Feeling nervous about driving in winter conditions? You’re not alone. Many drivers don’t realize standard tires can compromise family safety when snow and ice hit. Our guide will help you demystify winter tires, with a simple break down of the science of winter tires to practical installation tips.

We’ll help you understand how specialized tires can transform your winter driving experience, keeping your loved ones secure on challenging roads. Learn the difference between all-season and winter tires, discover money-saving strategies, and gain the confidence to safely navigate winter’s most treacherous conditions.

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Why Your Family Needs Winter Tires

If you’ve ever thought, “My all-season tires are good enough,” you might want to think again. Winter tires become crucial when temperatures drop below 7°C/45°F – even before the first snowfall.

All-season tires are like wearing sneakers in winter, while winter tires are like wearing snow boots.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Vehicles equipped with winter tires stop up to 40% shorter on icy roads compared to all-season tires. That’s the difference between a close call and a costly accident. For a family vehicle, this could mean having an extra 6-8 car lengths of stopping distance at highway speeds.

Budget-wise, while winter tires represent an upfront investment of $600-1,000, this cost spreads across several seasons. Plus, using winter tires extends the life of your all-season set, making the real cost lower than you might think.

Understanding Winter Tire Basics

Look for the snowflake symbol on winter tires – this is your assurance of genuine winter performance. This symbol means the tire meets specific winter traction requirements.

The tread pattern on winter tires isn’t just random. Those zig-zagging grooves and tiny slits (called sipes) work like hundreds of tiny snow claws. They grab onto snow and ice, giving you better traction when needed.

The rubber compound in winter tires stays flexible in cold weather. In contrast, all-season tires become hard and less grippy – imagine the difference between a soft rubber band and a stiff one. Which would grip better?

Common winter tire myths to forget:

• “I have AWD/4WD, so I don’t need winter tires” (False: AWD helps you go, but doesn’t help you stop)
• “I only need winter tires on my drive wheels” (False: all four wheels need winter tires for balanced handling)
• “I can wait until it snows to install them” (False: temperature matters more than snow)

Winter Tires vs. Snow Chains: Understanding Your Traction Options

Winter tires and snow chains serve similar purposes but are distinctly different tools for navigating challenging winter driving conditions. Winter tires are a permanent seasonal solution with specialized rubber compounds and flexible tread patterns that provide excellent traction in cold temperatures.

They’re engineered to perform consistently in snow, ice, and temperatures below 45°F, offering improved handling, shorter stopping distances, and better overall vehicle control throughout the winter season.

By contrast, snow chains are temporary traction devices that attach directly to your vehicle’s tires for emergencies or extreme conditions.

They’re typically used in areas with severe mountain driving, during unexpected snowstorms, or on roads requiring mandatory chain use. While chains provide immediate traction in extreme conditions, they’re not meant for prolonged use. They can damage road surfaces and your vehicle if driven at high speeds or on clear roads.

Find a complete list of chain laws by state here

In most winter driving scenarios, winter tires are the preferred and recommended. However, some mountain passes and alpine regions may legally require chains to be carried (even if winter tires are installed).

Ultimately, the best approach is to use winter tires as your primary winter driving solution and keep chains as an emergency backup for the most extreme conditions. Drivers in regions with consistent winter weather should prioritize a full set of winter tires. At the same time, those in areas with occasional severe conditions might benefit from having both options available.

Pressure Points:

Maintaining proper tire pressure becomes even more crucial during winter, as cold temperatures can significantly reduce air pressure in your tires.

Vehicle owners should develop a routine of checking tire pressure monthly and before any long trips, always measuring when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading. Keeping a reliable tire pressure gauge in the glove box makes this routine easy and convenient.

We use this compact tire pressure gauge for car tires and the kids’ bikes!

Storage Solutions:

Proper tire storage between seasons can extend the life of your investment. Use protective tire bags or covers to store your off-season tires in a cool, dry place. When storing, stack tires horizontally or hang them on designated tire racks, and always label each tire with its original vehicle position to maintain proper rotation.

Remember: Winter tires aren’t just another car expense – they’re an investment in your family’s safety. When you’re navigating that snowy road to the ski resort, you’ll be glad you made the switch.

Common Winter Tire Challenges and Solutions

Uneven Wear and Premature Degradation

Winter tires can experience faster wear if they are used during warmer months or not rotated properly. Drivers might notice unusual tread wear patterns that develop more quickly than with all-season tires. This typically occurs when winter tires are left on the vehicle during summer or when vehicles are not regularly maintained with proper rotation and alignment checks.

Ice and Snow Buildup in Tire Treads

You may encounter situations where snow and ice become compacted within the tire’s tread patterns, significantly reducing traction. This problem is most prevalent during fluctuating temperatures when wet snow freezes and becomes trapped in the tire’s grooves. The accumulated ice can create a smooth surface that dramatically reduces the tire’s ability to grip the road, essentially negating the tire’s designed winter performance.

Pressure Fluctuations and Inflation Issues

Winter temperatures cause significant air pressure changes in tires, creating challenges for drivers. The cold can cause tire pressure to drop dramatically, sometimes by 1-2 PSI for every 10-degree temperature decrease. This means a properly inflated tire in a heated garage can be significantly underinflated when exposed to cold outdoor conditions, which impacts vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and overall tire performance.

Tread Separation and Sidewall Damage

Harsh winter conditions can accelerate tire damage, particularly with tires not specifically designed for extreme cold. Drivers might notice small cracks developing in the sidewall or areas where the tread begins to separate from the tire’s body.

These issues are often exacerbated by driving on rough, salt-covered, poorly maintained winter roads that stress the tire’s structure.

Noise and Comfort Differences

Due to their more aggressive tread patterns, winter tires typically produce more road noise than all-season tires. Drivers may find their vehicle sounds louder and experience slightly less smooth ride quality.

The specialized rubber compounds and deeper treads designed to provide winter traction come with the trade-off of increased road noise and a potentially less comfortable ride.

Mounting and Balancing Complications

Some drivers experience challenges during the initial installation of winter tires. Professional technicians might struggle with precise balancing due to the unique tread designs of winter tires. This can result in slight vibrations or uneven wear if not addressed correctly during mounting.

Additionally, the specialized nature of winter tires means that not all service centers have equal expertise in their proper installation.

Salt and Chemical Corrosion

Winter roads treated with salt and chemical de-icing agents can accelerate tire deterioration. Drivers may notice increased sidewall degradation or subtle changes in tire composition over time. Constant exposure to corrosive materials can break down the tire’s rubber compounds more quickly than driving in less harsh conditions.

This is the most important resource you need for planning any sort of road trip.

We focus on family adventures, so there are quite a few family items here, but we have you sorted for road-tripping with your partner or your mates, too!

Get your notepad ready, or click here to download a printable version of this road trip packing list.

It’s important to note, not all road trips are created equal! It’s impractical to think you’ll need the same gear trekking through Europe in a hire car in winter as you’ll need for a summer RV trip across the United States; we’ll include here a very general checklist for all types of road trips, plus additional items to consider in extreme weather and certain locations.

Car Essentials: Important Items to Pack for Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

Before we get on to personal comfort and entertainment, it’s essential to consider the road trip essentials for your vehicle. Whether it’s your own car, a campervan, or a rental vehicle, here’s what you need to ensure is packed in your road-tripping vehicle.

Insurance

It should go without saying THE most important thing to have before you commence a road trip is travel insurance and car insurance.

Think not just any potential damage to your vehicle, are you insured for theft, delays, cancellations, or personal liability if you cause an accident? Will your travel insurance or credit card insurance cover these things, or do you need extra protection?

Roadside Assistance

What would happen if your vehicle breaks down mid-trip? If your vehicle is rented, your car hire company might have this covered for you – but do check the fine print when you’re signing your contracts about who is responsible for what.

If it’s your own vehicle, you may need your own coverage, separate from your insurance. Some premium credit cards include roadside assistance, but perhaps only with limited conditions (e.g. within a certain distance of home).

Check, double-check and make sure that phone number is saved somewhere you can easily grab in an emergency!

Drivers License

A valid driver’s license is a very important road trip essential! If traveling out of the jurisdiction where your license was issued, check if your driver’s license is accepted at your destination. Will you need to obtain an international driving permit?

Vehicle Registration

You will also need evidence of vehicle ownership with you or a rental agreement showing ownership.

Car Manual

No doubt this bulky item spends 99% of the time taking up space in your glove compartment but do not dream of leaving it behind on a long journey. Just imagine a scenario where you are stuck on the side of the road with no internet, cell service, or roadside assistance; when all else fails, check the manual!

Emergency Roadside Kit

Even with roadside assistance, there may be a few running repairs you can take care of yourself. Consider packing your own jumper cables, spare bulbs, small torch, screwdriver, and tape – or even easier, invest in an emergency kit you can keep in the trunk.

62 Piece Roadside Emergency Assistance Kit

127-Pieces Roadside Car Emergency Kit

Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

See more below on extra safety gear considerations for cold-weather road trips.

Spare Tire

So often, our pre-road trip checks go as far as we can see inside the car and ensure your oil and water levels are OK, but never forget about your spare tire!

Ensure it will still be roadworthy and get you out of trouble when you really need it – and that your car is equipped with the appropriate tools, including a jack and bolt remover if you get a flat tire.

Smart Phone

We can all agree that smartphones are needed for almost every aspect of our lives now, and road-tripping is no exception. From navigation to music, QR Code reading, camera – oh, maybe even making a phone call?!

There’s no hard and fast rule on the best road trip smartphone; it’s down to whether you’re camp Apple or Android. We would suggest a phone with tons of storage space or the ability to add external storage.

Traveling overseas, you may want a phone capable of dual sims – and don’t forget to have your phone unlocked if you want a sim on a different network.

Road Tripping Apps

Of course, a smartphone is only as good as your downloaded apps. Here are some essential road tripping apps to consider:

Roadtrippers

This app is a total game-changer if you’re a regular road tripper, particularly at the planning stage. Load it up on a big screen first and play with all the different routes you can take. You’ll get driving distance estimations, add filtered layers for roadside attractions, food and accommodation options, and even a fuel calculator. (Google Play | App Store)!

Once you hit the open road, use the offline maps and look out for any last-minute detour planning; it even has guided navigation. Currently, detailed maps are available only for the USA, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. It’s one of the few “free apps” we’ve tried, and immediately saw the value of upgrading to Plus. The free version is good but limited in how many stops you can add.

Get $5 off the plus version here! Code: BTR5QTP

Google Maps

We do still keep Google Maps as our backup navigation tool. Just remember if you will be out of range to download maps in advance (many apps will require you to upgrade to the pro feature if you use this feature). Be mindful that downloading maps can be heavy on your phone’s memory, so delete the maps you no longer need.

You’ll find our complete guide to essential road trip apps over here

Loose Change

Parking meters, tolls, tips. We might be heading further towards a cashless society, but we’re not quite there yet. Always handy to have some local currency coins rattling around in your car for emergency situations.

Notepad and Pen

Likewise, as much as our smartphones manage our lives these days, a good old fashion pen and paper at times never go astray as a handy emergency item.

