What to Include in a Car Emergency Kit: The Complete Checklist
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A good car emergency kit covers three situations: a breakdown, a minor injury, and being stuck for hours in bad weather. This checklist combines recommendations from Ready.gov and NHTSA and organizes them so you can build your kit in one shopping trip.
Table of Contents
Roadside Essentials
Ready.gov’s car safety page lists these automobile extras for an emergency kit:
- Jumper cables (or a portable jump starter)
- Flares or a reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand for tire traction
Add these practical tools:
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Tire pressure gauge and tire sealant or a plug kit
- Work gloves
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Seat belt cutter and window breaker within reach of the driver
Winter Additions
NHTSA’s winter driving tips recommend carrying:
- A snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
- Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter
- Jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers
- Blankets
- A cell phone and charger, water, food and any necessary medicine
Also consider hand warmers, a hat, gloves, boots and a change of warm clothes.
First Aid
NHTSA lists a first aid kit (including a tourniquet) among winter supplies. A basic kit should include bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, gloves and any personal medications.
Food and Water
Ready.gov’s winter weather guidance suggests bottled water and non-perishable snacks for car kits. Choose foods that handle temperature swings, such as energy bars and nuts, and replace them regularly.
Personal Items
- Prescription medications
- Spare glasses or contacts
- A power bank
- Cash in small bills
- A copy of insurance and emergency contacts
- Pet supplies if you travel with pets
Printable Checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Power and lights | Jump starter or cables, flashlight, batteries, phone charger, power bank |
| Visibility | Reflective triangle, LED flares, high-visibility vest |
| Tools | Gloves, multi-tool, tire gauge, tire sealant or plug kit, duct tape |
| Winter | Shovel, brush, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter, blankets, hand warmers |
| First aid | First aid kit, medications |
| Survival | Water, non-perishable food, map, whistle |
| Safety | Seat belt cutter and window breaker |
Ready-Made Kits
A pre-built kit saves time, then you add the personal and winter items. See our picks for the best car emergency kit.
- The Road Guardian- The portable roadside assistance kit is designed and hand picked by a group of experienced veterans and experts to provide every essential tools you need in roadside emergencies. The automotive safety bag contains accessories such as repair cable ties, bungee cords, electrical tape, space blanket, rain poncho, reflective warning triangle, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, safety gloves, tow rope and more to get your vehicle back on the road and continue your travel.
- Top-Notch Digital Auto Tire Inflator- lightweight and compact air compressor can inflate your standard vehicles tire in seconds. With auto shutoff function, simply plug it into the 12v power outlet and attach the stem to the tire valve, preset the tire pressure and press the power button. The compressor starts the inflating process and stop once your tire reaches at your preset level. This cool gadget also has led light for winter nighttime and three extra nozzles for inflammable bed, others
- Copper-Clad Aluminum 12 Feet 8 Gauge Jumper Cable- A durable battery starter cable is a must-have for your trip. Unlike other kits on the market, our jumper cable has reasonable length to get your cars connected. 8 gauge wires and 300 amp output is more than enough to get your standard vehicle started. UL listed heavy-duty battery jumper cables make you physically and environmentally safer and more reliable.
- Completed 108 Pieces First Aid Kit- By having a completed first aid kit, provide you and your family proper basic wound/hygiene treatment before it possibly get worsened during your road trip. Our kit includes alcohol pads, bandages, cotton tips, knuckle bandages, butterfly bandages, wound pad, sting relief pads, gloves, tape, dressing, PBT bandage, CPR mask, tweezer, safety pins, soap wipe, disinfect wipe, adhesive wound pad, triangular bandage, finger bandage.
- Veteran Owned Company 5-Star Customer Support- Everlit is committed into providing the most comprehensive customer service. We proudly offer the exclusive 60-days hassle-free return among all products. We stand behind the quality of our inventory; all original Everlit products are covered with a 1-year satisfaction warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important items in a car emergency kit?
A way to jump-start the car, warning devices, a flashlight, a phone charger, blankets, water and a first aid kit.
Should I keep water in my car?
Yes, bottled water is recommended. Replace it periodically and allow for freezing in winter.
Do I need jumper cables if I have a jump starter?
A charged jump starter works alone, but cables are a cheap backup.
How do I store an emergency kit in a small car?
Use a compact bag in the trunk and keep the escape tool and charger in the cabin.
The Bottom Line
A complete car emergency kit includes roadside tools, warning devices, winter supplies, first aid, water, food and personal items. Start with Ready.gov’s and NHTSA’s lists, store it in the trunk, and check it every season.
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