Summer Road Trip Checklist: Everything Your Tesla Needs for the Season
Print it, check it, go
Summer is road trip season. The days are long, the weather is (usually) cooperative, and the destinations are calling. But there's nothing worse than realizing you forgot something essential 200 kilometers from home. This checklist exists to prevent that. Go through it before you leave, and you'll arrive prepared for whatever the summer throws at you.
About This Checklist
This list is designed for summer road trips in Europe. Not every item applies to every trip - a beach holiday needs different things than a mountain adventure. Use what's relevant, skip what's not.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks
Before you leave home:
- Check tire pressure and condition (including spare if applicable)
- Top up windshield washer fluid
- Verify all lights work (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
- Check wiper blade condition
- Update to latest Tesla software (do this at home, not mid-trip)
- Download offline maps for your route
- Clean windshield and mirrors
- Check air conditioning works properly
- Verify 12V battery is healthy (check Tesla app or service menu)
Charging preparation:
- Plan route with charging stops (Tesla nav or ABRP)
- Check Supercharger availability along route
- Pack Type 2 cable for destination charging
- Bring charging adapters (Schuko, CEE blue if camping)
- Download backup charging apps (Plugsurfing, local providers)
Legal Requirements by Country
EU countries have different mandatory equipment rules. Missing items can mean fines at border checks or during police stops.
| Country | Warning Triangle | High-Vis Vest | First Aid Kit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Required | Recommended | Required | Vest must be accessible |
| Austria | Required | Required | Required | Vest per person recommended |
| France | Required | Required | No | Two triangles if towing |
| Italy | Required | Required | No | Vest when exiting vehicle |
| Spain | Required (x2) | Required | No | Two triangles mandatory |
| Switzerland | Required | Recommended | No | Not EU but common destination |
| Netherlands | Required | Recommended | No | - |
| Belgium | Required | Required | Required | - |
| Portugal | Required | Required | No | - |
| Norway | Required | Recommended | No | Not EU but included |
| Sweden | Required | Recommended | No | - |
| Denmark | Required | Recommended | No | - |
Universal items to carry:
- Warning triangle (two if driving in Spain)
- High-visibility vests (one per passenger, accessible not in boot)
- First aid kit (check expiry dates)
- European breakdown cover documentation
- Valid driver's license (international permit if needed)
- Vehicle registration documents
- Proof of insurance (green card if required)
Spain 2026 Update
From January 2026, Spain will require V-16 emergency beacons (geolocalizable warning lights) in addition to or instead of triangles. If you're planning trips to Spain, consider getting one early - they work everywhere and are safer than placing triangles on busy roads.
Summer Essentials
Sun protection (for car and people):
- Sunshade for windshield (Tesla cabins get hot)
- Window shades for side and rear windows
- Sunscreen (high SPF, beach-appropriate)
- Sunglasses (polarized reduce glare)
- Hats for outdoor breaks
Comfort items:
- Cooler bag or box for frunk (keeps drinks cold)
- Reusable water bottles
- Picnic blanket
- Frunkly table for outdoor meals
- Camping chairs (if space allows)
- Light towels (beach, swimming, or just wiping sweat)
Food & Drink Strategy
Pack before you leave:
- Water bottles (freeze some overnight - they'll thaw as cooler packs)
- Non-perishable snacks (nuts, crackers, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Fresh snacks in cooler (fruit, vegetables, cheese)
- Coffee/tea supplies if you're particular about it
- Reusable cutlery and plates
- Paper towels or napkins
- Trash bags (keep the car clean)
- Hand sanitizer
At charging stops:
- Identify stops with good food options
- Pack a thermos for hot meals on the go
- Keep cooler stocked with ice or ice packs
- Budget for some 'treat yourself' restaurant meals
Tech & Connectivity
- Phone chargers (USB-C and Lightning if needed)
- Power bank for phones
- Portable WiFi or adequate mobile data plan
- Offline entertainment downloaded
- Bluetooth speaker for picnic music
- Camera or ensure phone storage is free
- Emergency charger for laptop if working remotely
Navigation:
- Offline maps downloaded
- Backup navigation app installed
- Key addresses saved in navigation
Emergency & Safety
- First aid kit (check nothing is expired)
- Basic medications (pain relievers, antihistamines, any prescriptions)
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance
- Tesla roadside assistance number saved
- Local emergency numbers (112 works across EU)
- Torch/flashlight
- Basic tools (though Tesla needs few)
- Jumper cables (for helping others, not your Tesla)
- Phone numbers of someone at home
The Day Before
Run through this list the day before, not the morning of departure. You'll have time to grab anything missing without rushing. Morning of: just load the car and go.
Quick Pre-Departure Check
Morning of departure - 5 minute verification:
- Wallet, keys, phone
- Cooler loaded and in frunk
- Snacks accessible
- Navigation destination set
- Entertainment ready for kids (if applicable)
- Tesla charged to planned level
- Climate pre-conditioned
- Everyone used the bathroom
- House locked, lights off, oven off
Now go. Have a great trip.
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