Be Prepared with a Complete Car Emergency Kit

Flat tires, oil leaks and drained batteries are all par for the course when you own a car. Stock your trunk with these essentials to make sure you always have basic supplies on hand. While some of these items are standard, others might surprise you. To cut down on the cost and time it takes to buy these items individually, a car emergency kit will have many of these items. It’s simple to supplement the rest on your own.

In times of emergency sometimes old-school methods are truly the best. Not relying on digital technology has its benefits. Paper maps are helpful if you lose cell service while traveling, while your car manual helps decipher dashboard symbols. Keep your insurance card and important numbers (that you don’t have memorized) in a waterproof bag in your glove compartment.

• Spare tire wheel wrench and tripod jack 
• Jumper cables 
• Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool (Leatherman) 
• Flares or reflective triangle 
• Tire gauge 
• Paper maps  
• Car manual  
• Oil and funnel  
• Reflective tape 
• Fire extinguisher 
• Duct tape 
• Tire wedges 
• Car cell phone charger 
• Window breaker and seat belt cutter 
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Cable ties 
• Compass 
• Rain poncho 
• Insurance info 
• Important phone numbers 
• Matches or a lighter

For minor injuries and illness when you’re on the road, it pays to pack a few supplies to keep in the car. Due to extreme fluctuations in temperature, check a few times per year to make sure your first aid items haven’t melted or been compromised. Keeping some nonperishable snacks and water tucked in the trunk will help tide you over if you’re ever stuck in traffic or are stranded due to inclement weather. It might seem like a silly precaution, but it never hurts to be prepared. 

• Emergency whistle 
• Gauze 
• Tape  
• Bandages 
• Antibiotic ointment 
• Aspirin 
• Nonlatex gloves 
• Scissors 
• Hydrocortisone 
• Thermometer 
• Tweezers  
• Instant cold compress 
• Nonperishable foods, like nuts, dried fruits and jerky 
• Drinking water (1 gallon)

If snow, ice or any inclement weather is in the forecast where you live, it’s smart to have these supplies in your trunk seasonally. Always be prepared, whether it's to thoroughly remove snow and ice from your car before driving or if you need to evacuate at a moment's notice. Some of these items will also come in handy during hurricane and widfire seasons.  

If you’re ever stuck in the snow, a shovel and some cat litter might be the difference in avoiding a tow.  Extra clothes, hats, mittens and scarves might seem like overkill, but it never hurts to keep a spare set in the car. It’s especially helpful if you regularly forget these items at home or if you have kids. They can keep you warm if your car breaks down and you’re waiting for help. A jar candle might seem random, but if you’re stranded at night, it can provide light, without draining your battery, and create a little heat inside the car.  

• Ice scraper 
• Snow brush 
• Shovel 
• Windshield washer fluid 
• Cat litter (for traction)  
• Emergency blanket  
• Extra clothes and outdoor gear 
• Jar candle  
• A weather radio
• Rain gear
• Gas can
• Respirator masks 

To keep all these essentials organized — and to prevent them from rolling around in your trunk — pack them into a durable bin with a lid. If you’re missing an item or need to keep track of a supply’s expiration date, write it down on a label or piece of tape on the top so you have a reminder. You’re now fully prepared for any road trip.