Daily Driver Must-Haves for the Long Drive on Route 66

Every spirited adventurer has dreamed of embarking on one of the greatest American road trips there is.

Spanning approximately 2,400 miles, Route 66 takes you across eight states and three time zones. The drive usually begins in the eastern state of Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.

It takes about three weeks to complete a Route 66 road trip, given that all goes well.

But before you warm up your car and hit the road, one of the things you should know is that you’re bound to experience several weather conditions along the way, as well as various driving regulations for each state you’ll cross.

There’s really no perfect time to embark on a road trip on Route 66, which is why you need to stay prepared for whatever obstacle comes your way.

You can expect downpours, heavy snow, and extremely hot temperatures in some states.

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What to Bring on the Great American Road Trip

It always pays to be prepared一no matter how long or short your drive is. But for a road trip that takes weeks, you might want to pack a bit more stuff to stay on the safe side.

Aside from your daily needs like food, water, and clothing, your car will also need a bunch of items if you want to get to your destination with little to no trouble.

Everyday Car Items

Here’s a list of everyday must-haves to keep in your car.

Jumper Cables

Even a fresh battery can run out of juice if you’re not careful. Forgetting to turn off the park light or map light is enough to drain the battery, which is why it’s important to keep a pair of high-quality jumper cables in your car at all times.

Also, don’t settle for cheap jumper cables. These cables are too small and might not carry enough current to get your vehicle started.

Tire Inflator

Route 66 is nowhere near perfect. At some point, you’ll find yourself driving over dips or cracks in the road, which is enough to knock some air out of your tires.

This is where a portable tire inflator comes in handy.

You’ll find a lot of portable tire inflators in the market, ranging from pre-set ones to those with manual operation features. Portable tire inflators also come in digital and analog options, as well as cord and cordless types.

Car Charger

For a road trip that’ll take weeks, it’ll be impossible for your phone to run on a single charge. Be sure to keep a car charger in your cabin, as well as a compatible USB cable.

Cell Phone Holder

A big old map used to be a staple on whatever road trip adventurers embark on, but thanks to technology, navigating routes has never been easier.

Still, phones can be considered a distraction, especially if you’re holding it with one hand while the steering wheel is on the other.

If you’re going to be navigating through Route 66 using your phone, be sure to hold it upright with a cell phone holder. This way, you can also answer calls without putting the phone close to your ear.

First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anytime, which is why it’s crucial to keep a first aid kit topped with antiseptic, gauze, band-aids, and medicine.

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency kit has everything you need in case of car trouble, including flares, warning signs, flashlights, gloves, and basic tools.

Fuel Container

It’s funny to think about it, but forgetting to top up on fuel is something that drivers tend to forget every once in a while.

Route 66 is filled with hundreds of gas stations along the way, but it’s possible that some of them will be closed during your trip. Keeping a stocked fuel container in your trunk will prove to be beneficial during this time.

For Driving In Hot Weather

If you’re planning to drive along Route 66 during the summer, you can expect the scorching heat to slow you down, especially in areas like Las Vegas, Arizona, and the surrounding desert.

Before leaving for this long in really high temperatures, make sure to have your radiator and condenser fins blown out to avoid overheating. It’s also a good idea to keep a couple of gallons of water in your trunk.

It’ll be brutal for your car to keep going for hundreds of miles under the sun, and the same goes for you.

At some point, you’ll need to take a break at a nearby hotel, indulging in a fully air conditioned room while you let your car rest at the parking lot.

Here are some accessories to keep your car cool during the summer.

Sun Shade

Installing sun shades on your windows is a great way to keep your cabin cool under the scorching heat.

These shades generally come in various materials, including mesh, fabric, polyester, and reflective film, among others.

You can also drive your vehicle with these shades installed, as some of them provide an opening that lets you see the side mirrors.

Car Cover

If you’re planning to take a break for a couple of days, a car cover will definitely help your vehicle to stay cool. Plus, it also keeps dust, debris, and other contaminants from getting your car dirty while it rests.

Common car cover materials include fabric, polycotton blend, silicon polymer, and polyester.

Steering Wheel Cover

A hot steering wheel makes it impossible to drive your vehicle. You might want to invest in a high-quality steering wheel cover that also offers comfortable grip features.

For Driving In Cold Weather

Temperatures can drop when you’re passing through states like Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, even more so when you’re headed toward northeastern Illinois and the Rocky Mountains.

Snow is a possibility in some of these states, so be sure to keep these accessories in your trunk during your trip.

Shovel

If your vehicle is buried in snow, it’s a good idea to have a shovel in your trunk to clear a path.

Floor Mats

Snow-covered shoes spell disaster the moment you step inside your car. Once the snow melts, you’ll be left with a puddle of water that will eventually seep into the carpet.

Fortunately, a couple of floor mats can help you steer clear of this issue. You can choose between molded floor liners and flat floor mats, depending on your preference.

Scraper

A scraper surely comes in handy when your windshield is covered in snow, which can be quite difficult to wipe off using your hands. However, be careful when scraping snow off the windows to avoid causing permanent damage.

For Rainy Days

States like California, Oklahoma, and Arizona can experience thunderstorms during different months of the year. Be sure to have these items in your car for a hassle-free driving experience. Make sure your windshield wiper blades are in good condition, and be sure to have these items in your car for a hassle-free driving experience.

Drying Towel

As you know, rainwater can leave permanent stains on your paint job, so it’s best not to let it sit. Be sure to have a drying towel around to wipe rainwater off your car as soon as the weather clears up.

Car Cover Lock

A car cover will do wonders for your vehicle under adverse weather conditions, but it won’t be as effective when someone steals it from your car.

Investing in a car cover lock can ensure that the cover will stay in place.