Essential Vehicle Accessories For Your Summer Travels

You’ve got the cargo carrier locked down on roof rails. Camping gear neatly stowed. Pillows, blankets, games and snacks have been placed within arm’s reach.

What about summer accessories that can make road travel safer and more enjoyable when you’re far from home?

We’ve got a dozen tips for all summer travelers. The following items can make your adventure safer and more enjoyable:

1. Summer floor mats. They also may be considered a driving safety feature. Rubberized, all-season mats with an anti-skid pattern on the underside helps keep them in place. Mats should also have deep grooves to trap water and dirt in channels. All vehicle models have a unique footwell. Ask for mats designed to fit your specific vehicle.
2. Heavy-Duty Cargo Liners. Cargo liners are perfect for carrying soggy gear. Similar to floor mats, cargo liners are designed for specific makes and models.
3. Windshield cover. Drape it over your windshield before while camping or if your vehicle spends the night under a tree. It’ll keep your windshield perfectly clean. They’re easy to install, with no tools required. Some secure in place by closing its side panels in your doors and attaching the elastic bands to your car's side mirrors.
4. Portable power station. They provide AC power while on the road. There are a wide range of choices including units for under $100. Usually, they come with USB ports and AC ports suitable for laptop plugs.
5. Roadside reflector signs. These are necessary when you need to pull onto the shoulder of the road. Reflector signs warn oncoming traffic of your car and are especially helpful to earn oncoming traffic after dark.
6. Reflective vest. Use it whenever you have a roadway emergency that takes you out of the vehicle. Some vests have wide bands of reflective tape or material along the waist, shoulders and chest.
7. Pair of waterproof coveralls. Stay dry and warm if you need to change out a tire, make vehicle cargo adjustments during a summer storm or handle other roadside emergencies.
8. Pair of gloves. Keep your hands and fingers protected during roadside emergencies and inclement weather.
9. Battery jumper cables. Give your vehicle battery a jump charge or help out when someone else’s vehicle needs a start.
10. LED flashlights. They work well for nighttime emergencies or at the campsite when rooting around in the dark. LED flashlights burn brighter, use less battery power and last longer than traditional bulbs. Bring along extra batteries for the road trip.
11. Roadside safety kit. Keep a list of essential items to keep your family safe. A roadside kit is easy to get but also easy to forget: Ask for a pre-made kit at your vehicle service center.
12. Flares for accidents. Some flares burn for a half-hour, others, 5 minutes. Look at how long the flare will burn when buying. Use them whenever you have an emergency and need to warn other drivers of your presence.