Essentials: The Items You Should Keep in Your Car

Life can change in an instant. In fact, it takes many unexpected twists and turns, especially on the road. Being prepared for a road-side emergency however, can turn a seemingly bad position around. So what do you keep in your car to make sure you are safe?

Car Repair & Maintenance 

Spare Tire:

I can't even tell you how many times I've had to change a flat tire. In the event that it happens to you, make sure that you have a spare (in good condition) along with a tire jack and tire iron. 

Tire Inflater and Sealer 

A simple sealer can be used until you are able to replace or fix the tire. 

Jumper Cables

There is nothing worse then a dead battery and not being able to start your car. Like flat tires, dead batteries can seriously put a damper on your day. 

If you don't have jumper cables, you can also store a Mighty Jump in your glove box. The Mighty Jump is an emergency jump-starter that allows you to jump-start a vehicle without leaving the driver's seat. When the Mighty Jump is plugged into the dashboard cigarette lighter it transfers power from itself to the car battery, using the internal wiring of the vehicle. It takes only 10 minutes to charge a car battery enough to start the engine.

Your Car's Manual

Believe me, your car's manual can come in handy when lights start popping up on your dash. There are certain warnings that you should not ignore!

Tire pressure gauge:

Accoding to Lifehacker.com, "checking tire pressure on a regular basis can improve handling, increase fuel economy, promote tire longevity, and even save lives. 

Car Repair Information

In the event that your car breaks down beyond repair, it is wise to have AAA information handy! 

Safety Supplies

First Aid Kit

You never know when you will need it. 

Flashlight/or Lantern

Don't find yourself in the dark during an emergency. Our Portable Search Lights banish shadows with a few minutes cranking of the handle so there is no power source needed. 

Multi-tool

Matches or other fire starter

In the event that you get stranded on the side of the road, having matches or a fire starter handy will help keep you warm until help arrives. 

Energy Bars or MREs

Again, if you are stranded, you will need a source of energy and food to keep you going. 

Weather Radio

We suggest the Dynamo Crank Weather Band Radio Flashlight. This unique flashlight/radio never needs batteries. It features the latest in batteryless hand cranking flashlights and is extremely useful should crisis arise.

Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker

Flares or Reflective Triangles

In case of breakdown, flares will notify other drivers you are in distress. 

Maps

If your Smartphone dies or if you don't have access to a GPS, a map will help you find your way to your destination. 

Sources: 30 Essential Things You Should Keep in Your Car

For more information on Viatek Products, please visit: www.viatekproducts.com 

Ten Tips to Help You Prepare for a Road Trip

The end of summer is near and the kids will be heading to school soon enough. But if you are planning one last road trip with the family here are ten tips that will help you stay safe on the road. 

1. Plan your route well in advance and obtain necessary maps, or use a GPS system for your vehicle. 

It's probably not the best idea to hop in the car without any sort of plan. Especially when you are traveling in unknown areas. If you have AAA, they offer "Trip Picks", which include maps, a travel book, and your highlighted route. If you don't have AAA, but are traveling with someone who does, you can ask them to obtain this information for you. For any long trips you plan on taking, a GPS is probably your best bet.

2. Prepare your vehicle for the trip
It is important to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. Make sure you check fluid levels, change the oil, and check tire pressure. Emergency equipment such as jumper cables and flares are especially important to keep handy in the back of your vehicle.

We suggest: Mighty Jump Emergency Jump Starter:
The Mighty Jump is an emergency jump-starter that allows you to jump-start a vehicle without leaving the driver's seat. When the Mighty Jump is plugged into the dashboard cigarette lighter, it transfers power from itself to the car battery using the internal wiring of the vehicle.

Additional Features of the Mighty Jump: 

• Small enough to store almost anywhere
• No more confusing jumper cables that rely on a jump-start from an other car
• Charges car battery when adapter is plugged into a standard car cigarette lighter
• Takes only ten minutes to charge a car battery enough to start the engine.
• Multiple uses 

3. Plan carefully what  you will take with you

How many people are going with you? How much space do you have in your vehicle? These are important questions to ask yourself! You don't want to be crammed and uncomfortable throughout the duration of your trip. 

4. Plan your stops along the way:

While you can't control everything about your trip, especially unexpected restroom stops, it is a good idea to plan for food, drink, and restroom breaks. Breaks to visit certain destinations are also encouraged! Don't forget to have fun! 

5. Have a passenger confirm hotel reservations or other lodging plans as you are traveling:

Nothing is worse than arriving at a hotel and discovering a problem with your room especially if you are tired and in need of desperate sleep! It is also good to have at least one other adult passenger so if need be, they can go ahead and make hotel reservations, or navigate if you become lost. 

6. Provide people who are staying at home with your itinerary and ensure that they have your cell phone number.

God forbid something happens on the road, make sure that at least one person knows your itinerary and destination. Make sure to carry your cell phone and bring a cell phone charger that can be plugged into your car should you have an emergency. 

7. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, especially if you are traveling with small children. 

Save time and money by bringing a small cooler with refreshments and snacks. 

8. Clean out the vehicle each evening once you arrive at your hotel or destination. 

Take a few moments each night to clean out your car. Over the course of the day you might have accumulated snack wrappers, empty drink bottles, or fast food bags. 

9. Use your traveling time to confirm your itinerary and play games.

Play games to cure those inevitable boredom blues. 

10. Take turns driving. 

This is another reason why it is important to bring another adult with you. Long periods of driving can become tiresome! Change it up! 

Source: Ten Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip