You should always be prepared for an emergency, but especially if you are planning a long road trip. An emergency kit should include things you regularly keep in your vehicle as well as trip-specific and fresh items like food. There are many pre-built kits you can buy online or in stores to get you started. Below are car emergency kit essentials and some additional nice-to-haves in my opinion.

Kit Essentials:

  • Basic tools
  • Cable/zip ties
  • Caution devices like flares, triangles, or reflectors
  • Cell phone and charger or external battery
  • Drinking water and snacks including pet food if needed
  • Escape tool with seat belt cutter and window breaker
  • First-aid kit – bandages, medicines, disinfectants, scissors, sunscreen
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Jumper cables or portable jump starter
  • Portable air compressor
  • Spare tire and jack
  • Tire pressure gauge

Location-Specific or Nice-to-Haves:

  • Duct tape
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Flat tire kits
  • Garbage bags
  • Paper map for areas with poor GPS signal or if your phone battery dies
  • Paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
  • Pen and paper
  • Raincoat and gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Tow strap or rope
  • Winter weather
    • Ice scraper/brush
    • Bags of sand, salt, or cat litter for traction
    • Shovel
    • Blanket

Also, before any big trip you should check to ensure your car is working properly including the battery, brakes, filters, lights, windshield wipers, oil and antifreeze levels, and wiper fluid.

For an additional level of comfort, people can be members of companies like AAA to help with roadside assistance in an emergency situation.

Hopefully, this gives you a starting point when planning your car emergency kit or ideas for items to add to your existing kit. What else do you have in your car? Comment below!

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