Emergency Car Kit: 10 Items You Should Have

Date Published: January 21, 2025

Emergencies happen at any moment, and being prepared can make all the difference when you're on the road (especially in the winter!). Whether you’re facing an unexpected breakdown, severe weather, or a more serious accident, having the right emergency preparedness supplies in your vehicle’s trunk can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives.

A well-equipped emergency car kit is a simple step you can take today to ensure that you’re ready for anything, no matter where the road takes you. Including an emergency kit with first aid supplies for your car can be particularly useful in these situations.

Your storm and severe weather car survival kit should include a variety of safety and cold-weather survival supplies, such as gloves and hand warmers, an emergency Mylar sleeping bag and blanket, food, water, a light stick, a first aid kit, and a rain poncho.

• Accidents: Accidents happen, and having a first aid kit enables you to manage injuries on the spot. Road flares or reflective triangles are essential for signaling your presence and preventing further collisions, especially at night or in low-visibility situations.
• Helping Others: If you encounter another stranded motorist, your car emergency kit can help you assist them. Whether you offer a jump start, provide first aid, or share extra water, your preparedness might make a difference for someone else.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re prepared for emergencies reduces driving stress. A well-equipped car kit gives you confidence that, no matter what happens, you have the tools to handle the situation.
• Saving Time and Money: Addressing minor issues yourself — like changing a tire or jumping a battery — saves time and money that might otherwise be spent on a tow truck or mechanic.

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10 Essential Items for Your Car Emergency Kit

When you start building your vehicle kit essentials, you should focus on items that serve multiple purposes. Consider things that provide basic first aid, keep you visible, assist with vehicle maintenance, and help you stay warm or hydrated in case you get stuck for an extended period in all seasons.

Let’s break down the 10+ essential items you should have in your car emergency kit:

1. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is one of the most important items you can include in any emergency kit, and your car is no exception. Whether a small cut or something more serious, having the tools to handle a medical emergency on the spot can be lifesaving.

Purchase a car first aid kit or gather the following essentials:

• Adhesive bandages
• Elastic bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Sterile gauze pads
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Instant cold pack
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Pain relievers
• Scissors
• Tweezers

2. Emergency Radios

Stay updated on emergency alerts, weather warnings, and crucial instructions from authorities with emergency radios — even when traditional communication channels are down.

3. Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Emergency flashlights increase visibility if you’re stuck on the side of the road at night. Not only will it help you see, but it can also help you signal for help if necessary. Ensure you choose a flashlight with a long battery life and always keep spare batteries in your car emergency kit.

4. Jumper Cables

A dead battery is a common vehicle-related emergencies. Jumper cables get you back on the road quickly, especially if you can flag down a passing motorist or contact a tow service.

5. Water and Non-Perishable Food

If you’re stranded for an extended period, you might need access to clean drinking water and food. Store at least one gallon of water per person for 24 hours. Non-perishable, high-energy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or canned goods can nourish you.

6. Blankets and Warm Clothing

If you’re stuck in your car for an extended period during cold or winter conditions, staying warm is critical. Pack blankets, extra clothing, and even hand warmers to help you maintain body heat. If you live in an area prone to winter storms, you might want to include supplies tailored explicitly to cold-weather survival.

7. Tire Repair Kit and Inflator

If you’re stuck with a flat tire and don’t have a spare, a tire repair kit or a portable tire inflator can help you temporarily fix the issue and get you back on the road. These kits usually include a patching tool and sealant, enough to get you to a repair shop.

8. Road Flares or Reflective Triangles

If your car is disabled on the side of the road, it’s important to stay visible to other drivers, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. Road flares or reflective warning triangles can help alert other motorists to your presence, reducing the risk of an accident.

9. Shovel and Sand

A small shovel can help you escape a tricky situation, or if you get stuck in the snow, mud, or sand. Sand can provide traction to help your tires get unstuck during slippery conditions.

10. Portable Power Bank

Contacting help requires access to a charged cell phone. A portable power bank ensures your phone remains fully charged if your car’s battery is drained. Power banks can provide multiple charges.

Additional Items for Emergency Preparedness

While the above list covers the essentials for your car emergency kit, the following items elevate your emergency preparedness:

• Multi-tool: A high-quality multi-tool with multiple functions—like scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, and a knife—can help you in various situations, from cutting a seatbelt to opening a can of food.
• Books, Games, or Puzzles: If you have young children, non-electronic activities can occupy and comfort them during an emergency.
• Cash: Carrying a small amount of cash can be helpful in emergencies, especially in areas where card payments are not accepted.
• Duct Tape: The quick fix tool for almost anything, from patching a leak to temporarily sealing a window.
• Fire Extinguisher: A small, car-safe fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver in an engine fire or other fire-related emergency.
• Rain Poncho: Stay dry during unexpected downpours or wet conditions when you need to get out of the car.

Be Ready for Any Car Emergency

A well-stocked car emergency kit is the first step toward being truly prepared. But knowing how to use the items in your vehicle survival kit and practicing emergency protocols guarantees you know how to act no matter what happens.

Taking a few simple steps today can help you prepare your vehicle to stay safe and confidently drive, knowing you’re equipped to handle the unexpected.