Items to Have in an Emergency Car Kit

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3 Sept 2023

Being prepared for emergency situations you may encounter while driving is an important part of staying safe on the road. A well-stocked emergency car kit can help you handle common issues like breakdowns, accidents, and medical situations. It can also be invaluable if you get stuck in severe weather or lose your way.

Base Supplies

Some basic supplies are necessary for any emergency car kit:

Bag/backpack - Choose a durable, water-resistant bag that has multiple compartments and space for all needed items. A backpack style works well.
Flashlight - Pack an LED flashlight with extra batteries. Look for one with a bright beam for visibility. Consider adding a headlamp as well for hands-free light.
Batteries - Bring extra batteries for all battery-powered devices and tools in your kit. Rechargeable batteries work well for flashlights.
Emergency blankets - Mylar thermal blankets retain heat to prevent hypothermia. They can also be used as a makeshift shelter.
Tow strap - A tow strap with loop ends can be used to pull a stuck vehicle or attach to a tow truck. Choose a sturdy one rated for your vehicle's weight.
Work gloves - Sturdy work gloves will protect your hands while making vehicle repairs or moving debris.
Duct tape - A small roll of duct tape can temporarily patch leaks, bind objects, and make other emergency repairs. Waterproof tape works especially well.
Multi-tool - A multi-tool combines pliers, screwdrivers, a knife, wire cutters and other tools into one. Look for one suited to vehicle repair.
Zip ties - A pack of zip ties in various sizes can quickly secure broken parts or improvise repairs.
Garbage bags - Trash bags have many uses like protecting items from weather, storage, waste containment and more.

Safety Gear

It's vital to have items on hand to warn other drivers of vehicle trouble and prevent additional accidents:

Safety vest - Keep multiple high visibility vests or jackets that can be worn when pulled over in a hazardous area.
Road flares - Flares alert traffic to a stopped vehicle day or night. Look for long burn times (30 minutes+).
Reflective triangles - Triangles or roadside markers reflect headlights to mark your location.
First aid kit - Have a stocked first aid kit and quick reference safety guide. Choose one made for vehicles.
Fire extinguisher - Pack a compact "ABC" dry chemical extinguisher that can put out gas, oil, electrical, and other fires.
Emergency whistle - A loud safety whistle can signal need for help when out of sight. Choose a whistle with a breakaway lanyard.
Pepper spray - Pepper spray deters threats to personal safety. Ensure it's legal in your state.

Tools and Supplies

Carry a variety of tools for minor repairs and maintenance:

Jumper cables - Cables 6-10 gauge and at least 10 feet long can jump start a dead battery.
Tire pressure gauge - This allows checking pressure to detect slow leaks. Analog or digital gauges work.
Tire sealant - Sealant can temporarily plug small tire punctures long enough to reach a repair shop.
Portable air compressor - A 12v compressor can re-inflate low tires and power tools. Choose one with an auto shut-off.
Folding shovel - A compact shovel can clear obstacles or debris from roads and tires.
Car escape tool - This specialty tool has a seatbelt cutter and window breaker for emergency exit.
Gas can - Bring a sealed can for collecting fuel from a gas station if stranded. Use only approved containers.
Funnel - A funnel is useful when refilling gas tanks, radiators, and other reservoirs. Pick plastic or metal.
Motor oil - Pack a quart of oil to top-off low engine oil levels. Choose the oil type recommended for your engine.
Washer fluid - Washer fluid replenishes wiper fluid reservoirs. Get the pre-mixed type with antifreeze.
Rags - Clean rags are handy for wiping up spills, cleaning tools, drying parts, and more.
Antifreeze - Antifreeze raises coolant boiling points to prevent engine overheating. Carry for topped off systems.
Electrical tape - Waterproof electrical tape insulates wires and makes quick fixes to damaged wiring.

Recovery Gear

Off-road oriented supplies can help free stuck vehicles:

Tow strap - A high strength tow strap rated for double your vehicle's weight can pull vehicles out.
Traction pads - Grippy traction pads placed under drive wheels give temporary traction on slick surfaces.
Shovel - In addition to a folding shovel, a full size shovel with a metal scoop helps digging out wheels.
Recovery rope - A snatch-block equipped rope feeds through pulley systems to extract vehicles.
Come-along tool - This ratcheting hand winch attaches to vehicles and trees to pull vehicles free.
Sand or cat litter - Bags of sand or cat litter give traction under spinning wheels when stuck.
Scissor jack - A lightweight jack can lift wheels out of ruts and change flats far from pavement.
Wood blocks - Sturdy blocks assist in leveling and stabilizing a jack on uneven ground. Bring a few.

