DRIVERS has been urged to pick up seven essential items to keep in their car this summer.
As the weather warms up and a summer adventure beckons, Brit motorists will want to make sure they're well equipped to beat the heat.
Thankfully, car experts at Halfords have revealed the key things to keep in mind ahead of those summer road trips.
Clothing for any weather
Brits will know all too well that a bit of sunshine doesn't mean a bit of rain is too far away.
That's why keeping a couple of raincoats handy will ensure you're prepared for the inevitable cold and rainy change.
But there should be extra brightness on the roads for the most part, so motorists are urged to also bring sunglasses.
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Sunshades
On those sunnier, warmer days, getting back into the car is often followed by a scramble to crank up the air conditioning.
The best way to counter this is to bounce off the sun's rays with a metallic or reflective sunshade.
A solid sunshade can cool cabin and dashboard temperatures by up to 25%, according to bramanmotorsbmw.com.
Generally, these can be found .
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Window vent guard
If you plan on bringing along your dog, a vent guard may be a good idea.
They work by allowing fresh air to come into the car while at the same time preventing your canine mate from jumping out.
Drivers can snap these up for as little as .
First aid kit
Falls, slips and trips could be bound to happen on the more adventurous getaways.
Having a compact first-aid kit handy ensures you'll be ready for the odd scratch or bruise, while providing some peace-of-mind.
Picnic blanket
Balmy evenings call for outdoor dining, and buying a picnic blanket means you'll always be ready for those twilight summer dinners.
They could also be used for late-night stargazing, or playing with the kids.
Cool box
A cool box allows you to keep drinks, snacks or even lunches and dinners fresh while on the move.
A quick search shows they range greatly in size, from simple 24 litre options to the mammoth 95L.
This makes them suitable for the simple on-the-road refreshments or even the big outdoor family occasions.
Motorised fan
Ideally, you'll have air conditioning and won't break down - but it doesn't hurt to have a back-up option.
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Small motorised fans are an inexpensive way to keep cool in disaster, or even to bring along for long walks in the heat.
They are widely available for .