Charger / USB Cord

With all the handy uses for smartphones these days, you can see just how quickly you’ll drain the battery once you hit the road.

You’ll want some sort of charging device in your car, whether this is through an in-built USB port in your car or on older models, an adaptor that can fit in the cigarette lighter socket.

4 in 1 Multifunctional Charger Cable Adapter

Fast USB C Car Charger Adapter

iPhone Fast Car Charger, Veetone 48W Dual Port USB C

Just check if you need a USB, USB C, or a combination of both and the right cords for connecting your devices.

Phone Holder

Even better than having your smartphone floating around the car, get a purpose phone holder that can attach to your dash. You can then easily use your smartphone for navigation; these holders can also act as a charger, meaning you will need one less car accessory.

Magnetic Phone Holder for Car

Air Vent Cell Phone Holder Car

Cell Phone Holder for Car Phone Mount Long

Flashlight

Super handy when your car battery has died, or you’re seeking out lost items under seats. Keep a torch or small flashlight in an easy-to-grab part of your car.

Lepro LED Flashlight with Clip

LE Black Light Flashlight

EDC Small Rechargeable Flashlight

Multitool/Pocket knife

Another handy item to always have in easy reach is a multitool or pocket knife. Be it minor running repairs, mini scissors, or taking off bottle caps. An indispensable family vacation packing item!

Mini Hand Tools Pliers Multitool Knife

Camping Hunting Multitool Pocket Knife

Multitool Pocket Knife Accessory Gift

Windshield Sun Shade

If you are road-tripping in hotter climates, you’ll quickly realize just how essential a windshield sunshade is for your car. Look for a design that covers the entire windshield and can easily fold back into a convenient pouch.

A1 Shades Car Windshield

EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade with Storage Pouch

EcoNour Accordion Windshield Sun Shade for Car

If you are driving a truck or larger SUV, be mindful that you will need larger shades than regular cars.

Road Trip Essentials for Families

So now we’ve got everything you need to keep the vehicle going and navigate your way; here are all the items you need to keep your family clean, fed, and cared for.

You may also want to check in on our guide, “road tripping essentials for kids.”

First Aid Kit

We all know accidents can happen anywhere – literally anywhere! You can probably have a full first aid kit tucked in your trunk, but an easy-to-access first aid kit for road trips should be kept inside your vehicle, most likely in your glove compartment. Think items such as Band-Aids, children’s Panadol, and diarrhea tablets.

Tissues & Water Wipes

Snot, spills, spit-up; you know the drill if you’re a parent. We always keep tissues for the front and back of the car and a good supply of water wipes for those heavy-duty cleanups on the go, not to mention constant hand cleaning!

Motion Sickness Tablets

Don’t let long windy roads impact your road trip enjoyment. If you have a motion sickness sufferer, plan your route carefully and bring a few different remedies. Just be aware many motion sickness tablets make you tired, so don’t pop one right before you need them to make a roadside stop!

Dramamine Motion Sickness for Kids

Bonine Motion Sickness Tablets

Dramamine Motion Sickness Less Drowsy

Trash System

Keep your car organized and clean with an appropriate spot to keep your trash. This can simply be a reused plastic shopping bag or if you love your car clean and neat, try these purpose-made car trash bins.

HOTOR Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets

SUN CUBE Waterproof Car Trash Can with Lid

Car Garbage Bag Hanging with Strap

Water Bottles

Hydration on the road is essential, but don’t overdo it! The larger the bottle you give kids, the greater your propensity to pull over every 30 minutes for bathroom breaks.

Pick a good insulated bottle for every family member (if possible, assess the size of the beverage holder everyone will have in the car).

Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle

Swig Savvy Sports Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Takeya Originals Vacuum-Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle

Reusable Coffee Mugs

Do the environmentally friendly thing and cut our plastic cup waste on your road trips. If you love your hot beverages for the taste of keeping alert, BYO it! Just check though; some coffee travel mugs come with handles that may not fit in a car beverage holder.

BrüMate Toddy 100% Leak Proof Insulated Coffee Mug

Life’s Easy – Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Congela 18oz Premium Stainless Coffee Mug

Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

A healthy supply of road trip snacks is KEY to keeping the hangry’s at bay. They are the ultimate pick me up, and kids really look forward to this part of a road trip.

However much you think you’re going to need, pack double. Oh, and as cute as those trays of food in one big tackle box look, do think practically too; if one child knocks it over, will you lose your entire journey’s supplies? If you’re going bento box-style, keep it compact.

We have a huge list of 40+ Healthy Road Trip Snacks for kids over here.

Polarized Sunglasses

Make sure the driver has good 100% UV protection sunglasses. You’ll likely want a set for your passengers, too, especially in warm and sunny climates.

Women’s Sunglasses UV400 Mirrored Lens

Lightweight TAC Polarized Tinted Retro 70s Sunglasses

KUGUAOK 2 PACK Polarized Sports Sunglasses

Car Organizers

Keeping your car organized can be an ongoing challenge for a road trip, but certainly, a sanity saver if you can put some good systems in place.

Back of the Seat Organiser

These are great when taking your own vehicle for having an organized system in the back seat of your car for the kids. Find a home for tissues, wipes, snacks, and toys that can stay in the car. Some even come with fold-down trays and tablet holding systems.

CAR KANGAROO Back Seat Car Organizer 2 Pack

VENFOREST Black Car Backseat Organizer

Tidify Car Front Seat Organizer

Sun Visor Organizer

These sun visor organizers for the car are a great convenient spot for keeping things like parking passes, loose coins, insurance documents – even a handy spot for things like tissues, wipes, and face masks.

Da by Car Sun Visor Organizer

Car Sun Visor Organizer

Car Truck Visor Storage Pouch Holder

Travel Tray For Kids

Great, especially for your preschooler and younger children in a forward-facing car seat. A travel tray expands the number of car games that a child can play and gives them a flat surface for eating snacks and somewhere to hold their drink bottle and tablet.

Trunk Organizer

These trunk organizers are great on long road trips where you may not want to pull everything out at every stop. You can have compartments for picnics and trail stops, another for food, and a quick and easy-to-reach spot for toilet emergencies.

Oasser Waterproof Collapsible Trunk Organizer

Mega Racer Black Trunk Organizer for Car

Collapsible Trunk Organizer for Car

Road Trip Essentials Babies and Toddlers

As you’re no doubt acutely aware, babies and toddlers add a whole extra element of complexity to our travels! We won’t necessarily call them challenges – but just a little extra thought and space – tend to be needed when road-tripping with very young children.

Infant Car Seat

Family Road Trip 101. Every child needs the appropriate safety restraint in a vehicle until they reach the height and weight to move into a grown-up chair (which may be much later than you think!)

You will need to check the local regulations on where you’ll be road-tripping, as some countries are much stricter than others on the appropriate type of restraint.

If you are looking to use your car seat on a plane, too, there are extra considerations to consider – you’ll find a good guide here on what car seats are appropriate for cars and planes.

Booster

Even if your child has outgrown their infant car seat, they may still sit too low in their seat to use the seat belt properly. There’s a long in-between phase where kids still need a booster seat.

You will likely start with a high-back booster that converts from a 5-point harness to a lap belt, then, as they grow, downgrade to a portable backless booster that just gives them a little extra height and support.

Car Mirror

When your newborns and infants are still super small and unable to communicate with you – particularly when still in a rear-facing infant seat – it’s vital you have some way of keeping an eye on them. One way is to install a car mirror above their seat that you can see from your rearview mirror.

Wide Shatterproof Baby Carseat Mirror

Fully Assembled Baby Mirror For Car

Shatterproof Newborn Safety Mirror

Car Baby Monitor

Alternatively, a portable car baby monitor may give you a clearer vision of your child without needing to strain in a mirror or distract you from the road ahead. The disadvantage of a camera in the car is that you have extra wires to deal with, and they take up a plug point – which may invaluably be needed for your smartphone or navigation device!

There are pros and cons to both car mirrors and car baby monitors but they can certainly bring you peace of mind, particularly traveling with a newborn.

Side Window Shades

We talked earlier about keeping the sun off your dash while parked but don’t forget your side windows too. Young children can be distressed by the light coming through the window, especially if they’re trying to nap so a great addition to keep your backseat guests cozy is a properly fitted side sunshade.

Enovoe Car Window Shade

kinder Fluff Car Window Shades

GOODYEAR Self Sticking Car Sun Shades

SUVs and larger vehicles consider you may need a larger shade or two shades on each window to get full coverage.

Portable Bottle Warmer

This is probably more of a “nice to have,” but if your bubs are especially fussy and like their bottles at a certain temperature, you’ll find it a total lifesaver!

There are plenty of portable bottle warmer models made especially for cars (though, be mindful that they’re all competing for that valuable in-car plug point!)

Don’t forget an insulated breastmilk bag if you’re taking pre-pumped breastmilk bottles in the car with you.

We talk more about drinks & cooling systems below in gear you need for roadside stops!

Quick Change Diaper Kit

You don’t need to pack your entire diaper bag in the car with you for a road trip! Sure, make space for a full change kit in the trunk, but in the car, we prefer to have an easy access grab and go change mat for roadside stops – or even in the front seat if you need to!

Include spare diapers, wipes, disposable baggies, and diaper cream that fold inside a changing mat that doesn’t take up loads of space.

Travel Portable Diaper Changing Pad

SIMBOOM Portable Changing Pad

Enovoe Portable Diaper Changing Pad

Porta Potty

On to the next stage… potty training parents will sometimes know you simply need to go NOW!! Often bathrooms are not readily available when you need them, so do consider having a simple travel potty seat in your car, preferably one you can bag up the mess and deal with at your earliest convenience.

Portable Potty Training Seat for Toddler Kids

Travel Potty Chair for Kids

On The Go Potty Travel Potty Chair for Camping

Also, consider whether a freshly toilet-trained child might need to wear “special car pants.” There’s no shame or regression in suggesting to a child they need their special pants for longer journeys until you’re certain they can go longer stretched and their warning system improves.

Piddle Pad

Graduating again to the next stage. Even with our well-trained preschoolers, we kept a liner in their car seats for years to come. They will put an extra layer of protection between your child and the seat and are much easier to clean in case of an accident than spend days with the smell of a urine-soaked seat.

INFANZIA Piddle Pad for Carseats Strollers

PudCraft 2PCS Piddle Pad Car Seat Protector

COOLBEBE Thicken Carseat Piddle Pad

Psst – do you regularly suffer from the dreaded car stench on a long journey? We share our top tips for removing bad odors from your car and how to keep your car smelling pleasant throughout a long journey.

Road Trip Essentials for Entertainment & Comfort

With all the safety and practical items dealt with, it’s time to get you all cozy and entertained, ready for your next long road trip.

Travel Toys

No matter a child’s age, they still need car toys! For babies, these can be simple items they can kick and chew on, through to more complex puzzles and coloring for your older kids.

Think about items that can’t be choked on without direct supervision, won’t roll away, and get lost between seats if you’re buying road trip toys for toddlers and younger children. And don’t forget to throw something in that can be used at roadside stops, like frisbees or balls.

You’ll find our favorite toddler car toys here

Tablets/Portable DVD Player

A savior for us on the very long driving days has been allowing the kids to use their tablets or electronic devices.

