What Should You include in a Car Emergency Kit?

It’s a good idea to be prepared when the unexpected happens. A tire can go flat, collisions happen, and there is the possibility of getting stranded in extreme weather conditions, so it is a good idea to have a car emergency kit in your vehicle. There are several car emergency kits for sale, especially on Amazon, but you can choose to assemble your own. The kit can include items for safety and survival.

What Should I include in a Car Emergency Kit?

Several sources agree that a first-aid kit is an essential item to include in a car emergency kit, as well as jumper cables. A tire-pressure gauge, duct tape, electrical tape, WD-40, and a flashlight are all essential. Foam tire sealant is good to have because it can repair a flat without the tire needing to be changed. Other items are a multi-purpose utility tool, tow strap or tow rope; and road flares.

  • First-Aid Kit
  • Jumper Cables
  • Tire-pressure gauge
  • WD-40
  • Duct Tape, Electrical Tape
  • Foam Tire Sealant
  • Flashlight
  • Multi-Purpose Utility Tool
  • Tow Strap or Tow Rope
  • Road Flares

In winter it is important to add more items to the kit. Consumer Reports suggests chemical hand warmers, a small folding shovel, cat litter to put on the ground for better traction, and, of course, a windshield scraper. Consumer Reports also suggests adding the following items to your kit to have year-round:

  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Spare Fuses
  • Jack and Lug Wrench
  • Hand Cleaner and Clean Rags

Life Hacker has suggestions for what to add so there is a survival component to your car emergency kit. These items include:

  • Matches
  • Energy Bars
  • Water Bottles
  • Weather Radio
  • Seat Belt Cutter/Wind Breaker
  • Mylar Space Blanket

Many of these items are small and should easily stow away in a trunk if/when they are needed.

If your vehicle stops running, bring it to Done Right Auto Repair to have our experienced team of technicians diagnose and repair the problem. If your vehicle sustained glass or body damage in a collision, our body shop is here to help!