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Essential Accessories For a Summer Road Trip

By Shruti Mehra

Published: May 30, 2025Updated: May 30, 2025

Top Car Accessories for a Safe & Comfortable Summer Adventure

Hello, road trippers! All set for your much-awaited summer road trip? I’m sure you’d agree that after surviving a wild winter in the country, there’s no better reward than the summer sun and open roads. Whether you’re planning to escape to the mountains or a coast-to-coast adventure, the vibe of hitting the road on a summer day is absolutely magical. I remember when my siblings and I would start planning for our yearly summer trip the minute winter began to fade away. We’d take turns uploading our favourite songs to a USB, argue over which snacks to pack and look forward to the adventure ahead. However, as I grew up, things changed slightly. The love for road trips still stayed the same, but now, as a responsible adult, my trip planning goes beyond just deciding on snacks and music to include, but now all the more accessories I need to stay safe, comfortable, and stress-free on my trip (yes, sometimes adulting isn’t just all music and snacks!). Honestly, as much as I hate taking on all of that travelling responsibility, I also know I absolutely don’t want to get a flat tire and end up stuck in the middle of nowhere. As I always do, I’m sharing my list of essential accessories with you for a safe and relaxing summer road trip. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s pack them together and get ready for your most long-awaited road adventure!

Top-Rated Family-Friendly SUVs in Canada

Must-Have Accessories on a Road Trip

Safety Always Comes First

No surprise, safety always comes first, no matter whether you’re on or off the road. No one can predict what may come your way on the road, so it’s better to be prepared to remain safe with things like:

A first-aid kit: Bring your everyday medicines, including an extra pack of Tylenol/Advil, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, pain relievers, and other essentials.

An emergency kit: This includes all essential items, such as jumper cables, USB cables, basic tools, flashlights, a tire repair kit, and glow sticks.

Tire pressure gauge and portable inflator: They’re perfect to have with you on a road trip to monitor tire pressure, as well as inflate, where needed.

Comfort Follows Safety

Now that you know you’ll be safe on the road, ensure you’re also super comfortable with:

Window and windshield sun shades: Soaking up the sun is fun, but too much sunlight can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, so always carry sun protectors or window and windshield sun shades to limit direct sunlight exposure.

Travel mugs and spill-proof bottles: To avoid spilling your coffee and other drinks, be sure to carry spill-proof mugs and bottles. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t forget to pack some disposable plates and bowls.

Seat cushions or lumbar support: Chances are, your car seats are not the plushest, or may cause fatigue after a point, so take along some extra comfort, like extra seat cushions for better lumbar support.

On-The-Go Navigation and Tech Support

Who wouldn’t want extra support on the way? This is why you must have:

Phone mount: To many, it may feel unimportant, but I’ve tried and tested it; having a phone mount is a blessing. It enables you to concentrate on the road while also giving you hands-free access to calling and directions via voice command.

Portable charger and power bank: Many new models, including the 2025 Buick Encore GX, 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax, come with a wireless charging pad, but if you’re driving an older one, do carry a portable charger and a power bank to keep up with your phone’s battery life.

Portable mobile hotspot: In locations with a patchy signal or network, a portable mobile hotspot can keep you connected to the outside world.

Car Add-Ons

For added convenience, space and safety, do get these additional accessories for your road trip:

Bike rack or mount: If your road trip includes cycling, then don’t forget to install a sturdy bike rack.

Roof rack or box: Travelling with your family and need more space? Install a roof rack or a roof box to resolve this problem instantly.

Floor mats and seat covers: Part of a road trip is also to enjoy your favourite snacks and the fresh air by rolling down the window, but your car doesn’t love this experience. To avoid messing up the seats and floors with snacks, dust, and spills, consider investing in good-quality floor mats and seat covers for your car.

Upgrade Your Ride with Cars.ca

Summer road trips are best enjoyed with friends and family, so if you’re planning one but can’t fit everyone in your sedan, consider upgrading to a family-friendly SUV or minivan. If you’re having some budget constraints or don’t know where to start your search, well, Cars.ca has got you covered! We’re an ad-free marketplace, offering a plethora of new and used vehicle listings from top dealerships across the country on exclusive deals. Whether you’re looking for a big SUV or a chic convertible, we have something for everyone. So, browse our site to find your perfect summer ride in just a few clicks!

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