Each family will need to determine its own rules once it comes to screen time on the road. Just remember you may not have WIFI or an internet connection once you hit the road, so anything on their devices needs to be downloaded in advance.

Music, Audio Books, Podcast

Music is a given on any road trip, but why not mix it up with some family audiobooks and podcasts? There are plenty that are suitable for families that you can either listen to together or download onto each family member’s device so they can listen to them alone.

We’ve found Amazon Audible invaluable for this.

Headphones

With electronics, music, and audiobooks, these go hand in hand with the whole family having their own headphones!

Elecder i37 Kids Headphones

Kids Wireless Earbuds

Headphone Splitter

Remember, younger kids will still need something that is volume limiting to protect their hearing, whilst older kids may prefer to graduate to smaller earbuds. Children can still watch something together if you get them a headphone splitter.

Portable Power Banks and Battery Packs

Now we’ve seen just how vital our electronics are these days when we travel by road, don’t forget all these items need to be charged at some point!

Sometimes it simply can’t wait until you are back at your accommodation and have a power source. We strongly recommend having for your car a multi-power adaptor that can work through USB, or having several battery packs, pre-charged and ready to help when a device is running low.

USB Car Charger Adapter

Super Fast USB Car Charger

SUNDAREE 60W 4 Ports USB c Car Charger

You can get smaller units each that will easily fit in their car trays or seat organizers, or go with a big family model 20,000 mAh that will surely last you al an entire day on the road – one of the most useful but often forgotten items for a family road trip!

Family Games

Away from screens and devices, think ahead to games you can play in the car that don’t need any additional props or accessories.

Younger kids can easily pick up a game of I-spy and counting games, whilst your older kids, I’m sure, can enjoy a few rounds of “Would You Rather” or more challenging alphabet games to pass the time.

You can find plenty of games to play in the car with family here, or for older kids after more of a challenge, you might want to check out our collection of road trip trivia games.

Seat Belt Cozies and Neck Pillows

Once kids move out of a high back booster, they have much less support for their heads. Fine when they’re awake and chatting, but you’ll want something that adequately supports their head for nap times – likely on longer trips.

This can be attaching a comfortable cushion over the seat belt they can snuggle into, or even better, a neck pillow that can completely wrap around their head, giving a comfortable fit.

We compare the best car seat pillows for toddlers here.

Drivers cushion

Particularly if you are prone to sciatica back pain, a comfortable car seat cushion for long-distance driving is another essential for drivers.

Road Trip Essentials for Roadside Stops

Traveling long distances with children will require regular rest stops, be it for gas stations and a restroom, or a longer stop to stretch the legs and explore the trails en route. Here’s what we always keep handy in the car for those essential road trip stops:

Small Day Bag

Ready to grab and go when you leave the car, we keep a small backpack ready with the essentials we might need for snack stops, short hikes, and play parks. This can double as the bag you keep snacks in and the important little things like a first aid kit, sanitizers, and fresh face masks.

AOTIAN Small Lightweight Hiking Daypack

SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack

Wraifa Waterproof Oxford Small Backpack

Hand Sanitizer

Goes without saying, right? A small sanitizer tube comes everywhere these days, with every child having one clipped to their own day packs, plus the first aid kit, the purse!

6 Empty Travel Hand Sanitizer Bottles Holder

5 Pack 2oz Keychain Empty Squeeze Bottle With Holder

5 Pack 1 oz Keychain Empty Squeeze Bottle With Holder

Sanitizing Wipes

I am sure these have been in every Mom Bag well before COVID germs were a thing. We have long been rubbing down tables and cleaning grubby hands on the go. We do like to keep stronger surface wipes separate from those wet wipes we use on their faces and more sensitive parts of the body.

Lysol Disinfectant Wipes

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes

Nice ‘N Clean Moist Flushable Wipes

Spare Toilet Roll

How many bathrooms have you stopped at on a long road trip only to discover there’s no toilet roll? A roll of spare toilet paper is always a handy road trip essential to pack. (And depending on the country you’re in, a few coins, too in case it’s a pay toilet).

Bamboo Toilet Paper by Nature’s Call

Coghlan’s Tissue On The Go

4 Ply Soft Toilet Paper RV Essential

Cooler Box

Important for meals on the go, keep your food fresh using a cooler box. The size really depends on whether you are camping and the cooler will be housing all your food and drinks, or are you simply needing to get the most perishable food from one fridge to the next?

Ivation Electric Cooler & Warmer with Handle | 24 L

K-Box Electric Cooler and Warmer for Car and Home – 34 Quart (32 Liter)

K-box Electric Cooler and Warmer with Wheels for Car and Home – 48 Quart (45 Liter)

On larger camping trips or with a campervan, you may have a plugin fridge that runs off the car battery. All you will need then is a smaller snack pack size cooler needed for day trips. Look to add soft ice packs with your small cooler box to keep drinks cold all day, and restock with ice cubes when you can.

Small Blanket

Easy to grab and go with your picnic lunch stops. A great range of sand-proof and waterproof blankets can fold down extra small, so small they should fit in your daypack and help prevent sand and dirt from making their way back into your vehicle.

Beach Blanket Sandproof Adults Waterproof

KuoSEN Outdoor Picnic Blanket Beach Blanket Sandproof Waterproof 

Beach Blanket, 79”×83” Picnic Blankets Waterproof Sandproof

Cutlery

While we hate to do the dishes on the road, we hate how environmentally damaging plastic waste can be even more. If we’re going disposable, make sure it’s made from recyclable material like bamboo cutlery. Better yet, it’s a great idea to pack your own picnic set if you think you’ll be making frequent roadside stops.

PURPLECLAY Disposable Wooden Utensils Set 360 PCS

Treeatery Compostable Cutlery Set – 380 Value Pack

Weemium Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set – 300 Count 

Bug Spray

It doesn’t take long for the bugs to find you on those roadside stops! Flies, mozzies, midges, gnats, keep yourselves protected with bug spray; look for those gentle on kids’ skin.

US Organic Mosquito Repellent Anti Bug Outdoor Pump Sprays

Bug Soother Spray (2, 8 oz) – Natural Insect, Gnat and Mosquito Repellent & Deterrent

Badger – Anti-Bug Shake & Spray

Sun Hats & Sunscreen

And don’t forget the sun’s harmful rays too. Even on a short trail, playground, or roadside stop, the sun can catch you out on a hot summer’s day. Keep little heads protected with sunhats, and out in the midday sun, remember sunscreen too.

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen

Connectyle Outdoor UPF 50+ Sun Hat

Two Peas Organics – All Natural Organic SPF 50 Sunscreen

Pssst – worried about sunscreen stains in the car? We know; it happens! Follow our tips here for removing those sunscreen stains and a few extra tools you may want for car maintenance, especially on a beach road trip.

Raincoats & Umbrellas

On Winter road trips, you will no doubt have the opposite issue with kids getting wet no matter what you try! You must get everyone out of the car regularly to stretch their legs, so make sure you pack appropriate provisions to deal with the weather, including raincoats and umbrellas.

Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella

Columbia Youth Girls’ Switchback II Jacket

ZOOGS Kids Glitter Rain Boots for Girls and Toddlers

You may also want separate rain boots that are kept in the trunk so as not to dirty up the back of the car.

Quick-Dry Towel

You can be sure if there’s any pond, river, or even a puddle on your roadside stop, kids will find it! We love having a few quick-dry towels within easy reach in the trunk (plus a couple of spare outfits) ready for inevitable dampness that happens en route, no matter the season!

Travel Towel – Compact & Ultra Soft Microfiber

ECCOSOPHY Microfiber Beach Towel for Adults

BOGI Microfiber Travel Sports Towel-Quick Dry Towel

Hair Ties

Ladies with long hair will know exactly what we mean! Heading out on a trail, it’s always handy to keep one of these on your wrist – ideal for MacGyver-style repairs on the move, too!

Black Hair Ties for Women Girls

Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Tie

Hair Ties for Girls Women, Funtopia 30 Pcs

Walkie Talkies

Traveling in convo with another vehicle? A great way to keep in touch with your comrades is a walkie-talkie for your road trip. On the lookout for a great place to stop? Radio on to your next vehicle when you need to pull over or to alert them to any hazards or interesting things to point out along the way.

Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio, 2 Pack

Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio

Retevis RT628 Walkie Talkies for Kids

While they can be a novelty fun for the kids and may not be seen as essential, heading anywhere off-road or remote, we think they’re a must-have for a road trip.

Winter Road Trip Essentials List

Traveling in icy or snowy conditions will require you to have a few more road trip essentials to hand. We recommend you also include on your checklist:

De-icer & Scraper

In colder climates or areas prone to frost, it is wise to have de-ice your car with a brush and scraper attachment.

AstroAI 27 Inch Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper

SEAAES 51 Inch Ice Scraper and Snow Brush with Squeegee

EcoNour 27″ Car Snow Brush and Ice Scrapers

Chains

These anti-slip devices are a requirement in certain places. You’ll want a set of these handy to grab in your trunk ready to go in snowy and icy conditions.

WEIZE Snow Chains

Tire Chains for Suvs, Cars, Sedan

Tire Anti-Skid Snow Chains

Defogging Spray

Internal screen fog can be caused by extreme temperature differences. A defogging spray will assist you in quickly clearing screen fog.

Anti-Fog Lens Spray

Car Glass Anti-Fog Rainproof Spray Agent

Visbella Anti Fog Spray for Glass, Windshield of Car

Collapsible Shovel

When all else fails, you may need to get out of the car and make your path in the wintery conditions. These collapsible shovels and gloves are a winter road trip essential for anyone in cold and snowy climates.

Printable Road Trip Checklist

Save time packing for your next family road trip by printing out this road trip packing list, ready to check off items as you go!

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can read our full privacy and disclosure policies here.

© Family Road Trip

Looking for a useful gift to buy a campervan owner?

You might be stumped at first about what to get someone who is clearly choosing to downsize and live a simpler life on the road. The last thing they need is more clutter! But fear not—there are still plenty of practical and thoughtful gifts your campervan owners would love to receive.

Whether they are full-time living on wheels or enjoy the occasional vacation in a motorhome, our collection of campervan owner gift ideas for 2024 has a little something for everyone who loves the van life.

Types of Campervan Presents

There are several types of gifts you could look for, from funny campervan gifts to practical campervan accessories van lifers will need every day. In this gift inspiration guide, we’re going to look at three broad categories of campervan gift ideas:

As Amazon Associates, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases made on this page.

Let’s take a look at each as you pull together the perfect ideas for your loved ones.

Practical Gifts For Campers

A practical gift has a specific use that campers will need daily or will definitely want on hand for those “just in case” occasions. Right on the top of your list of campervan gift ideas, look out for:

Portable LED Lantern

Many campers have been caught out on the road without a flashlight or lantern at some point. This gift is not only an essential camping tool but also something that can help them navigate any dark spaces inside their campervan. As a bonus this flashlight can double as a fan, making it a super-practical campervan gift!

Buy it on Amazon

Insulated Window Covers

Most campers won’t admit that they feel too cold or too hot in their trailers. However, this gets old real quick after spending all day in the great outdoors.

