- Learn what to put in a car emergency kit so you can be better prepared for breakdowns, delays and roadside emergencies.
- Pack basics like first-aid supplies, water, snacks, a blanket, a phone charger and jumper cables.
- Add car and seasonal items such as a spare tire, reflective warnings, an ice scraper and traction aid.
- Keep emergency numbers handy and refresh stored supplies regularly.
Tips for Making a Car Emergency Kit
A car emergency kit can help you stay safer and more prepared during breakdowns, severe weather, flat tires or other roadside emergencies.
Key Takeaways
The right car safety kit may vary depending on your climate, how far you drive and the kinds of road conditions you encounter. This guide explains what to keep in your vehicle and how to build a car emergency kit that fits your needs.
What should be in a car emergency kit?
Most car emergency kits include supplies for health and safety, food and water, vehicle trouble and severe weather. The checklist below covers some of the most common items to keep in your vehicle.
| Car emergency kit checklist category | What to include | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Health and safety | First-aid kit, blanket, flashlight and extra batteries if needed | Helps you handle minor injuries and stay visible or warm if you’re stranded |
| Food and water | Nonperishable snacks and bottled water | Useful if you’re delayed for an extended period |
| Car supplies | Spare tire, jack, jumper cables, phone charger, flares or reflective triangles | Can help with common roadside problems and make your vehicle easier to spot |
| Weather necessities | Ice scraper, gloves, hat, traction aid like sand or cat litter | Especially helpful when building a winter car kit for cold climates |
Health and safety
Starting with the essentials, a basic car first-aid kit comes in handy in many situations. You should include adhesive bandages, antiseptic and antibiotic ointment, painkillers and wound cleaning supplies.¹
It can also help to keep a blanket, flashlight and extra batteries in your vehicle in case you become stranded at night or during cold weather.
If you’re building a car survival kit from scratch, this is one of the easiest categories to check off first.
Food and water
In case you get stuck where you are, food and water will be essential. Before a longer trip, pack nonperishable food like protein bars, dry cereal and other high-energy products, along with bottled water.² Revisit your kit every six months so you can throw away any expired food items and replenish as needed.
Car maintenance and repair supplies
Now it’s time to think about the supplies that may help with common vehicle problems. Common roadside emergency kit items include:
- Spare tire and jack (if your vehicle doesn’t already include them)
- Jumper cables
- Road flares or reflective warning items
- Portable cellphone charger
- Ice scraper
- Traction aid like sand or cat litter3
It can also help to keep important phone numbers in your vehicle in case your phone battery dies or you lose service. Write down:
- Your insurance provider
- Roadside assistance service
- Emergency contacts4
Weather necessities
This part of your car emergency kit checklist can change based on where you drive. In colder areas, a winter car kit may also include extra gloves, a hat and another layer for warmth. In hotter climates, pay close attention to water needs and replace stored items more often.
Related reading: “How to Winterize Your Car” and “Safety Tips to Conquer Driving in Rain”.
Entertainment
Finally, it may seem silly, but if you are stranded in your car and not physically hurt, you might be looking for a way to pass the time. So, consider packing a deck of cards or other form of entertainment to help stave off the cabin fever.¹
Want to explore other ways to stay prepared? See “What To Do if Your Car Breaks Down: A Step-by-Step Guide”, “What Is Roadside Assistance?” and “How to Stay Safe on the Road While Driving in Fog”.
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FAQs
A car emergency kit often includes a first-aid kit, bottled water, nonperishable snacks, a blanket, jumper cables, a spare tire and jack, a phone charger, reflective warning items and important phone numbers.
A winter car kit may include an ice scraper, gloves, a hat, extra layers, a blanket and traction help like sand or cat litter in addition to your everyday emergency supplies.
Start with the basics for health, food, water and common roadside issues. Then add items based on your climate, how far you drive and whether you often travel in rural areas or severe weather.
Check it at least every six months. Replace expired food, swap out used supplies and adjust seasonal items so your kit matches the weather.
How to Pack an Emergency Kit, DMV.org, 2022.
Food, Ready.gov, 2022.
Car Safety, Ready.gov, 2021.
What Should You Keep in the Car?, National Safety Council, 2022.
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