So, as you’re making plans to hit the highways, consider taking a few minutes to assemble a car-care kit. Car-care experts say that adding a few basic items to your summer road-trip shopping list can help ensure a safer, less stressful getaway:

• Bottled water — Helpful if the radiator runs low on fluid, or to help avoid dehydration if you’re stranded during intense heat.

• Flares — Essential for your safety and that of other drivers if you experience car problems after dusk-and so that tow trucks and other roadside assistance vehicles can locate your car more easily.

• Reflective triangles — To be used during day or night to warn oncoming vehicles, besides the flares. Reflective triangles are required in some states.

• Flashlight and extra batteries — For after-dusk safety and for shedding light on a variety of problems, including malfunctioning engine parts under the hood.

• Jumper cables —You may be able to count on fellow travelers to jump-start your vehicle with theirs, but come prepared with your own jumper cables.

• Tire inflator — A quick, convenient solution in a can for a flat tire — no tire jack or spare tire required. You can be on your way in minutes and have the flat tire repaired or changed later.

• Duct tape — The ultimate solution for quickly repairing a ruptured hose until you reach the nearest service station.

• Blanket and terry-cloth or paper towels — The blanket can be used to slide under the vehicle to further examine a problem, and the towels are a must for quick clean-ups or for handling hot metal surfaces.

• First-aid kit — A kit stocked with an assortment of band-aids and other essentials for minor cuts, scrapes and insect bites.