Insulated window covers will help campers adjust the temperature inside their campervan by blocking out sunlight in summer and keeping warm during the cold months, allowing them to sleep better at night.

Buy it on Amazon

Swiss Army knife

So much more than just a knife! Every adventurer knows how crucial it is to have a pocketknife handy on camping adventures. Each tool has its unique purpose, and campervan owners are sure to need at least one of these in their van at all times!

Buy it on Amazon

Emergency Kit

One of the essential things for any campervan owner is to have emergency kits on-hand at all times. They should have a larger one somewhere in their campervan and a smaller first aid kit in their day pack.

The more you can help them be prepared, the less time they’ll spend worrying about emergencies that could happen when they’re out on the road.

Buy it on Amazon

A Tool Kit

Every home needs a tool kit for those running repairs and handy work; homes on wheels are absolutely no exception!

Your new camper will certainly appreciate a brand new tool kit filled with all the essential everyday tools they could need, or an experienced camper might appreciate a brand new toolbox for storing all the supplies they’ve been building up on their van adventure.

Buy it on Amazon

A Dashcam

If your campervan lover does a lot on the open road, then they might like to have a dashcam in their vehicle. It’s something they can use on every single journey, and it will remind them of how much you care about their safety.

Buy it on Amazon

Walkie Talkies

A set of walkie-talkies is a fun but practical addition to any road trip! Super useful if your campervan owner will be traveling in a convoy with other families.

They’re also useful around camp too. If kids want to wander off and explore nearby, it’s a great way to ensure your group can be tracked down without the need for cell phones.

Buy it on Amazon

300W Car Power Inverter

This is the perfect gift idea for someone who spends a lot of time on the road and runs their laptop and other things off the battery.

If your loved one doesn’t already have a portable power station, they can use this to charge up all of their devices on the go.

Buy it on Amazon

Hydro Flask Insulated Can 

If your loved one is the type who likes to take a picnic with them on their journey, then you can’t go wrong with a hydro flask. These cups keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot beverages warm for up to 6 hours making them a great gift for campers.

Buy it on Amazon

Microfiber Bath Towel

Looking for a practical campervan gift, you know your loved one will need to use daily? You can’t get much more practical than a portable towel. Microfiber dries much quicker than traditional heavy cotton towels, so makes the perfect choice for a camper.

Buy it on Amazon

An Outdoor Shower

What if there are no showers nearby? Cue the portable shower! Life on the road doesn’t mean you have to live with a shower in a can every day; treat your camper to proper running water that can even heat to 113°F when left in the sun. this is the perfect campervan gift for those who love going off-grid.

Buy it on Amazon

Portable Drill

Any campervan owner who has spent good lengths of time living in their van will attest to how handy it can be to carry a portable drill with you.

Sure they need a little bit of that precious packing space, but they’re also a super practical gift idea for campers they’ll truly thank you for, from running repairs to setting up more complex camp structures.

Buy it on Amazon

LifeStraw Go Water

LifeStraw Go Water Bottles are arguably one of the best water bottles for travelers. If your campervan friend finds they are staying somewhere without potable water or out on day hikes and need to collect water from streams, the LifeStraw comes with a built-in membrane microfilter to banish impurities and improve the taste.

Buy it on Amazon

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

The slightly less glamorous side of van life; the washing still needs to be done! If your camper is not regularly staying at campsites with laundry facilities, the perfect solution to keep clothing clean on the move is a Scrubba portable wash bag.

They fold down to next to nothing when not in use, are so easy to store, and contain a flexible washboard surface to ensure clothing can still get a decent scrub on the move, a great gift idea if you want something super practical

Buy it on Amazon

Portable Fire Pit

When you don’t have much space inside, having the option of an outdoor portable propane fire pit for cooking is the perfect solution for a camper. No dirty ash and firewood to deal with, this propane-powered model is lightweight and sets up in minutes.

Buy it on Amazon

Heated Camping Chair

There are two schools of thought on camping chairs; light enough to carry in your day pack and go anywhere, or ultra deluxe and comfortable for your campsite; but why not get a camp chair that delivers both?

This heated camp chair will bring your camper the comfort they deserve in their outdoor adventure with plenty of nifty storage pockets and adjustable heights (Battery packs are sold separately – see below!)

Buy it on Amazon

A Portable Charger

This gift is perfect and practical for every type of traveler as you never know when that little extra boost of battery power is needed, be it for your campers all-important cell phone or any of the great camping gadgets and gizmos we’ve mentioned here!

Buy it on Amazon

Smart Car Battery Charger

That little extra peace of mind, especially if you’re camper is one to head off the beaten track; no one wants to return to their vehicle and find themselves stranded with a dead battery.

This 6V/12V car battery charger and maintainer is one of the most practical and useful gifts you can buy for your campervan owner.

Buy it on Amazon

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are one of those items that you don’t know how much you need until you have them.

Whether they’re travellers, working, or living in their campervan, people will use these to store all of their possessions neatly, perfect for keeping the campervan organized.

Buy it on Amazon

Hanging Storage

Now any organized camper knows you can never have enough storage space!

A hanging organizer is a great campervan gift idea as it allows your campers with limited space to easily grab important items without rummaging through bags and storage boxes, or cluttering up valuable surface space.

Buy it on Amazon

Portable Solar Panels

If your campervan lover is regularly off-grid, this can be one of the most thoughtful and practical gifts they can receive.

This starter solar panel kit can create up to 1000Wh per day with 5 hours of sunshine and comes with all the cables and connections your camper needs for a complete, self-sufficient setup.

Buy it on Amazon

Car Defroster

An ultra-practical item for campervan owners who love to get out and explore in winter, this nifty little device easily mounts on the dash to get windows defogger in no time.

Buy it on Amazon

Portable Van Heater

Another must for your winter camper is a safe and effective form of heating for their campervan.

The Big Buddy from Mr Heater is a great option as it has an automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, ideal for use in confined spaces.

Buy it on Amazon

Clip on Fan

At the other end of the temperature extremes, your campers will truly appreciate a source of cool air in the summer months. A rechargeable fan with 360-degree rotation would be a super handy gift for a camper.

Buy it on Amazon

Car Fridge

If their camper doesn’t come fitted with a fridge, this is one seriously cool piece of kit you could gift a campervan owner.

Move over cooler boxes, this portable car fridge has dual zone fridge/freer compartments, keeping food and drinks icy cold. Available in wheeled and non-wheeled models, the BrougeRV 12 Volt Fridge is a top-of-the-range gift for a campervan owner that will last them for years to come.

Buy it on Amazon

Fun & Sentimental Gifts For Campers

The sentimental gift is the type of gift that tells someone, “I think about you all year long.” The best examples in this category for campervan owners include:

Cozy Throw Blanket

One of the creature comforts of your home away from home is a wonderfully soft blanket you can cuddle up with at the end of the day.

Buy it on Amazon

Personalized Drink Coasters

Adding a personalized touch to your loved ones’ camper, these pretty but practical drink coasters can be etched with your friend’s name, details about their road trip, or add an inspiring family adventure quote for that perfect animal van accessory they’ll use again and again.

Buy it on Amazon

Campervan Name Vinyl Decal Sticker

Nothing can personalize a campervan like proudly displaying its name for all to see. I mean, are you even a camper if you haven’t named your van?!

This cute but inexpensive campervan gift is sure to add a magic touch to your campervan owner’s gift stocking.

Buy it on Etsy

Camping Journal & RV Travel Logbook

Does your campervan-lover enjoy journalling and keeping records from their adventures? This is a wonderful sentimental gift for a van-lifer.

Complete with road-tripping planning and logbook templates, they can use to record every detail from their days of adventure on the road.

Buy it on Amazon

A Personalized Mug

Every campervan owner will adore these durable 12oz enamel camping mugs for their morning brew.

Personalize it for your camper’s favorite color and add a meaningful message for a thoughtful camper gift this Christmas!

Buy it on Etsy

Campervan Doormat

What about a personalized doormat for a fun gift that absolutely screams homeliness? Not only a welcome gesture to someone’s little home on wheels, but it will also get shoes rubbed clean before they go inside! A win-win campervan gift they’ll cherish!

Buy it on Etsy

Campervan Ornament

If it’s simply a stocking filler you need for a van lifer, these adorable handmade campervan ornaments are sure to fit the bill as great Christmas gifts.

You can get them personalized with the recipient’s name, or perhaps add the dates of their epic road trip as a lasting memory of their adventure on the road.

Buy it on Etsy

Entertaining Gifts For Campers

Your campervan owner will surely be looking for ways to stay entertained in their home away from home. Whether this be lazing around the campsite, passing the miles on the road, or cooking up a storm on the campfire.

Here are some great entertaining gift ideas for campervan owners that are sure to please and pass the time.

Bluetooth Beanie

Even if your loved one has their hands full, they can still listen to music with this wireless Bluetooth beanie. When the weather is cold, the last thing they want to do is take off their gloves. With this gift, however, they can keep warm and stay in touch with their favorite tunes or podcast playing.

Buy it on Amazon

Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Fun gifts for campervan owners have to include something to play their tunes!

If you want to share the tunes with a wider group, then a waterproof and portable speaker is a must for every campsite! The only question they’ll have is whose playlist to choose?

Buy it on Amazon

Air-Filled Bean Bag Loungers

Air-filled loungers are one of the coolest camping accessories on the market just now. They are super easy to set up and take down, and unlike traditional bean bags, bearly weigh anything and take up minimal space in your van.

Made from durable 210T waterproof polyester, they are rip-resistant, have side pockets to hold essentials like mobile phones, and can handle a whopping 450lbs!

Buy it on Amazon

Self-Stirring Mug

Does the campervan owner in your life enjoy a hot cup of coffee? An easy way to skip the morning fuss, give them a self-stirring coffee mug for a cool camping gadget sure to impress. A truly unique gift, it’s also great for making cold beverages like iced coffee, tea, or even lemonade.

Buy it on Amazon

Portable Espresso Maker

A portable espresso maker is a perfect gift for an RV owner. Nothing says you are thinking of them in the morning like a hot cup of espresso to get their day started right.

Buy it on Amazon

The Instant Pot

Every campervan owner should own this cookware. It’s the perfect multi-cooker as you can use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and warmer.

It is one of the best Christmas gifts for campers if they only have a small kitchen; you need to limit your appliances to only the most useful, and this is it!

Buy it on Amazon

Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven

Now, if you’ve got a camper who loves to cook outdoors and wants to up their camp cooking game this year, this is a great campervan gift idea.

All the creature comforts you could want in a portable oven, it includes two brass range burners and an oven that heats to 400° F. Powered by disposable propane cylinders (so don’t forget to add a few of these with your gift), this is one serious camper gift bound to last them for years.

Buy it on Amazon

Family Board Games

If your campervan owner is hitting the road with loved ones, it’s essential they have a few classic games up their sleeve to pass the time, especially in preparation for those rainy days!

Travel game boxes don’t take up much room when you only have a small living space; better yet, many family trivia games for road trips will take up no room at all.

