Road Trip First Aid Kit
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerCarCare #CollectiveBias
It is no secret that our family loves to travel. We take cruises, long distance plane rides and camping trips. But our most common way to travel is by taking a road-trip. Whether we are going on a weekend road-trip or driving across several states, we enjoy loading up and setting off for vacation. When preparing for our road-trips it is important to not only get ourselves packed and ready, but also prep our vehicle. From vehicle maintenance to packing a road-trip first aid kit, we are sharing how we get ready to hit the road.
We just got back from our Spring Break trip and are already counting down the days to set off for another adventure this summer. Packing for a family trip can sometimes be overwhelming. While you are running around the house gathering clothes for everyone it is common to forget something. While you are rushing around to pack your overnight bags and make sure everything is done at your home before you leave, it is common to neglect your vehicle for lack of time.
Your vehicle needs maintenance even when there is no light on the dash to remind you.
Your vehicles air filter is the engine’s first line of defense. Don’t get overwhelmed thinking you have one more task added to your list of things to do before going on vacation! Checking your vehicle’s fluid levels and changing the air filter takes only minutes.
In the auto center at Walmart you can find the FRAM Extra Guard air filter that is right for your vehicle. They have a small electronic screen that you input your vehicle make, model and year. Then it will provide you with the number of the filter you need to purchase. Truly, it cannot be more simple.
A clean air filter improves airflow and prevents dirt and dust from entering and damaging the engine. This can increase acceleration, horsepower, and improve overall engine performance. When driving long distance this is very important.
FRAM recommends changing your air filter annually or every 12,000 miles. Always check your vehicle’s owner manual for reference on when you need to change your air filter.
Changing the air filter on my Nissan took us less than five minutes. The compartment was super easy to unlatch, open, remove old dirty filter, and slide new one in. Now we have a fresh air filter and my Pathfinder is ready to head off on it’s next trip!
Now that your vehicle has been taken care of, it is time to pack your Road Trip First Aid Kit.
How to Pack a Road Trip First Aid Kit
Packing a road-trip first aid kit is a little different than your home version. While you are at Walmart picking up your vehicle’s air filter, you can grab a First Aid Kit in the pharmacy section. However, there are several items that you should always add to it for a road-trip or even for running around town during the summer with your kids.
- Small Flash Light – especially if you plan to drive at night
- Hand Sanitizer
- Small Scissors
- Tweezers
- Disposable Gloves
- Triple Antibiotic + Pain Relief Ointment
- After Bite Ointment – have you ever been at a park and your child get stung by a bee? Must have!
- Bug Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Care
- Emergency Card
An emergency card is very important when traveling. It is a good idea to always keep one in your vehicle, especially when driving long distance. An emergency card is something you can hand write or print that provides paramedics with information on everyone in your vehicle. Things to list on your emergency card:
- Each person’s name
- DOB of every family member on road-trip (this way paramedics can easily identify them in case of emergency)
- Known allergies for each family member
- Special needs or medical conditions for anyone in the car
- Emergency contact numbers for a family member that is not traveling with you
You can keep this card in your console or on the dash. No one likes to think about having an emergency, but it is always a good idea to play it safe and be prepared.
Gather all of your supplies for the Road Trip First Aid Kit and pack them in a small tote bag or old lunch box. This size will fit perfectly under your front seat or in the trunk to carry with you at all times.
I love the tip about keeping an emergency card in the glove compartment! You are so right–we don’t want to think of things going wrong, but if it does, I’d like to know that an ambulance would know who we are and who everyone in the car is along with our emergency contact. Thanks for that tip!! #client