country, it’s always a good idea to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your car. Make sure your first aid kit includes mosquito repellent and petroleum jelly. If a family member or pet needs prescription medicine, pack at least one day’s worth.
5.High Visibility Jacket
Always have a high visibility reflective jacket/vest, which will come in to play at night. It will make you visible to oncoming traffic in case you have a puncture or your car breaks down.
6.Umbrella
If your car breaks down and the air conditioning stops working, it won’t take long before your vehicle becomes stuffy or even dangerously hot. A pop-up umbrella is an affordable, effective way to help your family keep cool outside of the vehicle.
It could also start raining and you have to fix something outside your car, you may need an umbrella to operate in the rain.
7. Portable Cellphone Charger
Travellers rely on their cellphones for everything from directions to restaurant recommendations. A cellphone is also a necessity if you need to call the police or emergency services.
Keep a portable cellphone battery charger at hand in case your phone dies and you need to call for backup during the road trip.
8.Spare Tyre
A flat tyre will derail even the best-planned road trip. Make sure to carry a spare tire and a car jack that is in good condition. You’ll also need to pack a can of lubricant like WD-40 to help loosen stuck wheel locknuts.
If you’re planning a long road trip, it’s a good idea to subscribe to a roadside assistance service like AA or Infama, who have assistance trucks situated strategically across the major road networks in Kenya.
9. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher in your vehicle can help prevent fires from spreading and becoming unmanageable. Ensure the fire extinguisher is rated for Class B and Class C fires by the Kenya Bureau of Standards and keep it strapped down in the boot of your vehicle when not in use.
10. Portable Car Battery Charger
A dead car battery is a simple fix, but it isn’t quick when you don’t have jumper cables. Portable battery jumpstart charger is a great alternative to traditional jumper cables because they don’t require you to use another vehicle’s battery.
Portable chargers are small, powerful and affordable. Some even come with accessories like USB ports so you can charge your mobile devices.