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Your Car Emergency Kit: 100 Things You Should ALWAYS Keep in Your Car

October 4, 2020 by Catherine Parker 6 Comments

Stevens Pass in Washington State Great American Road Trips

Be prepared for anything on your next road trip. Photo: Creative Commons

No matter who is driving you need to be prepared.

We all know who will be madder than a hornet on an August afternoon if the family gets stranded on the side of the highway. I’ve driven across North America, and I know how to pack a car, especially those car emergency kit must haves.

You know that feeling when pulling out of the driveway that you forgot something? Don’t get it on your next trip when you use this list for car emergency kit must haves.

Related: Yes, You Can Buy A Car At Costco, And Here’s How to Get the Best Deal

Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

You want to stay on schedule and arrive to your destination safely. Keeping your car in good working order helps prevent roadside emergencies.

  • Spare tire-some newer cars might not have one
  • Jack–see if it’s complete before you need it
  • Tire gauge
  • Tire inflator and sealer for emergency flat repair
  • Lug key–If your car requires one.
  • Car manual–What’s that mysterious light that just popped on your dash?
  • Jumper cables
  • Quart of oil + funnel
  • Leatherman tool or minimum a flat head and Phillips head screw driver along with adjustable pliers
  • Duct tape
  • WD-40
  • Flares
  • Paper Maps–Grab them for free at a state’s welcome center.

Related: 9 of the Best 3 Row SUVs–From Luxury to Affordable

At about $6 at Home Depot this is an easy thing to buy and a critical tool when you need it. 📸 Home Depot

What’s in your Glove Compartment?

Stock your glove compartment with items you need to keep within arms reach, in case of emergency.

  • AAA membership card, or other travel insurance card
  • Copies of registration and car insurance card
  • Car manual
  • Flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Window breaker and seat belt cutter, especially if you have small children in car seats
  • Matches or lighter
  • Car maintenance log
  • Multi Purpose Tool, like Leatherman
  • Tire Gauge

Related: Best Podcasts to Listen to While Driving (Because We Love Multitasking)

A first aid kit Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

A well stocked first aid kit is a must for every one in every car. Photo: Pixabay

First Aid Supplies

Life with kids is unpredictable. Scapes and falls happen frequently so be prepared. I keep my first aid kit under the driver’s seat.

  • Assorted bandages
  • Antibiotic cream
  • Anti-itch cream
  • Anti-bacterial gel
  • Pain reliever, adults and kids
  • Allergy medication, like Benadryl
  • Antacids
  • Eye Wash
  • Lip balm
  • Extra required medication
  • Tweezers

Center Console or Arm Rest Compartment

Got a console? Load it up with these essentials.

  • Wipes
  • Extra money, especially change for old-school parking meters.
  • Extra napkins or paper towels
  • Facial tissue
  • Extra sunglasses
  • Paper to write on
  • List of phone numbers to friends or family. Just in case the phone goes missing.
Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Make sure you can reach your emergency essentials when road tripping. Photo: Catherine Parker

In the Trunk or Back of SUV

Grab a tote and pull together more supplies.

  • Old towel or blanket–never know when you have to rescue an animal.
  • Extra cords and cube for technology. In addition to the ones in use.
  • Extra pair of shoes, in case you break your flip-flops.
  • Disposable rain ponchos
  • Extra set of keys.

Personal Products

I grab a small zip top bag and pack it with personal care products. Just in case I get stranded overnight unexpectedly.

  • Deodorant
  • Extra pair of underwear
  • Basic makeup, like mascara, powder and lipgloss
  • Travel roll of toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Contact holder + contact solution
  • *Lady* products
  • Travel toothbrush + paste
  • Dental floss or pics

Food

Pack a few essentials for everyday. Add some road trip snacks when headed out for a family trip.

  • Gallon jug of water, can be used for radiator too
  • Protein bars
  • Dried fruit bars
  • Dried nuts

 Related: Tips for choosing road trip snacks. 

Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Make sure your family is prepared for an emergency. Photo: Catherine Parker

Just For the Kids 

Keeping kids clean is nearly impossible so be prepared.

  • Extra outfits plus socks and underwear
  • Extra jacket or hoodie
  • Stroller for kids under 6
  • Sun hat for warmer weather
  • Beanie for cooler weather
  • Extra gloves – cheap ones ok
The Britax Clicktight Advocate ARB car seat is one of the cushiest car seats we've tested.

Babies require their own list of emergency must-haves.  Photo: Nasreen Stump

Babies and Toddlers 

When my kids were little, I used my SUV like a giant diaper bag. Keep these items stored where you change your baby in the car.

  • Baby food and/or formula
  • Baby wipes
  • Extra diapers
  • Changing Pad
  • Bleach wipes
  • Extra clothes including shoes and socks
  • Disposable grocery bags for the dirties
  • Extra soothing object, like a pacifier
  • Extra toys
Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

When I wash my SUV of course I wear evening attire. Photo: Pixabay

Keeping the Family Car Clean

We all know that kids are messy so take a few minutes to wash the car regularly. Kids can help too.

  • Windex wipes
  • Armoral wipes
  • Microfiber cloths—Dry the outside and wipe down the inside.

Related: Tips for keeping your car clean–mile after mile.

Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Are you prepared for winter driving? Photo: Catherine Parker

Winter

Winter travel requires its own products if you live or travel in snow-prone areas.

  • State Website App for road closures and chain requirements
  • Ice scraper with brush
  • Can of de-icer
  • Chains or cables plus extra cash to have someone install them
  • Emergency blanket for heat retention
  • Extra food and water
  • Rubber gloves to protect hands when installing chains or removing snow and ice
  • Small packable shovel for snow removal

Related: Tips for winterizing your car. 

With all of this in your vehicle…you’ll be ready for anything!

We all love a good road trip. But being prepared is the key to make it successful. Here's our ultimate list of car emergency kit must-haves for your trip.

 

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Catherine Parker

Catherine Parker

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel with only two states left in her quest of seeing all 50. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a major North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting national parks, historic sites and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas, dividing her time between writing and restoring a 95-year-old house. She shares her life with her three kids, her husband, two cats, a dog and six backyard chickens.
Catherine Parker

Latest posts by Catherine Parker (see all)

  • Your Car Emergency Kit: 100 Things You Should ALWAYS Keep in Your Car - October 4, 2020

Filed Under: Maintenance, Safety & Driving, Travel Tips Tagged With: be prepared, emergency kit must haves, emergency kits, first aid kits, road trip

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Comments

  1. AvatarLarry L. Anderson says

    September 28, 2019 at 11:12 am

    Hey Ctherine ,how about stainless steel water bottle for toddlers? I think you added almost every essential things. Can you please explain why do you need “Can of de-icer” in winter ?

    Reply
    • AvatarTabitha says

      October 23, 2019 at 12:44 am

      De-icer fluid removes ice from windshield. It comes in a spray can.

      Reply
  2. AvatarGuy says

    March 5, 2020 at 4:08 am

    Also ALWAYS keep food, water, hoe, shovel, bucket, oil, electric heater, portable 12V stove, 12 fan, pair of casual clothes, ice, lighter, oscilloscope, a laptop, extra led display, 100W bulbs, can of Coca Cola, a German Shepherd, bicycle and a gun…

    Reply

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