Car emergency kits 101

No matter the location, the road can be unpredictable. Even the most careful driver can encounter unforeseen events like flat tires, dead batteries, or adverse weather conditions. Having a car emergency kit can provide some peace of mind and the necessary tools to be more prepared.

A car emergency kit should be packed with items that cover a variety of needs ranging from car trouble, goods to help you in the event of being stranded, and first-aid equipment, explains Safety Kits Plus. Some recommended items are listed below.

Checklist for you

The first part of any car emergency kit is making sure you have what you need to take care of yourself and your passengers.

• Water – Always have enough water to stay hydrated if you may be stranded for an extended period.
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods – Protein bars or dried fruit can keep you nourished during long waits.
• Rain poncho – In case you need to step outside during bad weather.
• Blankets – Keep warm during a breakdown in cold weather.
• Portable phone charger – Make sure you can keep your phone powered to call for help or receive communication.
• Flashlight with extra batteries – A crucial item for navigating or working on your car at night.
• First aid kit – More on this below, but a compact first aid kit should always be included.
• Reflective triangles – To alert other drivers of your vehicle if you’re stuck on the side of the road or is stationary.

Checklist for the car

Your car also needs its own set of tools to help with minor repairs or roadside situations. The California Highway Patrol recommends the following items:

• Jumper cables – Dead batteries are one of the most common roadside issues. Jumper cables or a portable battery jumper can get you back on the road quickly.
• Properly inflated spare tire with tire-changing tools – If you get a flat, having these on hand is essential. This includes having (and knowing how to use) a jack and a lug wrench.
• Basic tools – A small set of screwdrivers, pliers, and a wrench can be invaluable in making minor repairs or adjustments.
• Duct tape – A multipurpose item, duct tape can help with temporary fixes to your car.
• Rags – For clean-up and general usefulness.

Checklist for cold weather

Driving in cold weather presents unique challenges. Here are some items that Weather.gov recommends having if you’re driving in cold weather:

• Thermal blankets or space blankets – These will help you stay warm if the car's heat isn't working.
• Extra warm clothing – Items like hats, gloves, and socks, to layer up in extreme cold or if your clothes get wet.
• Flares – Can be used for several purposes including flagging down help, illumination, etc.
• Hand warmers and foot warmers – This can provide quick heat for your extremities in an emergency.
• Ice scraper and snow brush – These can be used to keep your windows clear of snow and ice.
• Snow shovel – A compact or foldable shovel may help with digging your car out of snow if you get stuck.
• Cat litter or sand in the trunk – This could help improve traction under your tires on snowy or icy roads, especially for rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Tire chains – For areas with heavy snowfall, these could provide the necessary traction to get to your destination, safely.

Other items to consider

In addition to the previously mentioned essentials, there are other items you might want to add to your kit, depending on where you drive and what types of emergencies you want to prepare for. This would include:

• Maps and a basic compass – In case your phone dies or there’s no signal.
• Multi-tool or knife – A versatile item for various tasks.
• Whistle – Useful for attracting attention if you're in a remote area.
• Seatbelt cutter – in case you need to leave your car and cannot get the seatbelt undone.
• Windshield breaker – If you can’t exit the vehicle through the door you may need to exit through the windshield.

Supplies for pets and children

If you have kids or pets riding in your vehicle, you also may want to consider having additional emergency supplies for them, calls out FirstTimeDriver.com. These items can include things such as:

• Diapers and wipes
• Bottles and formula
• Pet leash
• Pet muzzle
• Vet emergency contact information

In addition to tools and gear, a first aid kit is a must-have in any car emergency kit. Injuries or medical emergencies can happen while you're on the road, and being prepared to deal with them can help prevent problems from worsening.

Why you should have one

Though we don’t usually think of driving as dangerous, thousands of car accidents happen each year, reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Beyond that, other medical emergencies can occur when you’re driving, explains the American Red Cross. Injuries such as:

• An asthma attack
• Dehydration
• Cardiac arrest
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Nose bleeds
• Motion sickness
• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Having the right medical supplies on hand can help you provide immediate care in case of an emergency or injury. In more serious situations, it allows you to render care on-site, reducing the time you, your passenger, or another driver may have to wait to receive professional medical treatment.

Car first aid kit checklist

Here’s a basic list of what your car first aid kit should include:

• Gauze pads and adhesive tape
• Bandages (assorted sizes)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Non-latex gloves
• Scissors and tweezers
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Sunscreen
• Instant cold compress
• Thermometer
• Antiseptic wipes

Preparation is key when you know bad weather is coming or if you’re heading out on a long trip. In addition to packing your emergency kit, make sure your car is road-ready by checking the following:

• Tire pressure – Make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated. This is particularly important in winter as tire PSI tends to drop between 1-2 pounds for every ten-degree drop in temperature.
• Fluid levels – Check that oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid are at appropriate levels.
• Battery – Ensure your battery is fully charged, especially before cold weather hits.
• Wipers and lights – Good visibility is critical, so make sure your windshield wipers work properly and all lights are functioning.
• Brakes – Have your brakes inspected to avoid any issues on slippery roads.

These preventative checks will reduce the likelihood of facing a car-related emergency in the first place.