Buy it on Amazon

Home Is Where I Park it Tshirt

A great idea for your female campervan owner “Home Is Where I Park It” soft cotton tees come in a huge range of colors and sizes. This is a wonderful Christmas stocking stuffer idea if you’re seeking fun gifts that won’t break the bank but will definitely get some use.

Buy it on Etsy

America The Beautiful – National Parks Pass

If your campervan owner is spending any time driving across the USA this year, there’s a high chance they’ll be stopping in at a National Park or three!

The best thing you can get them is an America the Beautiful annual pass. This gives access not only to all 63 US National Parks, but also to Federal Recreation Lands and National Monuments across the United States.

Buy it on REI

Camp Cocktail Recipes

The perfect end to any evening on a camping trip, when everyone’s had enough of roasting marshmallows and hot cocoa, it’s time to pull out the cocktail recipes!

Thoughtfully designed with the limited tools your campervan owner may have, these outdoor cocktail recipe ideas are bound to go down a treat with this unique van life gift!

Buy it on Amazon

Gift Cards

When all else fails and you are stumped for a gift idea, how about a gift card to their favorite outdoor store? This will depend on your region, but REI is perfect for a van lifer, and Amazon, for basically anything you need delivered fast, can make great gifts for RV owners and campers.

Think about even a coffee store voucher for when they want to enjoy a little luxury treat on the road could also be a wonderful and thoughtful gift idea for van lifers.

What Items Do I Need In An Emergency Car Kit?

Emergency Car Kit
Battery Booster Pack or Jumper Cables
Multitool
Gloves
Fix a Flat
Battery Backup for Electronics
Anti-Freeze
Snacks
Sunblock
Map
Case
Small Mechanics Tool Kit
First Aid Kit
Flashlight
Flares or Warning Signals
Charging Cord
Water
Wipes
Bug Spray
Toilet Paper

Now, whether or not you want to build your own emergency car kit or just get one that is already packaged for you, that’s up to you to decide. We will go through the items on the list, and you can make the decision that is best for you.

Read down to the end, and you can get a free downloadable PDF copy of what we pack every time we take a family road trip

5. First-Aid Kit

This will probably be the most used item in your emergency car kit. If you opted to go with a prepared kit, as mentioned above, you most likely already have one.  

However, if you have kids or are accident-prone, you may want a beefier first aid kit.  There is no shortage of selection when it comes to selecting a first aid kit. 

6. Gloves

Who wants to get their hands dirty?  I always have gloves.  I like gloves that have a high tactile feel and are sturdy.  When working with lug nuts whilst changing a tire or trying to manipulate a pair of pliers, you need to have control of your tools.  A simple set of gloves like these are awesome for an emergency car kit.

7. Flashlight

Flashlights are not just for emergency car kits.  You should have a flashlight in your car at all times. You never know when you will need it. 

8. Fix-A-Flat

This selection is somewhat controversial.  I always have a can of Fix A Flat or Slime in my truck.  If I have the option, I am going to change to my spare tire; sometimes, though, that is not an option. 

Having Fix A Flat gives you the ability to get back on the road quickly.  It is not ideal in all situations and should be looked at as a last resort.  But you will be thankful you have it if you need it.

9. Flares or Warning Signals

Again, some prepared emergency car kits come with these.  But if not, you want a set.  These will warn other cars that you are on the side of the road.  If our fine highway workers and survey crews use warning flags and signs, there must be something to them.

In lieu of having any warning system, a buddy with a flashlight will do in a pinch. But they aren’t that expensive, and it’s one more layer of safety.

10. Battery Pack Backup and/or Charging Cord

You never know when you are going to break down.  It will probably be when your cell phone is almost dead, which is the last thing you want.  These little backups are small, inexpensive, and easy to carry around.

Now, they shouldn’t go in your emergency car kit per se’.  You will want to keep this in your glove box or center console. Someplace you can get to easy enough so that it can be recharged.  

Or if the weather gets too hot, you can easily grab and carry it with you.  The extreme temperatures will damage the portable battery. 

Wait! Did you find this article during wintertime? You don’t need this stuff during winter. Check out our article on how to build an emergency car kit for winter.

Items For a Summer Emergency Car Kit

All right, so these first few items are general items that you should have with you at all times, no matter the season. 

12. Anti-Freeze or Water

Just like you, your car needs water, but more specifically, antifreeze, even during the summer. Summertime is a prime opportunity for your car to overheat. Having an extra gallon of water or antifreeze in the trunk is essential to ensuring that when your car gets hot, you can fill it up and get to a safe spot. 

Having antifreeze is preferred because it provides a level of lubrication to your engine, and you don’t necessarily have to worry about a change in the winter.

Water will be sufficient, and if you get there, you can also drink the same water. Having a gallon of water in your trunk is also acceptable because you can have some of that, too. Just don’t drink the antifreeze that would be very bad.

We share more tips for driving in the heat in our desert driving tips

13. Snacks

Well, if you have water, you might as well have some snacks to go with it. Just keep in mind that you don’t want anything that’s perishable or can melt in the summer heat. Think high energy and healthy snacks, not sugar-laden.

You want something that’s high in protein and will last a while like a pack or dried nuts or fruit bars.

14. Wipes

What should one of those things that are good to have all the time in your car as well as keep things clean? And your hands up are dirty after you get done changing your tire, so now you have a way to clean them up?

If you have kids or babies, you understand the importance of having wipes in your car.  Heck even having to be an adult it’s good to have wipes in your car.

15. Sunblock

You may think that having sunblock is only for the beach. However, if you think about it, if your car breaks down and you’re on the side of the road, you are not going to be sitting inside the car.

It’s hot in the Summer sun, and you want to have a way to protect yourself while you’re waiting for help to come or waiting for to get your car going again.

16. Bug Spray

I’ve lived in Maine, and I lived in Florida, and no matter where you’re at there are bugs in the summertime. So, have a can of bug spray or some sort of bug repellent that you can apply to yourself.

You will be an easy target sitting on the side of the road or wherever you’re broken down if you don’t have any bug protection. Even if it’s not an emergency, you have some there just in case if you’re out.

17. Toilet Paper

Ummmm, I’m not going to write much here. Maybe it should be at the top of my list. You know what you need this for.

18. Paper Map

At the very least, it will give you an idea of where you are going.

In my humble opinion, reading a map is becoming a lost art. What happens if your GPS fails? Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I always have a paper atlas when I travel.

Essentials you’ll want in your car for any sort of cold weather travel

Traveling during the cold winter months can be a dicey prospect, whether you are commuting to work or traveling for recreation. Careful planning and preparation are necessary in order for you to be safe on the road.

Accidents can happen at any time, and preparation is key in order for you to come through safely.  Preparing an emergency kit for the cold weather doesn’t need to be a daunting task.

First, you need to figure out what you are going to need. Are you going on a winter road trip? Do you have a long commute? How will you be traveling in the cold, snowy weather? So, what should you have in your emergency car kit when the cold weather months are upon us?

These items are listed in no particular order. There are so many items that you could pack, but what do you actually need? That depends on your particular driving situation. Look through the list and figure out what you are going to need in order to build the perfect winter emergency car kit. 

Items For Winter Emergency Car Kit

This is an extensive list of items and you probably won’t need everything on this list, but let’s take a look at these items to determine what you need.

As Amazon Associates, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases made on this page.

Essentials You Should Always Travel With in Winter

Emergency Car Kit

Let’s just start at the top: an emergency car kit should be a staple for every vehicle.  It contains many of the items that you will need should you break down.

For a relatively low investment, you can have peace of mind that if something should happen, you will have the basics.  Emergency car kits are available with a variety of choices, so what do you need?

A basic emergency car kit contains only the first aid kit; this is a relatively inexpensive option, but it won’t help if your vehicle breaks down. On the other end of the scale, there are emergency car kits that contain jumper cables, air compressors, tire repair kits, etc. You would truly be ready for nearly anything that could happen.

Most likely, somewhere in the middle is where you would fall. An emergency car kit with a small tool kit and jumper cables would suit your needs. So, what are your needs? Are you commuting back and forth to work? Are you taking a long road trip? Are you going away for the weekend? All of this will determine what level of emergency car kit you need.

Having an emergency car kit is a great start. But most are not geared specifically toward cold weather.  You will need to augment your own personal car emergency kit with items specific to dealing with cold temperatures.

The HAIPHAIK Emergency Roadside Toolkit from Amazon is a great place to start. It’s one of the few kits that come with a shovel. It lacks a first aid kit, but if you want to start building your own kit. This is a good place to begin.

Jumper Cables

If these are not included with your emergency car kit then you should absolutely have a set with you.  You never know when you will need them.

If you don’t know what you are looking for, then click over here to see what size jumper cables you need.

Also, there are some other considerations that you need to keep in mind.  Like what does the red and black on the jumper cables mean?

Choosing jumper cables is not complicated, but you should be educated before you make your choice.

Flashlight

Another staple that should be in all cars, no matter what season is a flashlight.  However, for cold weather, special consideration needs to be made to the type of battery that your flashlight uses.  

Cold weather will affect all batteries, but your regular alkaline Double A’s will be affected by the cold much more than a lithium-ion battery.  Even though the flashlights are stored in the car, the constant cold will eventually drain them. Then, when you need to use them, and you will, the batteries will be dead. 

Also, look for an LED flashlight.  The LED bulb has much more versatility than a conventional bulb and will be more useful in cold weather.  The LED bulb does not get hot like a conventional light bulb, so in extremely cold weather conditions, they are less likely to break.  They also draw less power from the batteries, so an LED flashlight will last a bit longer in the cold weather.

Finally, use rechargeable batteries or a rechargeable flashlight.  By maintaining a regular routine of recharging the batteries, you will always have a flashlight ready to go in case of an emergency.

Gloves

An extra pair of gloves is always good to have in the cold.  A nice set of wool gloves or even mittens is essential to have in your car kit because once your hands and fingers get cold, it is very difficult to warm them back up again.  

Also, you never know when you are going to need to touch something that has been exposed to the cold.  This will chill your fingers even faster. Gloves are good for keeping your hands and fingers warm, even if you have to do some work outside in the cold.

A nice pair of wool gloves will do the trick nicely.  What you should really look for would be something that is waterproof or, at the very least, water-resistant.  Because once your hands and fingers get cold AND wet, it will be very hard to recover from that.

De-icer

This stuff runs along the lines of fixing a flat in your car; you don’t know when you are going to need it until you need it.  I have used this stuff to get my car doors open when they were frozen shut and to scrape a layer of ice off my windshield.

I always liked having a can in the car because you just never know.  The one thing to keep in mind is that it does not work well when extremely cold.  If it sits in your trunk for too long, you may need to warm it up a bit before it will work properly.

Blanket

You always want to have a blanket in the car during the winter months.  During the cold winter months in Maine, we always had at least one blanket in the car, just in case.  If you break down, you will be very thankful that you have a blanket to keep you and your family warm.

What kind of blanket do you need?  The first thing that people think of when it comes to having an emergency blanket is the metallic space blanket. To be sure, these blankets serve their purpose. However, a warm wool blanket is the way you want to go. A space blanket will not keep you warm when it’s 20 degrees outside and the temperature is falling.

Think of it this way. When you go camping, you don’t bring a pad and a space blanket and expect to stay warm. You have a sleeping bag to keep yourself warm and dry. The same principle applies to ‘camping’ in your car when you break down.

