Motorist heading on a family road trip in the UK this summer are being offered tips on the best accessories to carry for a fuss free trip.
The experts at LeaseCar.uk have looked at the items Britons should have in their car to make long journeys bearable.
Among those making the list are essentials like carrying a first aid kit to having your own little bin in the car and air fresheners to mask unpleasant odours.
Other suggestions include carrying a bag of change for parking, investing in seat organisers and packing an umbrella in the boot for rainy days.
A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “Summer holidays this year are very likely to be UK based and making sure you have a well-equipped car for those, and day trips is a must.
“It’s all about the little things too which will make your journey pleasant like sunshades to avoid being blinded and scorched by hot rays, a box of tissues to clean up spillages and stain remover to banish nasty marks.
“And once you get to your destination, having change for the car park, a blanket to picnic on and a brolly to keep you dry during showers will make the day even more perfect.”
Here are LeaseCar.uk’s tips for essentials to carry in your car:
- Bin
It doesn’t take long for your car to look like a giant rubbish inside during a long road trip. So, take your own. You can get bins to attach around the headrest or armrest. Encourage passengers to put any rubbish straight in it, rather than throwing on the floor.
- Air freshener
Rather than picking up a car air freshener with your supermarket shop, try making your own. Simply add baking powder and your favourite essential oils to a jar, give it a good shake and poke some holes in the lid. It will fit perfectly in your cup holder.
- Stain remover
Someone will always spill something on the seats. Carry your own carpet spot remove and get rid to the stains straight away.
- Car hooks
Invest in some car hooks to hang up bags, coats and any other bits and pieces. It will leave you with more floor space.
- Pet hair removing brushes
If your dog’s coming on your road trip with you, invest in some brushes to remove pet hair. You won’t have to vacuum them out when you get home.
- Stick on shades
These are great for passengers sitting in the back of the car and will stop them being blinded and scorched by the sun.
- Car seat organiser
These are a must have if you have young children. You can fill them with drinks, snacks teddy bears and their favourite tech to keep them occupied during a long trip.
- Big blanket
Use it as a picnic rug during the summer, place on seats if the children get soaked in the sea or in the rain, and use to wrap up during the chilly months.
- First aid kit
An obvious one and always worth having the first aid essentials in the car should you need them.
- Umbrella
If you’re holidaying in the UK you will need wet weather gear. Always have a brolly in the boot for rainy days.
- Tissues
Carry a box of tissues to clean up any spillages quickly before they start to stain.
- Bag of change
Always handy to have a bag of coins in the car for unexpected car parking charges and any tolls.