Build a Better Vehicle Emergency Kit Before You Need It

Be prepared for breakdowns, bad weather, roadside delays, and unexpected emergencies with a well-stocked vehicle emergency kit.

Most of us get in the car expecting to reach our destination without a problem. But a dead battery, flat tire, severe weather, road closure, or mechanical issue can quickly turn a normal drive into an emergency.

A good car emergency kit gives you the supplies you need to stay safe, visible, comfortable, and prepared while you wait for help.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping items such as a phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, warning devices, jumper cables, tire equipment, tools, food, water, maps, and weather protection in your vehicle.

Why You Need a Car Emergency Kit

Roadside problems can happen anywhere. You could experience:

• A dead battery

• A flat tire

• A mechanical breakdown

• Severe weather

• Snow or ice

• A road closure

• A long traffic delay

• Loss of cell service

• A minor injury

• An unexpected overnight delay

Even with roadside assistance, help may take time to arrive. Your emergency kit helps you handle the situation until it does.

1. Flashlight or Emergency Light

A reliable flashlight is one of the most important items in your kit. You may need it to inspect a tire, look under the hood, find equipment, or make yourself more visible at night.

Consider keeping a backup flashlight or headlamp as well. If your light uses batteries, carry extras. Rechargeable lights should be checked regularly and kept charged.

2. Phone Charger and Power Bank

Your phone can be your most important communication tool during an emergency.

Keep a charging cable in your vehicle and consider adding a portable power bank for extra backup. Check the power bank regularly to make sure it is charged.

3. First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit can help with cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries while you wait for additional help.

Consider including:

• Adhesive bandages

• Gauze

• Medical tape

• Antiseptic supplies

• Disposable gloves

• Basic wound-care supplies

• Necessary personal medical supplies

Check your kit regularly and replace anything that has expired or been used.

4. Warning Devices

If your vehicle breaks down near traffic, visibility is extremely important.

Consider keeping:

• Reflective warning triangles

• Emergency markers

• Appropriate flares

• Other high-visibility signaling devices

Make sure you know how to use any emergency equipment before you need it.

5. Reflective Safety Vest

A reflective vest takes up very little room and can make you easier for other drivers to see if you need to leave your vehicle.

It can be especially helpful at night, during rain or fog, and on rural or poorly lit roads.

If conditions are unsafe, however, staying inside your vehicle may be the better option.

6. Jumper Cables or Portable Jump Starter

Dead batteries are one of the most common roadside problems.

Jumper cables can be used with another compatible vehicle, while a portable jump starter can provide another option without needing a second vehicle.

Whichever you choose, learn how to use it before an emergency happens.

7. Tire Pressure Gauge

A tire pressure gauge is small, inexpensive, and easy to keep in your vehicle.

Check your tire pressure regularly and before long trips. Don't forget the spare tire. Use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, which is usually listed on the driver's door label or in the owner's manual.

8. Spare Tire, Jack and Lug Wrench

Make sure you know what tire-changing equipment your vehicle actually has.

Check for:

• Spare tire

• Jack

• Lug wrench

• Wheel-lock key, if needed

• Tire repair or inflation system

Some newer vehicles use tire repair systems instead of traditional spare tires, so knowing what your vehicle has before you need it is important.

9. Portable Tire Inflator

A compact tire inflator can be helpful when a tire has lost pressure and doesn't have serious damage.

It is not a replacement for professional tire repair. A tire with a puncture, bulge, major sidewall damage, or another unsafe condition should be inspected by a professional.

10. Basic Tool Kit

You don't need an entire garage in your trunk. A small collection of basic tools can be enough for simple roadside tasks.

Consider:

• Screwdrivers

• Pliers

• Adjustable wrench

• Utility tool

• Duct tape

• Work gloves

Only attempt repairs you can safely handle.

11. Work Gloves

Roadside repairs can leave your hands dirty, wet, cold, or exposed to sharp surfaces.

