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 without a proper emergency kit. I’ve driven across North America, and I know how to pack a car, especially supplies to help solve roadside misfortunes.
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.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
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 repair kit for emergency flat repair
- Lug key–If your car requires one. ($22 on Amazon)
- Car manual–What’s that mysterious light that just popped on your dash?
- Jumper cables
- Quart of oil + funnel
- Leatherman tool or at minimum, a flat head and Phillips head screwdriver 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
What’s in your Glove Compartment?
Stock your glove compartment with items you need to keep within arms reach in case of any misadventures. It’s a great place to stash some key emergency kit items like:
- 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)
Must-have First Aid Supplies
Life with kids is unpredictable. Scrapes and falls happen frequently so be prepared. Essential to any car emergency kit, 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
Related: Your Car May Be Your Best Defense in a Disaster — Is it Prepared for an Emergency?
What To Keep In the Center Console or Arm Rest
Got a console? Load it up with these roadside 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.
Related: The Car Tech You Never Knew You Needed — The Car Refrigerator Cool Box
In the Trunk or Back of the 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 You Should Never Be Without
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 every day. Add some road trip snacks when headed out for a family trip.
- A gallon jug of water; can be used for radiator too
- Protein bars
- Dried fruit bars
- Dried nuts
Related: Tips for choosing road trip snacks.
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
Related: Yes, You Can Buy A Car At Costco, And Here’s How to Get the Best Deal
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
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
- Armor All wipes
- Microfiber cloths—Dry the outside and wipe down the inside.
Related: Tips for keeping your car clean–mile after mile.
Winter Emergency Kit Must-Haves
Winter travel requires its own products if you live or travel in snow-prone areas. Your car’s roadside emergency kit might need to include things like:
- 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!