This is especially important when you have babies in the car. Babies tend to get cold quickly, so having an extra blanket or two is a good idea. You also want to make sure they are kept warm in their car seat.

Batteries

Spare batteries are always good to have.  You keep spare batteries in your house. You had better keep them in the car as well.  Again, lithium-ion batteries are the best to keep in your emergency kit. They have a good shelf life, and they don’t leak.

Regular alkaline batteries will freeze and leak in freezing cold temperatures. This will do you no good when you are in an emergency situation. It will also damage the device that they are in.

First Aid Kit

This should be a staple in any car, any time of year.  Pick a first aid kit that will satisfy you and your family’s needs. 

Your first aid kit should include various size bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and wrap. All the things you may need if you cut your hand changing your spare tire.

Ice Scraper

Don’t underestimate a good ice scraper.  These things are invaluable because, you know, they let you see where you are going.  You should have one of these in your car during the winter at all times, not just in an emergency car kit.  

I always carried two with me. One was extendable and had a brush on one end, with a typical ice scraper on the other end. I would brush any loose stuff off first and then follow up with some hardcore scraping.  

I always liked an ice scraper with a metal handle and rubber blade.  These always did a superior job of getting ice off of my windows.  

Tool Kit

Again a basic that should be in your car, any time of the year.  It doesn’t need to be a 199-piece set. Just something simple with pliers, screwdrivers, work gloves, wrenches, and a small ratchet set.

We are not talking about extensive mechanical work here. I am talking about having a screwdriver to pry the hubcap off of your wheels.

Multitool

In lieu of a tool kit, a multi-tool, such as a Leatherman, is your best bet.  I carry one of these around with me wherever I go, regardless of the season.

With a multi-tool, you have a set of pliers, a knife, a screwdriver (Phillips and flat head), a file, etc.  You never know when you are going to need it, but you’ll be glad you have it when you do. 

Cell phone

This one goes without saying.  This is probably your most important tool if you find yourself in an emergency situation.  Just make sure it’s charged or that you have an additional power source with you. Which leads me to…

Battery Power Pack for Electronic Devices

These babies are handy to have and inexpensive. We have one charged up and ready to go for hurricane season here in Florida. The only thing you have to do is make sure it’s charged and that you actually have it with you.  

Like all batteries, it is susceptible to cold weather, so it needs to be brought into the warmth at night.  Don’t leave it in your console or in your emergency car kit. There is a risk that the battery will die when exposed to extreme conditions.  

We use our cell phones for everything, so the likelihood of having a drained battery is pretty good.  It’s nice to know that you have a little extra power if you need it.

Shovel

There may be no more important tool than a shovel when you are traveling in cold weather especially if there is snow in the forecast.  

When you find yourself stuck in the snow or ice, your best friend will be your shovel.  Anytime you need to get unstuck, the shovel is the tool of choice. Be it you are stuck in a parking space because the plow truck pushed snow up behind your car? Or you find yourself on the side of the road because you got stuck in a rut.  

A shovel combined with a good set of traction mats, and you could possibly free yourself from a bad situation. 

Medications

This will not apply to everyone. But it’s something you need to keep in mind if you have specialized meds that you need to take. At the very least, you may want to have some pain relievers with you, just in case.

Snacks (Non-Perishable/ High Protein)

It’s bad enough being stuck on the side of the road and not being able to get where you were going.  It almost adds insult to injury to be hungry at such a time.  

Have healthy snacks like granola bars, almonds, crackers, and beef jerky at your disposal. You want something calorie-rich that will last a while. You don’t know how long you are going to be stuck.

If you have children in the car, make sure that you have snacks appropriate for them.  They will make a stressful situation worse if they are hungry. 

Extra Items (To Make Being Stuck Less Terrible)

The list above describes the essentials that you should have in your emergency car kit for cold weather.  If you want to be uber-prepared for cold weather, continue reading.

These are items that are not essential but nice to have if you happen to get stranded in cold weather.

Traction Mats

As I have said before, if I had known about these when I lived in Maine, I would have invested in a set.  

For most of us, we are driving to work, school, and dropping off the kids, it’s pretty basic. In cold weather, basics can become complicated. A little patch of ice, some packed down snow, and you are not going anywhere.

Traction mats give you the ability to get unstuck and go again, all on your own. Potentially, with a little bit of digging and placing these bad boys in the right spot. You should be going again.

The best part is, they are portable and don’t take up a lot of room in the trunk.

Looking for Tire Traction Mats?

Check out my recommendations on the best tire traction mats for you. Click the button to find out more Read More

Air Compressor

A portable air compressor is always nice to have. They can either be part of a jump starter pack or a stand-alone unit that plugs into the cigarette lighter.

When you are on the road, an air compressor has one job. To keep your tires inflated.  If you pick up a nail or discover that your spare tire is flat. Rather than using some Fix-a-Flat, an air compressor will get your tire back to where it needs to be so you can continue on your journey.

Remember you don’t want to over or under inflate your tires, so check your PSI before you get back on the road.  Also, keep in mind that you may have a slow leak. Inflating the tire with an air compressor may only be a temporary measure.

You may need to have the tire professionally fixed.  But at least you were able to get moving on your own terms.

Emergency Road Flares

No, these are not the ones you fire out of a flare gun.  As much fun as that is, road flares get ignited and placed on the road to warn other drivers.

These are nice if you don’t want to get creamed while you are waiting on the side of the road.  These signal other drivers that you are in distress. Some emergency car kits come equipped with emergency flares.

Just a word of caution: please be careful when using emergency flares.  They are very hot and can cause serious burns if not used properly.

Hazard Triangles or Led Flashers

A safer alternative and perhaps a bit more long-lasting alternative to emergency road flares are hazard triangles or flashers.  These, too, warn oncoming drivers that there is a broke down vehicle.

However, they do it without the flames.  Also, they are reusable. All in all, these are probably a better solution than road flares.  You do need to make sure that you have a good battery in the flashers, though.

Extra Clothes

Why would you need to carry a spare set of clothes?  Usually, when it’s cold, there is snow and ice. Snow and ice melt and make your clothes wet.  Wet clothes make you cold and put you at risk of hypothermia.

Or just having some extra clothing to wrap around you like a blanket.  Anything to keep you insulated if you happen to be stranded somewhere.

At the very least, carry a pair of insulated socks.  Cold feet are the worst and are high-risk candidates for frostbite.  

Paper Map

A what now?  Yes, before Google Maps, there were paper maps that showed where roads would lead. “ Why on Earth would I need a paper map? I have my phone.”  

Yes, you may have your GPS. I use mine all the time. But what happens when you have no signal? What are you going to do?  Whenever I am making a trip out of town, I have a paper map with me. There is something nostalgic about being able to navigate with your wits.

You don’t need one for your daily commute, obviously.  However, if you are planning a long road trip, it may not be a bad idea to carry one with you as a backup. Learn how to read a map, it will be one more tool for you.

Lighter/Waterproof matches

The ability to start a fire seems to be universal when it comes to survival.  Matches and lighter help that along tremendously. Now, obviously no one wants to be caught out of doors in the winter. However, if you are, you will need a fire to keep you warm.

Which leads us to the next item…

Candle Powered Heater

With a few tea lights and a coffee can, you can create a rudimentary heater for your car.  Please be careful not to set the interior of your car on fire.

With the proper candles, this will generate enough heat to keep you warm until a tow truck arrives and gets you going again.  

Continuing with this theme…

Fire Extinguisher

If things go badly with your candle-powered heater, you need a way to put out the fire.  Fire extinguishers come in a variety of sizes

Check over here for the best fire extinguishers for your car.

If you don’t need it for yourself, you will at least be in a position to help someone else in an emergency.

Tow Strap

What I wouldn’t have given for a tow strap when I got run off the road in Maine.  There I was completely helpless. I was totally unprepared…shame on me.

With a good tow strap, another vehicle, and someone willing to give you a hand, you can get yourself unstuck from many situations.

Find a secure spot on your vehicle and attach it to a secure spot on another vehicle some gentle pulling and you should be back on the road again.

These are almost a necessity if you do any offroading, but that is a different topic.

One last note: while it is good to have one, you should probably have some experience with a tow strap. Or, at the very least, have someone with some experience show you how to use one.  

You can do some serious damage to your car or the other person’s car if these are placed in the wrong positions.  

Rope 

There are substitutes for almost everything.  A rope is a great substitute for a tow strap. Make sure it is a good length, and it is a solid rope.

The same warnings apply to know how to use one. 

Pen and paper

Even in this digital age, a pen and paper are useful to have.  Like many other items on this list, you won’t know you need them until you do.

You may need to write down directions on how to perform a certain task. More likely, you will need to leave a note for someone.  

Whatever the case, it’s good to have.

Fix-A-Flat

Ah, good ol’ Fix-A-Flat.  No matter how you feel about this product; if it means getting you to a hotel for the night, I think you will use it.  I would.

Remember, it’s not a permanent fix, but it may get you to a safe and warm place.

The one drawback to Fix-A-Flat is that it doesn’t like the cold weather. So don’t leave it in the extreme temps for too long.

More Winter Travel Tips & Inspiration

Whilst the wintery weather certainly curtails a lot of road tripping adventures as roads become icy and inaccessible, but there are still plenty of places across the United States where you can have fabulous winter adventures.

If you’re still keen to hit the road this winter, check out next:

The Most Magical Christmas Destinations in the US
Canada’s Best Winter Family Holiday Destinations
Best US Winter Wonderlands For A Cold Weather Vacation
Epic US National Parks that are even better in the winter!
Here’s how to prepare you and your vehicle for a winter road trip
Escaping the Cold? Our favorite warm weather winter road trip destinations

Do you have a car? Do you drive? Then this blog post is for YOU! We’re going to talk about why having a dashcam in your car can be important. There are so many people on the road these days, that one day something is bound to happen.

And BAM! There, you are ready to catch it. Is it something weird, is it an accident, are you a parent worried about your kid? There are many reasons why it is important to have a dashcam. Let’s take a look at a few.

A dashcam records everything that happens while you’re driving, so it’s like being able to watch your back 24/7. Let’s get started! Here are 12 reasons why owning a dashcam is important for everyone in the car.

You Have First-Hand Evidence Of A Car Accident
A Dashcam Can Help You Prevent Fraud  By Identifying Vandals and Hit-and-Runs
The Dash Cam Is Awesome For Worried Parents
Proof to Get out of a Ticket
A Dash Cam Is The Perfect Solution For Reckless Drivers
Dash Cams Have A Ton Of Useful Extra Features And Functions
Perfect for Driving Instructors
You Could Save Thousands of Dollars
You Can Record Your Entire Road Trip
Monitor Drivers In Fleet or Commercial Vehicles
Could Possibly Help You When Dealing With Unethical People
You can document all of the weird stuff that goes on in this world

You Have First-Hand Evidence Of A Car Accident

Some people are very skeptical about the use of dashcams because they don’t know what they could potentially be used for. However, if you’re involved in an accident with someone else, there’s a chance that you’ll be able to get some important evidence on them by having a dashcam.