Work gloves are useful when handling tires, tools, jumper cables, snow equipment, and other roadside equipment.

12. Drinking Water

Always consider keeping drinking water in your vehicle, especially when traveling long distances or through remote areas.

Water can be especially important during:

• Hot weather

• Long traffic delays

• Roadside breakdowns

• Remote travel

• Unexpected overnight stops

Adjust the amount you carry based on your passengers, trip length, climate, and route.

13. Nonperishable Food

A few shelf-stable snacks can make a long roadside wait much easier.

Choose foods that don't require refrigeration or much preparation. Remember to plan for children and pets if they regularly travel with you.

14. Emergency Blanket

An emergency or warm blanket can provide extra protection if you become stranded.

Consider keeping:

• Emergency thermal blanket

• Warm blanket

• Extra layers

• Hat

• Gloves

Update your clothing and blankets based on the season and where you typically drive.

15. Rain Poncho or Weather Protection

A vehicle problem doesn't always happen in good weather.

A rain poncho, waterproof jacket, or other weather protection can be useful if you need to step outside during rain or wet snow.

16. Rags, Wipes or Paper Towels

These simple supplies are easy to overlook but can be useful for cleaning your hands, wiping equipment, checking fluids, or cleaning up spills.

17. Paper Map

Phones and GPS are convenient, but they aren't always reliable when you're in a remote area or your phone loses power or service.

A paper map gives you a backup for navigating rural roads, mountain routes, forest roads, and areas with limited cell coverage.

18. Emergency Contact Information

Keep important information somewhere outside your phone.

A written card could include:

• Roadside assistance

• Insurance information

• Emergency contacts

• Important medical information

• Vehicle information

If your phone dies or becomes damaged, you'll still have access to these details.

19. Personal and Family Supplies

Your emergency kit should fit the people who actually travel in your vehicle.

Depending on your household, you may need:

• Necessary medications

• Eyeglasses

• Baby supplies

• Personal hygiene items

• Mobility equipment

• Pet food and water

• Other personal necessities

Winter Car Emergency Kit

If you regularly drive in snow or freezing temperatures, add supplies for winter conditions.

Consider:

• Ice scraper

• Snow brush

• Compact snow shovel

• Traction material

• Warm clothing

• Winter gloves

• Hat

• Extra blankets

• Winter windshield washer fluid

• Appropriate tire traction equipment

If you're traveling through mountain passes or areas with chain requirements, check the rules before you leave.

If You Become Stranded in Winter

If you become stranded in winter weather, staying with your vehicle is often the safest option.

Keep the vehicle visible, avoid unnecessary exertion, and make sure the exhaust pipe stays clear of snow. Be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide if you run the engine for warmth.

Your safest response will depend on the weather, traffic, location, and instructions from emergency authorities.

Summer Car Emergency Kit

Hot weather brings its own challenges. Consider adding:

• Extra drinking water

• Sun protection

• Hat

• Lightweight shade

• Additional charging capability

• Vehicle-specific fluids when appropriate

Before a summer road trip, check your tires, fluids, battery, lights, cooling system, belts, hoses, and windshield wipers.

Emergency equipment is helpful, but regular vehicle maintenance is just as important.

Check Your Vehicle's Existing Equipment

Before buying more supplies, see what your vehicle already includes.

Check for:

• Spare tire or tire repair system

• Jack

• Lug wrench

• Wheel-lock key

• Owner's manual

• Hazard lights

• Towing information

• Built-in emergency features

Know where everything is stored before you need it.

Keep Your Emergency Kit Organized

Don't leave emergency supplies scattered around your trunk.

Keep everything together in a durable bag, backpack, storage tote, or vehicle organizer. Items you may need quickly, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, or phone charger, should be easy to reach.

A little organization can make a big difference during a stressful situation.

Maintain Your Car Emergency Kit

Putting a kit in your trunk and forgetting about it defeats the purpose.

