Build a Car Emergency Kit

Start with the essentials

The core of any emergency kit is a few basics: jumper cables or a portable jump starter, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a basic first-aid kit. These handle the most common roadside problems — a dead battery, a minor injury, or a breakdown after dark. Start with these and build from there.

Add warmth and shelter

If you're stranded in cold weather, warmth matters most. A blanket, a warm hat and gloves, and even an emergency mylar blanket take little space but make a long wait survivable. A rain poncho helps too. In winter, these items can literally save your life.

Include food and water

Keep a few bottles of water and some non-perishable snacks — granola bars, nuts, or crackers — in the car. They're essential if you're stuck for hours waiting for a tow. Rotate them periodically so they don't go stale, and remember that in summer heat, some items don't keep well.

Add tools and supplies

A few small tools handle many situations: a multi-tool or pocket knife, duct tape, a tire pressure gauge, and a warning triangle or road flares. Add a basic tool kit if you're comfortable with minor repairs. These items help you fix small problems or stay visible while you wait.

Keep a phone charger

Your phone is your lifeline in an emergency, so keep a charger — and ideally a portable power bank — in the car. A dead phone means no calls for help and no navigation. A charged power bank ensures you can reach someone even if the car's power is out.

Add seasonal items

Tailor the kit to the season. In winter, add an ice scraper, a small shovel, and extra warm layers. In summer, add extra water and sun protection. Swapping a few items with the seasons keeps the kit relevant and avoids carrying unnecessary weight year-round.

Keep important documents

Store a copy of your insurance card, registration, and emergency contact numbers in the glove box. In an emergency, you'll want these at hand. Some drivers also keep a written list of phone numbers in case their phone is lost or dead.

Store it where it's reachable

Pack the kit in a small bag or bin in the trunk, where it's organized and easy to find. You don't want to be digging through loose items in the dark. A dedicated bag keeps everything together, so you can grab it and go.

It's cheap peace of mind

Most of this kit costs very little — much of it you already have at home. The value isn't the money; it's the peace of mind of knowing you're prepared. A well-stocked car is a safer car, and the one time you need the kit, you'll be glad it's there.

Keep a small tool kit too

A few basic tools let you handle minor issues yourself — a multi-tool, an adjustable wrench, and a tire pressure gauge cover a lot of ground. You may not fix a major breakdown, but you can tighten a loose connection or check a tire.

Add a roll of duct tape and some zip ties, which are surprisingly useful for temporary repairs. A small, well-chosen tool kit turns "stuck and helpless" into "stuck but resourceful."

Keep it accessible, not buried

An emergency kit only helps if you can reach it quickly. Pack it in a bag near the top of the trunk, so you're not digging through luggage in the dark.