Even if you’re not involved in an accident, chances are that you can film the person who commits a hit-and-run and share their footage on social media.

The best thing about this type of footage is that it’s all first-hand – you can’t dispute its authenticity the way that people sometimes do with other types of evidence, such as photographs and video footage.

A Dash Cam Is The Perfect Solution For Reckless Drivers

I don’t know about you, but I think I am a pretty good driver. I’m sure you feel similarly, not about me but yourself. You see, that’s a problem because the general attitude of most drivers is that they’re better than other people on the road.

This can make it difficult for you to deal with reckless drivers because they are a menace on the road, and it doesn’t look like the trend is getting any better. But now, at least, you have footage of their bad driving.

If it is someone you know, you can show them footage to show them their mistakes and hopefully get them to change their driving habits for the better. 

Or if you catch a random act of stupidity, you now have footage of that which can be used as evidence against them.

The Dash Cam Is Awesome For Worried Parents

This is something that I will be dealing with in a few short years. A dash cam is perfect for parents who want to keep track of where their children are. With something like a GPS tracker, you can see where they are, but it’s not the same as seeing them on film.

Most car accidents happen during the day, so if you’re worried about your children driving to and from school or partying with their friends, installing a dash cam will give you peace of mind and enable you to keep an eye on what they’re doing.

A camera is a great teaching tool that can also be used as a tracking device for parents who are concerned about their children’s driving habits.  Why not use a dashcam as a lesson planner and keep track of your kid’s driving habits? Why not? Why not use a dashcam for its features for tracking and recording lessons?

Good For Driving Instructor

A car dashcam is indeed very important for driving instructors and parents. Why? If you are a driving instructor or parent, it would be very beneficial if the learner has a recording device to assist them in their driving lessons. That way, they have something to show you where they went wrong when they made mistakes during the course of the lesson.

You Can Record Your Entire Road Trip

Recording everything for posterity is an amazing way to review what you have seen on your trip. You can replay it and reminisce about the sights or any other memories that made a special impression on you while on a road trip.

Could Possibly Help You When Dealing With Unethical People

It’s a sad world we live in but a reality we all must face. There are many unethical people out there who, at any given moment, can spark a violent reaction. This could happen at any time and any place.

If you have been a victim of an unethical person, then it would be evidence against them to help prosecute their actions in court to get justice done.  Dashcam footage can be used as evidence against someone who did bad or illegal behavior.

A Dashcam Can Help You Prevent Fraud  By Identifying Vandals and Hit-and-Runs

If you are involved in a hit-and-run, or your car is vandalized, a dash cam can help identify the culprit and provide evidence to report it. You can use a dashcam as evidence against people who committed vandalism. 

If you are involved in a hit-and-run, or your car is vandalized, a dash cam can help identify the culprit and provide evidence to report it.

Proof to Get out of a Ticket

So, this particular use does have some caveats. First, you shouldn’t be breaking the law! But stuff happens, and sometimes we get caught.

Now, having a dashcam may or may not prove to be helpful, depending on the type of traffic offense that you committed. Speeding tickets may be more difficult to get out of because dashcams with GPS have not been validated as an official source for speed accuracy.

This is in contrast to a police radar gun, which is often calibrated and considered to be very accurate. So, if you are going 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit, you may have difficulty proving your innocence.

However, if you are accused of exceeding the speed limit and you were not, you may have a little bit more wiggle room to prove your case.

Now, a dashcam could prove useful in proving your innocence in running a red light or a stop sign. You can show more definitive proof in this type of situation—it’s been done before.

Lastly, I must say I do not condone the breaking of traffic laws. They are there for a reason: to protect us. But things don’t run perfectly, so another perspective is useful. We should all do our best to obey the traffic laws for everyone’s safety.

I make no guarantees that having a dashcam will get you out of a ticket. I merely present it as a reason you may want to purchase one.

Dash Cams Have A Ton Of Useful Extra Features And Functions

Many dashcams actually have a ton of useful extra features like GPS tracking, lane monitoring, speed cameras, voice activation, etc. Why not take advantage of the many functions and additional features your dashcam offers.

Using your dashcam’s additional capabilities as well will make you more attentive to your driving and help ensure a safe journey.

You Could Save Thousands of Dollars

If you ever experience an accident, then having video evidence can save you thousands of dollars in court costs, so why not invest in something that could potentially save you money down the road?

Dashcams have been proven to be an invaluable safety tool that can prevent you from making costly mistakes. In a time of increased customer fraud and hit-and-runs, it’s important to get documentation for one’s claim. Dashcams also provide insurers with better information on potential claims so they know who is covered

Monitor Drivers In Fleet or Commercial Vehicles

If you have a fleet of commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, trucks, etc., then having a camera installed will help you monitor your drivers and spot any illegal activity that may be occurring within them as well. 

You can use dashcam technology to ensure that all your drivers are following the rules. This is a way to keep track of what they’re doing on the road while also making sure it’s safe for everyone involved.

You Can Document All of the Weird Stuff That Goes On in This World

You can capture some cool stuff with a dashcam, like all the scenic views and sights your drive offers. The dashcam is perfect to record your trip along with anything important that happens while you travel. You can even capture cool stuff with the camera that is in the car, so it never goes unseen.

Final Thoughts…

It’s not just for car accidents, reckless drivers, and hit-and-run incidents. A dashcam can also be a perfect teaching tool to help teach your kids how to drive (or at least keep an eye on them). You could even use it as a great way of tracking their progress. Although, I don’t think they will see it like this, but… oh well.

Besides proof if you disagree with another driver, you can record long road trips. Are dashcams necessary? Probably not, but given the society we live in, it’s not a bad idea to have one, either.

There you have it: 12 good reasons to own a dashcam. So what are you waiting for? For starters, here is an excellent choice for testing the waters. It is the Rexing V1P. Go check it out!

Rexing V1P 4K Dual Channel Dash Cam

You May Want to Check Out Next

• Will a dashcam drain my car battery? Three things you need to know
• 5 Ways to Protect Your Dashcam From the Heat or Cold
• Will my Dashcam Work Without an SD card?
• Should you use a portable baby monitor in your car?

Dashcams are a nifty piece of technology. I mean, who doesn’t want the surety that comes with having a record of your actions on the road? However, like all things electronic in a car, there is the potential to have that device siphon power from the battery. This article will address the question, will a dashcam drain my car battery?

Unfortunately, the answer is ‘YES’ it will. The good news, however, is there are ways to prevent your battery from being drained.

Before we get to that, though, let’s discuss why a dashcam may drain your battery.

How Can a Dashcam Drain Your Battery?

The battery will be drained by the dashcam because of three main reasons:

1. Dashcams will automatically start recording when you turn on your car, which will also drain your battery. Now, this will not be such an issue if your car is running. However, if you simply turn your key to the ‘ON’ or ‘ACC’ position, you will run the risk of draining your battery.
2. Dashcams also leave the light on when operating, which will shorten the life of the battery.  Again, if your car is running and drawing power from the alternator, this is not an issue.  But, if you are running on pure battery power, you do run the risk of having your car battery die.
3. A third reason is that some cars require a constant connection to their GPS system and this too will deplete your batteries much faster than it would without a dashcam installed.

Can I Leave My Dashcam Plugged Into A Cigarette Lighter?

The short answer is ‘Yes,’ you can. However, you still run the risk of draining your battery.

One fellow left his device plugged in for three days, and his vehicle started just fine. The amount of power that a powered-down dashcam draws is very low, so three days was no big deal. 

But if you are going to have your car stored for any length of time, it’s probably best to unplug your dashcam and all of your devices. Eventually, this will drain your battery. And you will have the unpleasant experience of finding yourself with a dead battery.

This leads to the question we posed at the beginning of the article:

How Do You Stop the Dashcam from Draining Your Car Battery?

Keeping your dashcam from draining your car battery depends on two basic things.

1. Whether or not the dashcam is connected properly, and
2. Take advantage of some built-in dashcam safety features

If you are plugging your dashcam into a power outlet, make sure to keep it unplugged when not in use. As you probably know, most modern cars have a continuous power outlet and one that turns off when the car turns off. 

Just be mindful of which outlet you are using. If you don’t need your dashcam plugged in, unplugging it is the safest thing. But, if you do need it to be on most of the time, option 2 is what you need.

Option 2 requires hardwiring your dashcam to your car’s electrical system. Dashcams usually come with an installation kit that includes all necessary items, such as a dashcam mount and wires.

Installing one can take under 15 minutes, depending on how long it takes you to find where you would like it mounted before getting started! Now, I am not recommending this to everyone. There is a certain level of mechanical aptitude that is needed before installing a dashcam this way. 

If you choose to hardwire your dashcam to the car, do your research!  And possibly consider hiring a professional to do it for you.

One more option you have to keep your dashcam from draining your car battery is getting a dashcam battery. Obviously, this will supply power from an external source and this may be the option for you. Let’s look at this a little further.

Final Thoughts

Will a dashcam kill your car battery? Yes, it will, but only if you don’t take the proper precautions when installing your new piece of tech.

The key points to remember when using a dashcam are:

1. Use the proper installation kit and equipment.  If necessary, seek the help of professionals to install your dashcam.
2. Make sure that if your dashcam comes with built-in safety features, these are engaged.  So you don’t find yourself with a dead car battery.

Dashcams should remain unplugged when not in use to avoid draining the battery. To extend its life, always ensure that your dashcam has a continuous power supply by plugging it into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter as needed.

Are you doing some research to see if you want to purchase a dashcam? If so, check out this article on 12 reasons why you should have a dashcam.
If you will in or will be visiting a place prone to extreme heat or cold temperatures, make sure you have a dash cam that can cope with weather extremes
Will you need to purchase an SD card in addition to your dashcams internal storage? We look at the dashcam with the largest internatl storage – but why you’ll likelt still want an external SD card to store your dashcam footage.

Now that you have a nice shiny new dashcam, how does it work? One of the most basic things you need to consider is where you are going to store all of that wonderful new video footage. So, will a dashcam work without an SD card?

The short answer is ‘YES’ if …and this is a big IF…if your dashcam has internal storage. Even then, the storage is limited, so having an SD card on hand may not be a bad idea.

So, if you’re wondering whether or not dash cams need an SD card, then this article is for you! We’ll talk about how cameras work, what internal memory means in dashcam terms, how much space you need on your dashcam’s memory to get started recording videos, and more. Let’s get started!

Do you need an SD card for a dashcam? No, not all cameras require one. Dashcams come with several ways to record or stream the video.

• Internal storage
• Streamed over wifi and recorded on a computer
• And, of course, an external SD card

Let’s take a look at some other questions you may have about using an SD card in a dashcam.

Can a dashcam record without an SD card?

Yes! If, it has onboard memory storage. This is very important because if it doesn’t have onboard storage, then it will not be able to record. 

Some dashcams have internal memory, which allows you to record without an SD card. How much you are able to record depends on how many gigabytes of memory your dashcam comes with.

This leads to the next question: do dashcams have internal storage? It’s important that you have enough storage space within the camera for this process to work properly or else there will be errors that may cause your dashcam not to function properly.

Do Dashcams Have Internal Storage?

