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Emergency Road Kits

Whether you are just driving around town or if you are planning to take a road trip, there are some essential things that you should stash either in your glovebox or trunk to help keep you safe while on the road. Here is a list of items that you will need if you want to compile your own homemade auto emergency kit .  You can also purchase a ready-made kit at many auto centers. Always take the time to familiarize yourself with everything in the kit. Learn to use any tools that are unfamiliar to you. If you don't know how to do so already, learn how to jump-start a car.

The Basics

First-Aid Kit

  • First Aid kits are a must-have in the car. You never know when you might need to clean up a scrape or numb a bee sting while on a road trip, and in a minor car accident you'll be glad to have some gauze and antiseptic handy.
  • For more details, check out the buying guide for first aid kits .
  • Use common sense and don't pack more than you need. Waxed paper bags can be quite handy if you have family members prone to car sickness.

Emergency Roadside Assistance Membership Card  

  • There are plenty of companies that offer automotive assistance across the country.
  • Keep in mind that many companies will not help you without your card, even if you have your membership number.

Cellphone

  • This has become pretty standard these days as most everyone and their grandma owns one.
  • You should also keep a spare charger   in the car as well as a DC to AC adapter.
  • You can also purchase small phone charging packs; however, these are not reusable.

Flashlight  

  • A flashlight is absolutely indispensable in a car emergency kit. You should carry a good quality flashlight plus extra batteries at all times.
  • Another option is a flashlight that you shake to activate; they never need new batteries, but they don't provide continuous light as long as traditional flashlights.
  • Lightsticks (like the kind you see on Halloween) are another good option. Although they're not as bright as a flashlight and aren't reusable, they can last up to 12 hours and are useful for attracting the attention of other motorists.

Jumper Cables  

  • Jumper cables are another must-have. You shouldn't drive without them, since they're a compact way and relatively easy solution to what might be a very inconvenient situation.
  • You might also be able to help another person along the road, which is definitely good "car-ma".

Battery Booster  

  • A battery booster is another option to restart a dead battery, especially if you frequently find yourself in areas with few people.
  • They charge up from your cigarette lighter and when you need them can jump start your battery -- without help from another car.
  • Check out: Black & Decker Simple Start .  It charges in your cigarette lighter and fits in your glove compartment.

Tire Gauge

  • This is a pretty handy little tool and it is useful not just when you have to fix a spare or when there is a problem, but it should also be used anywhere from once a week to once a month depending on how often you drive.

Basic Tool Kit  

  • Even if you don't know how to use the tools, maybe someone who is willing to help you does.
  • Check out: Bostitch Mini Tool Kit   with a screwdriver set and three styles of pliers (flat-nose, diagonal cutters, and nippers).

Fire Extinguisher  

  • A small fire extinguisher is a handy thing to have in the trunk. Look for one that won't take up too much space.

Disposable Camera

  • If you get into an accident, this is an inexpensive way to gather evidence for your insurance company.
  • Be sure to replace it every few years, as film might disintegrate if kept in a car for a long period of time.

Duct Tape  

  • Do you really have to ask why you need this? You should always have a roll of duct tape handy everywhere you go. It will fix many problems.

WD-40  

  • The yin to duct tape's yang, WD-40 makes stuck things move. (Duct tape makes moving things stop.) However, you can't make a wallet out of WD-40.

Towels   and Gloves  

  • Towels, paper towels, or even rags are good to keep in the car somewhere. If something happens that you can fix, I can guarantee that you will get your hands messy.
  • Moist towelettes are good for post-repair cleanup.

Poncho  

  • A good emergency solution in wet weather. Umbrellas may not hold up if it's windy out; ponchos will keep you dry, pack up small, and don't break if you step on them.

Food   and Water  

  • If you're travelling in an urban or suburban area, carry snacks like granola bars . 
  • If you're going to be in a less populate area, you might also want to take along some MREs   or food bars .  Either way, carry a few bottles of water   as well.

Road Map  

  • It's always good to carry a map of the area you're driving. A detailed atlas is a must-have if you don't have GPS (and can still come in handy even if you do).

Getting Attention

Road Flares  

  • Helpful to alert other motorists that your car is stopped. Also useful for attracting attention.

Triangle Sign   or Help Sign  

Good for getting attention from the roadside.

Emergency Whistle  

A good way to attract attention if its dark, you're out of sight or unable to shout.

Radio  

Look for either a battery powered or wind-up radio. Wind-up is a good choice since you'll never have to worry about running out of power.

Winter Preparedness

Window Scraper  

Foldable Shovel  

Kitty Litter  

Tire Chains  

Tow Strap  

Spare Winter Gloves   and Hat  

Electric   and Solar Blankets  

Hand   and Foot Warmers  

Tools

Lug Wrench  

Tire Jack  

Spare Fuses  

Pliers  

Wrench  

Screwdriver  

Utility Knife

Multi-Tool

External Links