Check your supplies regularly, especially before long trips or when the seasons change.

Make sure your:

• Flashlight works

• Batteries are charged

• Power bank is charged

• Food and water are still usable

• First aid supplies is stocked

• Medications are current

• Clothing fits the season

• Tire inflator works

• Spare tire is ready

• Jumper equipment is in good condition

• Warning equipment is accessible

Car Emergency Kit Checklist

Communication and Navigation

• Cell phone

• Charging cable

• Portable power bank

• Paper map

• Emergency contact information

• Roadside assistance information

Lighting and Visibility

• Flashlight

• Headlamp or backup light

• Spare batteries or charging cable

• Reflective warning triangles

• Reflective safety vest

Vehicle Equipment

• Jumper cables or jump starter

• Tire pressure gauge

• Spare tire or repair system

• Jack

• Lug wrench

• Wheel-lock key

• Tire inflator

• Basic tools

• Duct tape

• Work gloves

Personal Supplies

• First aid kit

• Drinking water

• Nonperishable snacks

• Emergency blanket

• Extra clothing

• Rain poncho

• Necessary medications

• Personal hygiene supplies

• Child or pet supplies

• Rags or wipes

Winter Additions

• Ice scraper

• Snow brush

• Compact shovel

• Traction material

• Extra blankets

• Warm hat and gloves

• Winter clothing

• Winter windshield washer fluid

• Appropriate tire traction equipment

Common Car Emergency Kit Mistakes

Forgetting Backup Lighting

One flashlight is better than none, but having a backup light can be helpful if the first one fails.

Forgetting to Charge Your Gear

Rechargeable equipment is useless when the battery is empty. Check your power banks, flashlights, and other rechargeable items regularly.

Ignoring the Spare Tire

Check your spare tire and its pressure just like your regular tires.

Carrying Equipment You Don't Know How to Use

Learn how to use your jump starter, jack, tire equipment, and other tools before you need them.

Never Updating Your Kit

Food, batteries, medications, first aid supplies, and seasonal clothing may need to be replaced over time.

Preparing Only for the Vehicle

Don't forget the people inside it. Food, water, weather protection, medications, and personal supplies are just as important as vehicle equipment.

Prepare Before You Hit the Road

A car emergency kit is only one part of being prepared.

Before a longer trip:

• Check your tires

• Check important fluids

• Make sure your lights work

• Inspect your windshield wipers

• Check your fuel or battery range

• Check the weather

• Review road conditions

• Plan your route

• Let someone know your plans when appropriate

A well-maintained vehicle and a prepared driver can help reduce the impact of an unexpected roadside problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should every car emergency kit have?

At a minimum, consider supplies for communication, lighting, visibility, first aid, battery problems, tire problems, food, water, and weather protection.

Should I keep a flashlight in my car?

Yes. A flashlight can help you inspect your vehicle, find equipment, and stay visible during a roadside emergency at night.

Should I keep water in my car?

Yes. Water is especially useful during long trips, hot weather, remote travel, or unexpected delays.

Do I need an emergency kit if I have roadside assistance?

Yes. Roadside assistance can take time to arrive. Having food, water, lighting, warmth, first aid, and visibility equipment can make the wait much easier.

How often should I check my emergency kit?

Check it periodically and before major trips. Replace anything that has been used, damaged, expired, or depleted.

Should my kit change with the seasons?

Yes. Keep your basic supplies in the vehicle year-round and add items for winter weather, summer heat, remote travel, or other conditions you regularly encounter.

Final Thoughts

A car emergency kit is something you hope you never need, but having one can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.

Start with the basics: light, communication, first aid, visibility, tire equipment, battery assistance, food, water, and weather protection.

Then customize your kit based on your vehicle, climate, passengers, and where you drive.

Check your supplies regularly, learn how your equipment works, and keep up with routine vehicle maintenance.

A little preparation now can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.