21 Items to Keep in Your Car for Roadside Emergencies

Roadside emergencies, like a sudden summer storm, can roll in when you least expect them. According to a 2023 survey by AAA, over 32 million Americans experienced a roadside emergency requiring assistance.

Don’t let a small mishap ruin your trip. With the right tools in your car and a bit of know-how, you can handle unexpected bumps in the road and get back on track smoothly. And if you ever need emergency towing, you’ll be prepared.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have items for your car emergency kit so you’re ready for anything—from jump-starting a dead battery to changing a flat tire. So, let’s dive in and make sure you’re set for the road ahead!

Best Car Survival Kit Items for Safety

1. Jumper Cables

• Purpose: Used to jump-start your car when the battery dies.
• Why It’s Crucial: A dead battery is one of the most common roadside emergencies, and jumper cables allow you to restart your vehicle with the help of another car. Make sure the cables are long enough (at least 12 feet) and have heavy-duty clamps for proper connection.
• How to Use: Attach the red cable to the positive terminal and the black cable to the negative terminal. Always follow the correct order to avoid sparks or damaging your battery. Knowing how to properly jump-start your car can save you hours waiting for roadside assistance.

2. Road Flares/Reflective Warning Triangles

• Purpose: Provide visibility to alert other drivers of your presence on the roadside.
• Importance: Road flares and reflective triangles are especially necessary at night or in bad weather. They help warn other drivers to slow down, preventing additional accidents. Place them at least 200-300 feet behind your vehicle for maximum visibility.

3. Flashlight (with extra batteries)

• Purpose: Provide light in low-visibility situations or during night-time emergencies.
• Why It’s Necessary: A flashlight is crucial for tasks like checking under the hood, changing a tire, or signaling for help. Always keep extra batteries on hand to ensure that your flashlight is functional whenever needed.

4. First-Aid Kit

• Purpose: Handle minor injuries until professional help arrives.
• Essential Contents: Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, pain relievers, tweezers, and scissors. Check the expiration dates for medications and antiseptics. A well-stocked first aid kit can provide immediate care, especially in remote locations.

5. Emergency Blanket

• Purpose: Provide warmth or act as a signal in emergencies.
• Why It’s Important: An emergency blanket, particularly during winter driving or cold weather, helps retain body heat if you’re stranded. Its reflective surface can also be used to signal for help in broad daylight.

6. Car Escape Tool

• Purpose: Safely cut seatbelts or break windows in case of an emergency.
• How to Use: If you’re trapped in your vehicle, use the sharp edge of the tool to cut through a seatbelt. The pointed end is designed to break glass windows to aid in a quick escape, especially if the vehicle is submerged in water or locked due to an accident.

Best Car Repair Essentials

7. Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench

• Purpose: Necessary tools for changing a flat tire.
• Why It’s Critical: Every driver should have a properly inflated spare tire, along with a working jack and lug wrench. Knowing how to change a tire is an essential skill that can prevent long waits for emergency roadside service.
• Instructions: After securing your vehicle with the parking brake, use the jack to lift the car, remove the lug nuts with the wrench, and replace the flat tire with the spare.

8. Basic Tool Kit

• Contents: Include screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, and other basic tools for minor repairs.
• Why It’s Useful: A basic tool kit can help you perform minor repairs, such as tightening loose screws or adjusting parts under the hood. Keep it in your trunk for unexpected mechanical issues.

9. Duct Tape

• Purpose: Temporarily fix hoses, cracks, or secure loose parts.
• Why It’s Versatile: Duct tape can be used for temporary repairs to hoses, side mirrors, or other parts until you can get to a mechanic. Its strong adhesive makes it a must-have item for on-the-go fixes.

10. Tire Pressure Gauge

• Purpose: Check tire inflation levels for safe driving.
• Importance: Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of blowouts. Regularly using a tire pressure gauge to ensure your tires are properly inflated can prevent accidents and improve vehicle performance.

11. Coolant

• Purpose: Prevent engine overheating.
• When to Add: Only add coolant when the engine has cooled down. Carrying extra coolant can be lifesaving, especially in hot weather conditions or during long drives. Proper coolant levels are key to preventing engine breakdowns.

Best Car Emergency Items for Comfort and Survival

12. Water Bottles

• Purpose: Stay hydrated in case you’re stranded for an extended period.
• Why It’s Essential: Especially in hot climates or remote areas, dehydration can set in quickly. Carrying at least one gallon per person per day ensures that you remain hydrated while waiting for assistance.

