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What Do I Need For a Roadside Emergency?

Useful road-trip emergency gear varies depending on the time of year and the place you're visiting, but there are a few good tips to stay road-trip-ready. Along with your luggage and other road trip gear, have one or two battery-powered flashlights within easy reach and, ideally, a flashlight headlamp, too. Make sure you carry some extra food and water inside the car itself, as a car trunk may not fully protect it from the elements.

Jumper cables are a good idea, both to help you get a jumpstart if you happen to need one and as a tool to help others on the road. Road flares will help you stay visible at night or in inclement weather. You can also keep spare batteries for all items that need them, such as your car's key fob and flashlights. If your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle doesn't have a charging station for your phone, purchasing one is fairly affordable, along with a portable USB power supply.

Old, worn-out clothes suitable for roadside maintenance, a rain poncho, and thick work gloves are all good things to pack in your car, along with cleaning rags and extra clean clothes. Remember that your chance of ever needing to perform roadside maintenance is much lower if you book the occasional service appointment at a top-rated dealership, such as Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Georgetown.

Should You Rent a Car For a Road Trip?

There's no real reason not to take your own vehicle on a pre-planned road trip, especially if it's suitable for the journey and you've crossed off everything on the above checklist. If not, you may want to think about getting a rental automobile for your road trip. The advantage of renting a car is that they are typically newer cars with more advanced safety, performance, and entertainment features.

Renting a new car can be refreshing, but it does cost more than taking your own vehicle. Using your own car will also give you the satisfaction of using your well-maintained vehicle for what it does best. Or perhaps your vehicle wasn't designed to handle the terrain or weather you’ll likely encounter on the trip. If you’ll be off-roading or driving on snowy mountain roads, renting a vehicle might be the better move.

If you do decide to go with a rental, try to find an agreement with a high trip mileage limit or no limit at all. Going through a company that hires out older vehicles can be worthwhile because you might be able to negotiate a lower price, though you should make sure you're still getting a vehicle with the necessary space and capability for the trip.

Get Road Trip Ready at Our Service Center

Now you know every task to check off before leaving, why not save time and have an expert mechanic service your vehicle? For everything described in our road trip checklist, Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Georgetown is prepared to serve you faster and at a better price.