Some cameras do come with internal memory, but since these are usually only 16 GB, 32GB, or 64GB (the most we’ve seen), you’ll need to add an SD card before recording anything.

Internal memory is best for cameras without a screen or that are meant as secondary devices like those used in your car’s dashboard, but it can’t be relied on since the total space available will vary from camera to camera, and there may not be enough room if you plan on constantly using the dashcam.

Turns out, it is very difficult to find a dashcam with built-in memory. However, I did find one: the DDPAI Mini5 4K Dash Cam has 64 gigabytes of internal memory.

How Much Space Do I Need On My Dash Cam Memory?

Well, this really depends on what you will be needing the dashcam for. That being said. A rule of thumb I go by is to get as much memory as you can for your budget.

You can never have too much memory. If you don’t need it now, you will most likely need it at some point in the future.

Now, whether you are going with an internal-based storage device or a removable memory card, we recommend going with one that has at least 128GB of space so that you always have plenty of record time available, even when you’re constantly using the dashcam.

What is the Best SD Card for my dashcam?

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best SD card for your dashcam. Which I will get into in another article. In the meantime, check out this video to help you make a decision:

Samsung PRO Endurance 128GB

Buy it

SanDisk 128GB High Endurance

Buy it

SAMSUNG (MB-ME128GA/AM) 128GB

Buy it

SAMSUNG 128GB EVO

Buy it

How Do I Clear My Dash Cam SD card?

The easiest way to clear it is to format the card in your dashcam. This can be done by clicking Settings > Storage Card and then selecting Format All on the drop-down menu option that appears.

You’ll need to select yes when asked if you’re sure about formatting everything, as this will erase all of the data from your memory card, including anything saved there before or after installing a new one. so make sure they are safely backed up somewhere else first!

What Is The Average Recording Time For A Dash Cam Memory Card?

It’s difficult to answer this question as it varies depending on the camera you’re using and how often you want to record.

That said, if your SD card has 128GB of space, then that would hold two hours’ worth of footage at 1080p resolution with a 30fps frame rate (which is typical of what dashcams use).

If you have less than 64GB, then expect about an hour or so, which may get even lower for cameras that don’t shoot in full HD.

What Do I Do If My Dash Cam SD Card Can Not Be Detected?

If your dashcam doesn’t detect the memory card when inserted into the slot, make sure it isn’t upside down! The majority of cards come outfitted with a small switch that needs to be flipped from the side it was inserted into, so make sure this is in a position where you can see it.

If your card still isn’t detected, power up your dashcam and then remove the SD card using one of these two methods:

• Power off your camera first by unplugging or turning it off (only if the battery has enough charge!) and take out its memory card before powering back on again

• Remove all batteries after shutting down the dashboard cam (if possible) but leave them out for a few minutes–then insert just one battery while plugging the dashcam’s charger in as well, which will cause the device to boot up without any need for an SD card! Plug the entire cord set back in after a few seconds and wait for the camera to boot up.

• Remove the SD card from the slot by sliding it out gently with a fingernail or screwdriver (if the memory card is unresponsive) before power cycling the device, then reinserting it in the right way (face down!) once the dashboard cam has rebooted.

Final Thoughts…

Will a dashcam work without an SD card? Yes, but only if the dashcam comes with internal storage. Which, I have found in my research, is a hard thing to find.

Most dashcams these days require an SD card to function. So armed with this little piece of knowledge, go check out why it’s important to have a dashcam these days. And find a dashcam that suits your needs. Until then

Safe travels…

More Useful Gadgets For Your Family Road Trip

Check out these articles about dashcams and other tech that you may find useful for your vehicle:

Will a dashcam drain my car battery? 3 things you need to know
How can your dashcam deal with extreme heat or cold climates?
Benefits and best types of baby monitor for your car

Summer is here and we all know how hot our cars get in the summer. In fact, here in Florida, the average cabin temperature for a car is 116 degrees! Yikes! Now we ALL know how we feel when stepping inside a 116-degree car. Blah!

How do you think your sensitive piece of electronic equipment feels sitting inside that car all day? So now that you have invested some money in a nice dashcam, how do you protect your dashcam from such extreme temperatures?

5 Ways To Protect Your Dashcam From Heat

There are five main ways to help with this issue:

1. Keeping it out of direct sunlight – You should also choose an area on your dashboard where there is airflow around or under your camera so that it doesn’t get too warm sitting right next to other objects like heated seats or steering wheel.
2. Using a reflective cover – A clip-on or magnetic style mount for your dashcam means that you can place it in an area where it still has access to sunlight. This ensures your recordings are not interrupted, and also keeps the camera from getting too warm all day long while sitting in direct sun.
3. Take it down – Simply remove the dashcam from the window. If you are going to be out of the car for an extended period of time…say at work. Take the dashcam down. You most likely will not be needing it while your working. It will still be hot in the car but at least it will be out of the direct sunlight.
4. Another alternative is to mount a small fan to the dashcam. This will take some ingenuity on your part, as you will need to supply power to the fan. And if your car reaches temperatures in excess of 120 degrees, you would just be blowing hot air around.
5. Get a dashcam that uses a capacitor rather than a battery. A lithium-ion battery is great for moderate climates. However, if you live in an area where you know it’s going to be hot a capacitor-powered dashcam will be a better alternative for you.

Best Heat Resistant Dashcams

All of the REXING dashcams have an incredible temperature range of -20 (F) to 176 (F).

Image	Title	Temperature Range	Other Features	Price
Top	REXING V5 Dash Cam 4K Modular Capabilities 3840x2160@30fps UHD WiFi GPS Car Camera Recorder Night Vision,Loop Recording,Parking Monitor,Supercapacitor,Support 256GB Max,Voice Control (2021) (Dash Cam)	-20(F) THROUGH 176(F)	Powered by Supercapacitor 24 Hour Parking Monitor Built-in GPS & Wifi	Check Price
	REXING V1 MAX 4K Solo Dash Cam 3840X2160@30fps UHD WiFi GPS Car Dash Camera w/ Night Vision, Supercapacitor,170° Wide Angle, Mobile App, Loop Recording, G-Sensor, Parking Monitor, Support up to 256GB	-20(F) THROUGH 176(F)	Powered by Supercapacitor Solo Camera Built-in GPS	Check Price
	Rexing V1P 4K Dual Channel Dash Cam 4K+1080p with Wi-Fi 2.4” LCD | 170 ° Wide Angle | Dashboard Camera Recorder with Rear Camera | Supercapacitor | G-Sensor | WDR | Loop Recording | Mobile App	-20(F) THROUGH 176(F)	Powered by Supercapacitor Discreet Design WiFi Connect for easy data transfer	Check Price

When exposed to sunlight, dashcams can experience heat buildup, which causes the camera’s fan to run continuously. Leaving it plugged in will also cause this problem due to continued power output.

While dash cams are built to withstand high temperatures safely, they occasionally overheat if left on constantly or used extensively in a hot environment. Prevent this by switching off your camera when you park and ensuring power-on fans face away from direct sunlight.

Some dash cams are more sensitive to heat than others and can increase their internal temperature too rapidly on hot days unless they’re cooled with a fan or air conditioning while parked in direct sunlight. If this happens, try parking your car in the shade if you can find one, turn off the power-on fan if it has one, or keep the car’s air conditioning on.

Can a Dashcam Catch Fire?

Most dash cams are built with a metal housing that dissipates heat from the camera lens to prevent overheating. This is not only important for your safety but also prevents damage to the electrical components and circuitry of the dashcam.

No one can say for an absolute certainty that a dashcam will not catch fire. However, the likelihood of that happening is extremely rare. I have scoured the internet looking for instances where a dashcam caught on fire and found none.

That being said, if you attempt to hardwire the dashcam to your car and you don’t know what you are doing. There is a possibility of fire, albeit a small one, from improperly connecting the dashcam to the car.

So if this is the route you are going to take, either

1) make sure you take your time and use the proper equipment to hardwire the dashcam, or

2) have the dashcam installed by a professional.

Important Features in A Heat Resistant Dashcam

The best way to protect your dashcam from heat is to buy a heat-resistant dashcam. So what are some features to look for in a heat-resistant dashcam?

Dashcams can be damaged by high temperatures because they are designed to operate in a certain environment. There is no dashcam on the market that’s resistant to all extreme temperatures but there are some things you can do to help protect your camera.

Overall temperature range of the dashcam
Using a capacitor rather than a battery
The position of the dashcam
Making sure the dashcam is properly vented
The type of mounting you use

My recommendation for a dashcam that offers versatility in positioning, a huge temperature range, and uses a capacitor is the REXING V5. In addition to this, it offers very generous support for external memory storage.

Overall Temperature Range

The first place to look is at the overall temperature range of the dashcam you are interested in buying. Where do you live?

If you live in the south (of the United States, anyway), your summers are verrrry hot. You will want to ensure that the dashcam you are looking at can withstand that extreme heat.

Conversely, if you live in the North, you will want to ensure that your dashcam can handle the extreme cold of winter.

Using a Capacitor Powered Dashcam rather than a Battery

Choose a camera that uses a capacitor rather than a battery. A lithium-ion battery is great for moderate climates. However, if you live in an area where you know it will be hot, a capacitor-powered dashcam will be better for you because the capacitor will not get as hot as a battery on those days.

Position of Dashcam

Mount it low. Mounting the camera at a lower point will allow air to flow around it better. This means the heat generated from direct sunlight won’t hit the lens directly and could prevent the camera from overheating. If you need to mount it higher, then try using some duct tape or insulation material to protect the lens.

Proper Venting

Proper venting is essential to your dash cam’s longevity. The cooler the air that flows over the internal components, the longer they’ll last. Ideally, you want to mount your dashcam so it can be in close proximity to your car’s air conditioning system or in a location that is constantly receiving cool air.

Mounting Type

Dashcams can be mounted in several different ways. You should decide how you want to mount your dashcam before purchasing it. Some people prefer the dashboard type of mounting while others go with a suction cup-type mounting that attaches the dashcam to any window surface from its underside on the outside of the vehicle or a magnetic mounting.

A dashboard mount is an ideal option for people who don’t like the look of their dashcam mounted on top of their windshield. Dashboard mounts attach to your car’s vents and work by drawing cool air in from them, which leads to a cooler camera surface that preserves battery life over time because it operates at lower temperatures.

On the other hand, a suction cup can allow you to mount your dash cam on any window surface from its underside outside of the vehicle. The downside to this type of mounting is that it doesn’t provide as much protection for your camera because there’s no insulation around it like with an internal dashboard mount.

Magnetic mounts are similar in concept and design, but they work by attaching one magnet side onto the glass while another attaches directly to your dashcam’s body so that when you move them apart, air flows freely through their space, creating even less heat buildup over time than with a standard dashboard mount.

If you’re not sure which mounting option would be best for your needs or what kind of car vents will work well with certain types of mounts, check the dashcam manufacturer’s website for more information.

More Dashcam And Gadget Guides

You may also be interested to know more about:

12 great reasons why your vehicle needs a dashcam
Will a dashcam drain my car battery? 3 things you need to know
Do you need a separate SD card for your dashcam?
Why you’ll want a car baby monitor when traveling with an infant