13. Non-Perishable Snacks

• Purpose: Provide energy while waiting for help to arrive.
• What to Pack: Include snacks such as energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits in your kit. These items offer sustained energy without requiring refrigeration, making them perfect for long waits.

14. Phone Charger

• Purpose: Ensure your phone stays charged to call for help.
• Why It’s Crucial: A dead phone can prevent you from calling for assistance or accessing GPS. Keep a car phone charger in your kit so you can always reach emergency services, especially if you find yourself stranded in a remote area.

15. Extra Clothing

• Purpose: Stay warm during cold weather or winter driving emergencies.
• Recommendation: Pack a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and even a blanket in case of severe weather. These items are essential for keeping you comfortable in cold conditions.

16. Hand and Foot Warmers

• Purpose: Provide extra warmth in extreme cold weather.
• Importance: These single-use warmers are crucial for preventing frostbite during winter driving or when stranded in icy conditions. Keep a few pairs in your glove compartment for emergencies.

Optional Car Survival Kit Items

17. Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife

• Purpose: A compact, versatile tool for various repairs and adjustments.
• Why It’s Handy: Multi-tools typically include pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and scissors. They’re useful for small fixes, cutting materials, and handling a range of tasks without the need for a full tool kit.

18. Fire Extinguisher

• Purpose: Handle minor vehicle fires before they become unmanageable.
• Recommendation: Opt for a small, automotive-rated fire extinguisher designed specifically for car fires. In the case of an engine fire or an electrical short, this tool can save both your car and your life.

19. Tow Rope or Chain

• Purpose: Tow your vehicle if it becomes stuck.
• Caution: Only use a tow rope or chain if you know how to safely tow another vehicle. Incorrect use can damage your car or cause further accidents, so practice proper towing techniques beforehand.

20. Rain Poncho

• Purpose: Protect yourself from rain while working on your vehicle.
• Why It’s Practical: A simple rain poncho keeps you dry while changing a tire or inspecting your car during a storm. It’s a lightweight addition to your kit that offers significant comfort during repairs.

21. Paper Maps

• Purpose: Backup navigation in case of GPS failure.
• Why You Need It: Paper maps can be invaluable in areas without phone signals or when electronic devices fail. Keeping one in your car ensures you’ll never be lost, even in remote areas where GPS isn’t reliable.

Mastering Roadside Emergency Skills

Having a comprehensive car emergency kit is crucial, but equally important is understanding how to stay safe during unexpected roadside situations. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Preventative Measures

Regular car maintenance is the first line of defense against breakdowns. Following your car manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can help identify potential issues before they leave you stranded. This includes routine oil changes, checking tire pressure, inspecting belts and hoses, and ensuring your battery connections are secure.

By being proactive with car maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of needing your emergency car kit checklist in the first place!

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If you do experience a breakdown, be mindful of your location and the surrounding environment. If possible, pull over to a safe location away from traffic, such as the shoulder of the highway or a well-lit parking lot.

Note any landmarks or mile markers to help emergency roadside services locate you easily. Pay attention to weather conditions, especially in winter car emergency kit situations. Extreme heat or cold can exacerbate an already stressful situation.

Stay Calm

It’s natural to feel anxious or stressed during a roadside emergency. Take a few deep breaths, assess the situation calmly, and prioritize safety. If you have cell service, call for help. If not, consider your options carefully.

If you’re in a remote area or adverse weather conditions make staying with your car unsafe, use your emergency supplies to ensure your comfort and safety until help arrives.

Personal Safety

If you need to wait for assistance, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened whenever possible. This provides a barrier of protection in case you are stranded on a busy road.

If you must exit your vehicle, do so cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. If a stranger stops to offer help, be cautious and use your best judgment. If you feel uncomfortable, politely decline their assistance and wait for a professional emergency roadside service to arrive.

By combining a well-stocked emergency car kit with these safety tips, you’ll be ready to face unexpected roadside challenges with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, preparation and awareness can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and getting you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Beyond the Emergency Car Kit

Remember, a roadside emergency can happen at any time, anywhere. But with a little preparation, you can transform a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience. By assembling a complete car emergency kit and familiarizing yourself with basic car maintenance and safety procedures, you’re not just packing supplies; you’re packing peace of mind!