Travel Items You Should Always Have

In our previous post, we gave readers the choice, drive or fly to their final destination across the country. If you chose to drive, we’re beyond excited for you! To prepare you for your drive, we gave you plenty of tips, but what about your car itself? If your Toyota is packed the the brim with essentials, such as food, water, clothes and your furry friend, it’s time to make room for safety items. You should always have plenty of safety items in your trunk for when an emergency strikes. The Toyota repair experts know you’re excited, and we’re excited for you, but safety is key to making it to your final destination.

15 Items to Carry in Your Trunk No Matter Where You Go

1. Jumper cables. Just in case your Toyota runs out of juice, your jumper cables and a good samaritan will come in handy. Plus, dead batteries are unfortunately a fact of life.
2. A first aid kit. First aid kits are important, you never know when you’ll run into an emergency, get a paper cut or need a pair of bandage scissors.
3. Kitty litter. Although it’s not winter here in Denver, if you decide to drive up to British Columbia where there is still snow on the ground, kitty litter could help you regain traction.
4. Slime and/or a spare tire. Spare tires and/or slime is crucial to have in your trunk. Driving long distances means you’ll cover plenty of ground. Nails are inevitable and sometimes a flat tire can happen. Be prepared by having slime and a spare tire, but also know how to use it. If you don’t, YouTube can come in handy.
5. Jack and lug wrench. You won’t be able to get very far if you don’t have a jack or lug wrench handy. Make sure you’re trunk is equipped with both so you can be well on your way if you get a flat tire.
6. Air pump. A spare jack is great, but if you have slim, you must have a way to pump air back into the tire. A portable air pump is easy and small enough to carry in your trunk.
7. Tire pressure gauge. In order to make sure the tires have sufficient air, you must always carry a tire pressure gauge. They’re so small you can keep one in your glove box!
8. A multi tool that is durable. Although you may never use it, a durable multi tool can be very effective. Keep it close just in case you need to cut your seatbelt or break a window. These tools are definitely a must have.
9. Hazard flares/triangles. Again, if you have a flat tire and you’re on the side of the road, it’s important you stay as safe as you can. Setting up flares at night and/or triangles during the day are perfect to let cars know you’re there.
10. Safety vest. Although this may sound and look a little cheesy, a safety vest can end up saving your life during the sunniest of days and the darkest of nights. You’ll want to be as visible as you can in case you are stuck on the side of the road.
11. Blanket. A blanket can keep you comfortable if you get stranded or if you’re cold on your long drive. Plus, if you decide to pull over and take a little tiger snooze, you’ll be more comfortable with a blanket. You may even want to pack a travel pillow!
12. Small fire extinguisher. You never know when you’ll use a fire extinguisher, but it could happen on your road trip. Depending on where you’re going, your brakes could go up in flames or you could pull up on a car that is in dire need of a fire extinguisher. Stay prepared by packing one in your trunk.
13. Tow strap. Depending on the Toyota you drive, you may be doing the towing, or you could be the one towed. Either way, pack a heavy duty tow strap in your trunk for you or anyone you could help.
14. Duct tape. Duct tape comes in handy anywhere you are. Duct tape is the tool that can fix nearly anything temporarily.
15. Flashlight with batteries. If your car dies at night, how are you supposed to find all of your emergency items? With a flashlight of course! Without a flashlight, you’ll be as blind as a bat.

Contact Us for More Information!

For more Toyota safety tips, trust the repair specialists at Urban Autocare here of Denver and Lakewood — give us a call for more tips, information, and to schedule an appointment for car maintenance. We are excited and happy to answer any and all of your safety questions.