Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Stevens Pass in Washington State Great American Road Trips

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

Dad might be driving but Mom needs 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.

Keep 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.

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 Drivers license and car insurance card
Car manual
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Window breaker and seat belt cutter
Matches or lighter
Car maintenance log
Multi Purpose Tool, like Leatherman
Tire Gauge

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

Console Compartment

Got a console compartment? 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.

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 pair 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

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

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.

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

100 Things You Should ALWAYS Keep in Your Car

Dad might be driving but Mom needs to be prepared.