Winter Supplies

In snowy climates, add:

Ice scraper - An extendable scraper with brush quickly clears ice and snow from windows.
Snow brush - A snow brush clears snow off the rest of the vehicle. Choose one with a telescoping handle.
Rock salt - Bags of rock salt provide added weight and traction over drive wheels when stuck.
Extra winter gear - Pack heavy gloves, hats, socks and other warm clothing to avoid hypothermia if stranded for long periods.
Hand warmers - Disposable heat packs provide portable warmth. Look for types activated by air exposure.
Winter wiper fluid - Use fluid rated -20F or lower to prevent freezing in cold weather.
Windshield de-icer - Spray bottles of de-icer help melt stubborn ice on contact. Get one rated for winter use.
Jumper cables - Extend cables to at least 20 feet for reaching batteries buried under snow banks.
Tow chain - Chains are stronger than cables for pulling vehicles through heavy snow.
Bag of sand - Sand provides traction under wheels when stuck in snow or ice.

Medical Supplies

Carry basic medical items in case of injuries:

First aid guide - A pocket guide with illustrated instructions assists with injury treatments.
Bandages - Assorted band-aids, gauze pads, rolled gauze, and adhesive tape cover cuts and wounds.
Antiseptic - Antiseptic spray and wipes prevent infection and help clean injuries.
Burn gel - Gel relieves pain from burns, including sunburns. Aloe vera gel also works.
Eyewash - Sterile saline solution flushes eyes in case of irritation and debris.
Medications - Stock essential OTC meds like ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, etc. Know expiration dates.
Nitrile gloves - Wear gloves when treating bloody injuries to prevent contact. Pack extras.
CPR mask - A one-way valve mask protects against disease transmission while breathing into a victim's lungs.
Trauma shears - Sturdy shears cut away clothing to access wounds. Choose a pair designed for EMTs.
Splint - Inflatable splints immobilize injured limbs. Include slings and compression wraps if possible.
Space blanket - Use blankets to treat shock by preventing heat loss in victims.
Medical tape - Strong cloth first aid tape adheres dressing and splints. Waterproof versions available.

Essential Documents

Important paperwork should also be stored:

Proof of insurance - Current insurance card proves coverage when involved in accidents.
Registration - Vehicle registration establishes ownership if car is damaged/stolen.
Driver's license - A license confirms identity if questioned by authorities after accidents or when reporting crimes.
Emergency contacts - Note down phone numbers for emergency services, family members, roadside assistance, etc.
Maps - Keep local maps in case cell service is weak in rural areas and GPS fails. Highlight planned routes.
Cash and coins - Small bills and coins are needed for pay phones, vending machines, toll roads and parking meters if stranded.
Vehicle manual - Manuals have specifications for fluids, fuses, tire pressures and other maintenance data.
Pen and paper - Write down witness accounts, take notes during emergencies and leave notes on your location if you leave the vehicle.

Additional Tools and Spare Parts

For very thorough kits, add:

Headlamp - Wearable headlamps allow hands-free illumination when making repairs.
Work gloves - Heavy work gloves provide grip and protect hands from sharp debris while extracting vehicles.
Tool kit - Having basic tools like pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers and ratchets facilitates minor repairs.
Blade set - Carry extras of common blades (wiper, fusible links) that may need replacing.
Fuses - Bring spare fuses for critical vehicle systems most prone to failure.
Duct tape - Wide duct tape holds repairs and attachments. Pick heavy duty, waterproof tape.
Hose clamps - Hose clamps affix hoses and pipes temporarily if connections come loose. Multiple sizes recommended.
Sewing kit - A simple sewing kit mends seat upholstery tears or hems makeshift shelters from blankets.
Tarp - A small tarp creates shade and shelters occupants and supplies from the elements.
Bungee cords - Bungee cords securely tie down loose cargo, tarps, attach tools/parts etc.
Paracord - Durable paracord serves as an emergency tow rope and secures items.
Wheel chocks - Chocks block wheels from rolling when changing a tire or making repairs.
Work Light - Portable LED work lights illuminate nighttime repairs. Magnetic models attach to vehicles.

Assembling Your Emergency Car Kit

Pick an organized bag or backpack to hold your emergency kit so items don't get lost. Attach reflective tape strips to the exterior to make it visible. Inside the bag, sort gear into plastic bags or containers labeled with their contents - medical, tools, winter supplies etc.

Take inventory of your kit monthly and check expiration dates. Replace depleted items like food, medications, and batteries. Try out key gear like flares, flashlights and air compressors periodically to confirm functionality. Having an organized, maintained car emergency kit provides invaluable security and convenience should critical situations arise.

A well-stocked emergency car kit prepares drivers for breakdowns, accidents, medical issues, severe weather, and other potential crises while on the road. Essential components include gear for safety, communications, supplies, tools, recovery, first aid and important documents. Tailor kits to regional driving conditions with additional cold weather items in winter climates. Organize all items neatly in a pack for quick access. Regularly refresh perishable kit contents like foods, medications and batteries. Keeping a complete emergency kit in your vehicle provides reliable support in challenging circumstances and gives peace of mind during any drive.