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Let’s face it, as drivers here in the Philippines, we spend countless hours on the road. From sitting in traffic on the expressway to climbing up twisty mountain roads on the way to a weekend escape, we are always in our cars with a destination in mind. Driving so frequently for extended periods of time means we need as much help as we can get to ensure our trips go smoothly. And with summer coming along, it’s high time for you to hit the road and go on that road trip you’ve been planning with your family and friends! We’ve whipped up a list of must-have car accessories that we think you would find helpful for your next journey!
Road Trip Essentials: Must-Have Car Accessories
1. First-Aid Kit (for you)
We often get caught up in making sure our car is in good health before turning the key or pushing the Engine Start button. Is everything in good working order? Is there enough gas or diesel in the tank? But what about your most precious cargo, you and your passengers? Number one on our list is to pack a first aid kit with the basics, just in case you or one of your passengers receive a minor injury on your next drive. Good kits include a variety of bandages and even items such as an emergency blanket, hand saw, and firestarter. You can buy the kit and stuff it in your trunk wishing you never have to use it. But in the unfortunate event that you absolutely need first-aid, you’ll thank yourself for the affordable but important purchase! This is certainly a road trip essential!
2. First-Aid Kit (for your car)
You can’t make it to your destination if your car can’t make it either, right? Even with adhering to your car’s recommended maintenance schedule, sometimes the unexpected happens. There are actually some “first aid” kits for cars, but we recommend building your own, and it’s actually quite easy! The ideal kit starts off with a portable tire inflator you can plug into your car’s 12V accessory outlet. This can come in handy if your tire pressure is running low. In addition to this, it’s always good to carry a tire pressure gauge with you. It’s a bit old school since most modern cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which relays information to your in-car screens. But it’s nice having a physical gauge to manually check pressures, especially before a long drive during a hot day.
It’s happened to all of us – you hop in your car to head to work in the morning and cranking the key does nothing. This leads us to another crucial piece of your car’s first aid kit – an emergency battery pack with built-in jumper cables which you can use to jump-start your car if your battery dies. Modern jumper packs are small enough to fit in your glovebox, but pack a powerful enough punch to jump cars with even the largest of batteries. Some even have USB ports to double as a power bank for your phone in case your phone dies. Which, in today’s world, is just as stressful as a dead car battery!
Another must-have for your car’s first aid kit is a flashlight bright enough to light up the road in case you suffer a flat tire during a night drive. You’ll also need a tool kit with the basics: screwdrivers, pliers, and a spray lubricant like WD-40. Carrying plastic zip ties, durable tape, gloves, and baby wipes can also save you in a pinch! If you’ve ever had to work on your car on the side of the road, you’ll know how tough it is to keep your hands clean without gloves and wipes. Not to mention, zip ties and tape can fix simple issues like falling plastic trim or a window that won’t fully close. With these long road trip essentials in tow, you can have peace of mind that you are fully equipped when the need arises.
3. Phone Accessories
Let’s face it, we need our phones while we drive. Whether it’s using our phone for directions via Waze or to make sure the right playlist is queued up on Spotify. A dash mount is absolutely an essential car accessory that helps eliminate the need to look down or reach for our phones. This cool car gadget allows us to place it in our line of sight. In turn, we can keep our eyes on the road. All the while getting directions from our phones. On Shopee, you can find some super cool dash mounts that feature a “one-touch” mount and unmount system for your phone. There are also those that can even charge your phone wirelessly while keeping it out of your hands at the same time! Don’t miss out on some of the best car accessories on Shopee today!
Speaking of charging, a good 12V car charger and solid charging cable is a great addition to your car too! Anker makes some great chargers, and most have two USB sockets that offer quick charging. Pair that up with a charging cord that has multiple tips (lightning, Micro USB, and USB-C). You and your passengers can arrive at your destination with fully charged phones! This must-have car accessory can’t go missing in your car, especially when you have a long road trip ahead!
While we’re on the subject of cables, the AUX cord gets an honorable mention on our list of things you need to upgrade for your next drive! The reality is not everyone wants to connect their phone to your car’s entertainment system. So the AUX cord comes in handy when one of your passengers wants to be the road trip DJ. Or if, God forbid, your Bluetooth stops working! Have all your bases covered with this long road trip essential!
4. The Digital Eyewitness a.k.a Dashcam
Modern cars are loaded with more tech than we can imagine. This includes GPS navigation, radar-guided cruise control, and even lane-departure warning systems. However, your car does not come with this specific cool car gadget and a must-have car accessory. This specific accessory helps to protect you in the event of an accident or run-in with the law – a dashcam.
Dashcams of today have come a long way compared to those from just a few years ago. Modern units record in 4K and have the ability to withstand extra hot environments like in the Philippines. These run on capacitors instead of batteries. They can even transfer captured video to the cloud via Wi-Fi and record in dual-channel mode. This means it can record both front and rear-facing footage at the same time. This is easily among the best car accessories out there that money can buy! Based on the experience of many, a dashcam has saved them from unnecessary arguments with other drivers after an accident. Since the footage is objective and doesn’t lie! Go buy this essential car accessory now on Shopee!
Buy Must-Have Car Accessories To Ensure a Fun and Exciting Road Trip!
Stock up on these must-have car accessories and go take your car out for a spin! With the wide array of car accessories for you to choose from on Shopee Philippines, you’ll definitely find a lot that are perfect for you and your car. Go plan that road trip and consider taking a swim in some of the best beaches near Manila! But before you do, make sure to also pack a couple of beach essentials, sun protection products, flattering swimsuits, and summer fashion must-have for guys! But if you prefer to stay in the city, why not go for some of the best staycations in Manila? Make the most of your summer vacation this year, Shopee fam!
Written By: Eric Go – Your favorite slick talkin’, fast walkin’ coffee chugger from New York City now searching for his own Thrilla in Manila. Catch his adventures on Instagram @ohnoitsericgo.
