How to stay safe and comfortable on a rental car road trip

Once you've booked a clean and comfortable car from a car rental company near you, it's worth packing a few carefully selected luxuries. They can make a world of difference to your trip.

Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, you'll need a bit of R&R – so make sure you bring everything you need to rest and relax on the road.

Creature comforts

It's all too easy to fall prey to a bad back when you're driving long distances, so it's well worth investing in some extra support for your spine.

There are lots on the market at affordable prices, from the ever-popular "back friend" to an array of orthopaedic and padded seat cushions. These promise everything from lumbar support to heat treatments and a massage. Nice!

Of course, necks are equally vulnerable, so it pays to stave off a stiff neck with a comfortable travel pillow.

You could also consider a soft neck warmer that can be recharged in your vehicle. Some of them even emit a natural lavender scent to keep you cool, calm and collected while your neck stays nice and toasty.

Seasonal touches

The elements make a big difference to any driving experience, so you'll also want to bring some helpful seasonal extras.

In winter, it's a good idea to pack a pair of cosy driving gloves to stop your fingers from getting cold on the road. And you might like to add a thermal base layer, fleece jumper, hat and scarf for those chilly dashes to the service station.

Make sure you've included winter driving essentials, too – some de-icer or an ice-scraper will do the trick on frosty mornings (but take care not to scratch the windscreen).

In summer, suncream and sunglasses are essentials for every driver. It's a good idea to have a baseball cap or sunhat too.

Make sure you've got plenty of water for yourself, as well as the car, in case your trip takes longer than expected. You could invest in a car cooling or heating cup, which will keep your drinks either chilled or hot, depending on the season.

Or why not get yourself one of the most helpful additions for a summer drive? A cool box will keep all your snacks and drinks chilled – and upright – on a long hot trip. Nowadays, you can even get trolley cool boxes with wheels and a handle – so no more lugging a heavy picnic across a field.

Everyday essentials

Talking of picnics, you'll want something to put in that cool box. Make sure you've got plenty of snacks and drinks you can access quickly and easily if you need to. Healthier options that make sense for drivers include oat or fruit snack bars and tasty wraps.

And remember that diversions or delays can sometimes mean it takes longer to get to that service station. The shop might be shut by the time you arrive, so you'll want to get set up before you set off.

Another everyday essential is a first aid kit that's well stocked with in-date supplies, so if you sustain a minor injury you'll have everything you need.

Breakdown basics

One of the most significant delays we face on the road is a breakdown – and while the chance of it happening is slight, it's important to be prepared.

As well as bringing plenty of food and water, you'll need some things to keep you warm or cool you down. Don't forget, even a summer night can be extremely chilly, so make sure you pack a blanket, even on a hot day. You'll want a good waterproof jacket on hand, too, in case you need to get out and walk in the middle of a downpour.

A major issue, if your car's battery fails, can be charging your phone, so it's helpful to bring a fully charged portable power bank along with your charger. If you're taking a longer trip across the country, why not choose one with a solar charger? This way, you can relax in the knowledge you're equipped for all eventualities.

It's a great idea to keep an empty fuel can in the car as well, in case you run out of petrol within walking distance of a garage. 

And while they're not a legal requirement in the UK, it's highly recommended you keep a hi-vis jacket and reflective warning triangle in the boot. It can be very dangerous to break down in a dark place, so anything that helps other drivers see you and your car is worth paying for.

You should also make sure you've got a mechanical torch (not just your phone's torch app) and some spare batteries in the glove compartment. And invest in a few essential breakdown tools to help you out of a jam: a tow rope and puncture repair kit are top of the list.

Finally, if you get stuck in a rut (literally!), you'll be so grateful you packed that folding shovel. 

Don't forget our phone number!

It's always a good idea to write down the number of your rental car company, just in case something goes awry. And we really do mean "write it down". Paper, unlike smartphones, never runs out of battery power.

How can your hire firm help? That depends on where you rented the vehicle. At Metro Vehicle Hire, we provide insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance as standard with all private hires.*

Got a problem? No matter how big or small – give us a call and we'll always do our best to help you out of a jam.

With that said – happy exploring!

At Metro Vehicle Hire, we make it our business to keep you safe and comfortable on the road. We offer affordable car, van and minibus rentals in the northeast of England. Want to know more? Browse our fleet or get in touch.

* Terms and conditions apply. See our vehicle hire FAQs for more details.