Lots of things make road trips more fun. Portable games, snacks and good company come to mind. Then there are those necessities that should not be overlooked – especially in summer. While some supplies will depend on where you’re headed, five must-haves can be a lifesaver on the road.

1. Safe, Non-Plastic Water Bottles

With so many options on the market, it’s much easier to avoid cheap, plastic water containers. Plastic water bottles left in the heat have been shown to leach chemicals into the water. The hotter it is, the worse the problem gets.

Stainless steel bottles and non-toxic containers don’t pose the same risks. What’s important is that you trust the product to withstand the temperatures wherever you are headed. Find the variety that you prefer, like a thermos that will keep your water cool for longer and can be refilled on the road.

2. Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank)

Many of us take for granted how easy it is to recharge our phones – until they stop working in a far-off rural area with no way to recharge. If your car breaks down or you get lost in an area without cell service, you will be relieved to have a fully charged phone to call for help as well as to help you navigate your way out.

Consider choosing a high-capacity (10,000mAh or more) model that can handle extreme temperatures and charge a smartphone multiple times. As with other plastic items, it should be stored out of direct sunlight – like in the glove compartment or center console – to prevent overheating or battery damage.

3. Coolant/Antifreeze, Funnel and Extra Water

Savvy travelers often keep a jug of water in the trunk, as well. If the radiator overheats, dousing it with water may cool it down. However, it helps to be familiar with this issue to address it properly. If you are low on coolant (a.k.a. antifreeze), water won’t fix the problem. Extra coolant and a funnel will help you replenish it and protect your engine from damage.

Be sure any fluids you take on the road are suitable for your vehicle. A trusted mechanic can let you know what else to bring before heading out for long periods in high temperatures.

4. Sun Protection Kit (Hat, Sunscreen, and Sunglasses)

It’s easy to forget about the need for sun protection from inside a car. But UV exposure can still be a risk on long drives, especially through windows that don’t block all UV rays. Without sunblock and a comfortable pair of shades, skin damage and eye strain can build up after hours of driving.

Don’t forget wide-brimmed hats and your favorite SPF lip balm! As for sun block, consider more than one type: such as broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen for drives, and SPF 50 or higher for hikes and pit stops. Keeping these items in a small pouch in a shaded part of the car will keep them cooler, as well.

5. Spare Tire & Tool Kit or Tire Repair Kit

A flat tire is one of the most common roadside issues during drives on overheated pavement. No one wants to be left stranded in an unfamiliar area, and not every car comes with a spare tire anymore.

If you know how to change a tire, maybe the spare and toolset are all you need. A repair kit lets you patch and re-inflate the tire enough to reach a service station. Having both options isn’t a bad idea, as long as someone in the vehicle knows how to use them. Look for a kit that includes plug tools and tire sealant or a compressor with built-in sealant. Find out if you’ll need a power source, like your 12V car outlet, and make sure your spare is still inflated.

Comprehensive Auto Coverage from AMIGO Insurance

Before you leave, be sure you have comprehensive auto insurance that covers all the bases. Talk to an agent at Amigo about your situation so you get the most appropriate and economical package.

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There are various effective ways to lower the cost of car ownership, some of which might get lost in the weeds if you’re too focused on a single approach. At-home workers in places like Chicago who drive minimally may need to make different changes to lower their costs than someone who’s job takes them on the road.

Are there strategies you haven’t explored recently?

1. Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums

One of the easiest ways to cut down your car costs is to shop around for cheaper car insurance. Overall rates dipped recently, and the cost can vary significantly between insurers, so don’t just auto-renew every year. Get quotes from at least three companies, including multiple estimates per company based on these variables:

1. Raising your deductible while making sure you can cover the difference in case of an accident
2. Bundling policies like home and auto or other discounts
3. Lower rates for safe drivers, students with good grades, or those who take defensive driving courses

To clarify your options, ask the insurance provider what changes you can make that will reduce the company’s risk or demonstrate that you’re a responsible driver, and reward you with better rates.

2. Drive for Optimal Fuel Efficiency

Gas adds up fast, but small changes in driving habits and maintenance can make a noticeable difference. Anything that reduces the strain on your engine should make the vehicle operate more efficiently, causing your car to use less fuel and your gas dollars go further.

• Keep your tires properly inflated, since underinflated ones can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%.
• Drive smoothly, avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking, and use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speed.
• Remove excess weight from your car, like unused roof racks or heavy gear in the trunk.

3. Consider Refinancing Your Auto Loan

If your credit score has improved or interest rates have dropped since you bought your car, refinancing your auto loan could save you a lot of money. By switching to a new loan with a lower interest rate, you should be able to cut your monthly payments and reduce the total amount you pay over time, since less interest will accumulate over the life of the loan. Even shaving off 1-2% could translate into hundreds of dollars saved. Just check for any prepayment penalties on your current loan before making the switch.

4. Address Other Wasteful Driving Habits

If you already have the best loan and insurance rates and fuel-efficient habits, the next best solution may be simply to drive less, at least for now. Is it necessary to drive to run all of your errands? Try combining tasks so you’re making fewer trips in your vehicle. If you commute every day, choose one day a week to use public transportation. If you have been carting the kids around to all their extracurriculars, see if they can carpool with their friends or go by other means.

Other tactics worth trying:

• Focus on safety to avoid accidents and limit wear and tear on your vehicle.
• Avoid going over 60 mph, at which point AAA says most vehicle’s fuel efficiency peaks.
• Lease a cheaper, less flashy vehicle if you habitually lease costly models.
• Trade in your gas guzzler for a smaller, less expensive ride.

5. Do Maintenance and Repairs in a Cost-Effective Manner

Preventative maintenance might feel like a chore, but it’s a major money-saver in the long run. Stick to your car’s service schedule for things like oil changes, brake checks, and fluid replacements. Catching problems early helps avoid big, expensive breakdowns. Perhaps you could learn to do simple fixes yourself – like changing the air filters, wiper blades, or spark plugs.

When repairs do come up, always get a second quote. Being proactive keeps your car in good shape longer, which means fewer costly surprises and a better resale value down the line.

Get a Free Quote from AMIGO Insurance to Lower Your Auto Rates

At Amigo, we know that the cost to fix or replace a vehicle can add up quickly. That’s why we help drivers access low-cost auto insurance that can still protect them financially.

Get a FREE QUOTE today and find out how much you could be saving ASAP!