Summer Essentials for your Car

Before setting off on your next much-anticipated staycation or road trip you have been planning, make sure to consider having the following summer essentials handy in your car. These items will not only enhance your comfort and convenience in warmer weather but will also play a vital role in ensuring your safety and the smooth running of your trip. 

First-Aid kit – A well-stocked first-aid kit will come in handy for your next staycation in the event of any minor mishaps. The summer months provide the perfect opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors. With that, trips and bumps are inevitable, so keep a first-aid kit in your car equipped with plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, eye drops, hand sanitiser and bite cream. 

Water & snacks – On long journeys or day trips out, having some bottled water and non-perishable snacks to hand will help to keep everyone happy. If you’re making a day of it and want to bring a picnic, consider taking a cool box with enough food and drinks to feed the whole family. 

Car breakdown kit – In case of a breakdown or emergency, it’s crucial to make sure that you, your passengers and your vehicle are visible to other road users. A car breakdown kit including hi-vis vests, a warning triangle, high-grip gloves, a tow rope and a torch with spare batteries will help to keep you safe on the roadside. If you return to your vehicle to find a flat tyre, an emergency tyre repair kit and a portable tyre inflator could help to get you back on the road and reach a garage safely for further assistance. 

Before undertaking any long journeys, it is vital to thoroughly check your tyres for any signs of damage or uneven wear and ensure that they are inflated as per your vehicle’s handbook. 

Summer accessories – It may seem obvious, but hats and sunglasses will help protect you and your passengers from the sun’s glare both inside and outside the vehicle when taking a break. It’s also worth keeping a bottle of suncream close to hand – in the event of heavy traffic or a breakdown under the afternoon sun, you will be glad you did. 

Phone accessories – Staying connected is part of everyday life. Ensure you have a reliable phone charger or a portable battery pack, especially during long trips. A phone mount also provides a safe and convenient way to use your phone for navigation while on the move. 

Road map – While GPS navigation is the norm nowadays, a paper road map can be a valuable backup to keep in your car if you are in areas with poor mobile network coverage or if your electronic devices fail.

Spare clothes – No matter how glorious the weather is when you set off and how optimistic the forecast is, the great British weather can change its mind in an instant, so it pays to be prepared with an extra set of clothes. Don’t leave home without waterproof jackets, extra midlayers and boots. If it is gloriously hot outside, take a moment to consider your footwear choices for the day, as flip flops and backless sandals can be particularly dangerous to drive in – consider wearing trainers and changing your shoes once you reach your destination. 

Sunshades – Cars can become unbearably hot and stuffy when parked in direct sunlight, making for an uncomfortable drive. Sunshades are highly effective at keeping your car’s interior cooler and protecting it from excessive heat. Simply place them on the inside of your windscreen. 

Towels & blankets – Whether drying off the kids or the dog from a trip to the seaside or going for a wild swim, taking a couple of towels with you will ensure everyone is nice and dry before getting back in the car. Packing a blanket to enjoy a picnic is also a welcome addition, whether you’re heading to the beach, countryside or the park. 

Envoy’s passenger car tyre range will help you get to your staycation destination in comfort. For the longer journeys, the Tordera H/T provides superior handling and stability for SUVs, while the Aterna offers enhanced fuel efficiency so you can get more miles for your money. Both tyres also perform exceptionally in the wet, so even if the weather takes a turn on your journey, you can feel confident navigating the unpredictable conditions.

Stay updated with the latest Envoy news and articles on our news page, and explore the full Envoy Tyre Range to learn more.