What to Keep in Your Car Emergency Kit

No one ever plans on having their car breaking down, leaving them stranded on the side of the road. Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it’s a flat tire, bad weather, an accident, or trouble with your engine, you’ll want to be prepared. That’s why you should always have an emergency kit in your car. Don’t know what to keep in yours?  

Here are some essentials: 

First Aid Kit:  

Now, this is probably the most important item to have on hand. You could buy a kit that already has all the essentials or put your own kit together. Regardless, make sure it includes several different sized Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes or spray, pain relievers, gauze pads or wrap, adhesive tape, and hand sanitizer. It’s important to check expiration dates on medicine and make sure your kit is always stocked. 

Flashlight and Batteries:  

t’s always smart to keep a flashlight in your kit. Of course, most smartphones have a flashlight already equipped, but you’ll want to be prepared in case your phone dies. You’ll also want to keep batteries on hand; make sure to check these periodically to ensure they still work. 

Jumper Cables:  

Car batteries can die unexpectedly. Keeping jumper cables readily available can help you get back on the road. For this, you will need another car to stop and help give you a jumpstart. 

Blanket:  

Having a blanket in your car will provide you with much-needed warmth if you live in a colder climate or it’s winter. Always have at least one, but if you’re on a road trip with others, it wouldn’t hurt to pack another.  

Water and Non-Perishable Snacks:  

You don’t know how long you could be stranded for. It’s important to keep bottles of water and non-perishable snacks in your car. For snacks, you could keep granola bars, bags of nuts, crackers, or jerky. Like with the first aid kit, you’ll want to check the expiration dates regularly. 

Multipurpose Tool:  

A Swiss Army knife or multitool could come in handy. One of these would be helpful if you’re unable to get out of your seatbelt and need to cut it. This should be kept in your center console or glove box for quick and easy access. 

Tire Jack and Spare Tire:  

Flat tires tend to be a common occurrence. Should it happen to you, you’ll want to have a spare tire and jack in your car. These are typically stored under the cargo area of your trunk.  

Portable Phone Charger:  

Having a charged phone will be helpful for many reasons. Obviously, it’ll be most helpful for calling someone to come help you. If you find yourself stuck for a long time, using your phone could help pass the time. It’s best to keep a charging cable, a car charger, or a portable power bank. If you choose to keep a power bank on hand, make sure you charge it regularly.  

Reflective Triangle or Flares:  

If your car happens to break down at night, you’ll want to make sure other drivers know you’re there. A reflective triangle or flares can help people see your vehicle.  

Emergency Contact Information:  

You may have a list of emergency contacts in your phone, but it’s a good idea to have a list in your emergency kit as well. Your list should include emergency contacts, roadside assistance and a towing company. 

You never know what can happen when you’re driving, but at least now you can be more prepared for those unexpected situations. Remember to check your emergency kit periodically, replace anything that may have expired or will be soon, and check that everything is still in working order. We also recommend having at least half a tank of gas in your car. You won’t want to be without heat or air conditioning or drain your battery.