Drivers around Duke Street and Alexandria’s West End know how quickly a simple drive can turn into a long one. Between traffic near Landmark, Van Dorn, I-395, I-495, and summer heat, your car can deal with a lot before you even leave town.
That is why a road trip emergency kit is worth keeping in your vehicle. It does not need to be big or complicated. A few basic items can help you handle small problems and stay more comfortable if you have to wait for help.
Start with jumper cables or a portable jump starter. A weak battery can fail on a hot day, especially if you have been making short trips or running the A/C often. Jumper cables can help if your car will not start. A portable jump starter is even better because it does not require another driver.
Keep bottled water in the car. Water is helpful for you and your passengers if you are stuck in traffic or waiting on a hot day. It can also be useful in some car emergencies, but be careful around a hot engine. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
Add a flashlight to your kit. If you have a flat tire, need to look under the hood, or have to find something in the trunk after dark, a flashlight helps a lot. Keep extra batteries with it so it does not become one more thing that fails when you need it.
A portable tire inflator is another useful item. Tire pressure can shift during hot weather, and long drives can make tire problems worse. If your tire pressure light comes on, an inflator can help you add air until you can get the tire inspected. A tire pressure gauge is small enough to keep in the glove box and helpful before any trip.
A first aid kit is simple but important. Bandages, wipes, gauze, gloves, and pain reliever can help with small cuts, scrapes, headaches, or minor injuries while you are away from home.
Phone chargers should be part of your kit too. Keep a charger in the car and consider carrying a backup power bank. If you need roadside help, directions, or a way to contact family, you do not want a dead phone.
Other helpful items include snacks, paper towels, hand sanitizer, gloves, a towel, a small blanket, a rain poncho, and reflective warning triangles. If you have to pull over during a storm or after dark, reflective triangles can help make your vehicle easier to see.
Before a longer drive, it is also smart to have the basics checked. Tires, brakes, fluids, battery, belts, hoses, lights, and air conditioning should all be ready for summer driving.
Before you leave Alexandria for your next summer trip, bring your car to Ben Nielsen’s Alexandria Auto Care West on Duke Street. Call (703) 823-1811 or book online and we’ll help make sure your vehicle is ready for the road.