Emergency Car Kit

Page Updated on July 28, 2007

You never know when your car might break down or you encounter an emergency situation while on the road. Keep this kit in your car at all times. You'll be thankful if you ever need any of the items in it.

In the Glove Box (or other storage location inside your vehicle)

Vehicle Registration
Proof of Insurance and Contact Information
Vehicle Manual
Important Phone Numbers and Addresses (such as the phone number for your roadside assistance company, hotels, and so forth)
Local Maps
Wet Wipes
Sanitizing Gel
Lighter
Money (one dollar bills and coins for vending machines and pay phones)
Cell Phone or CB Radio (and charger you can plug into your car's outlet / lighter)
Some Resealable Plastic Bags (Ziplocks)
Energy Bars (high calorie food)
Candy or Dried Fruit (for raising your blood sugar)
Compact Rain Poncho (or just keep a rain proof jacket with you at all times)
Compact Umbrella (optional)
Flashlight (wish extra batteries, multifunction flashlights are best)
Glow Stick / Light Stick
Multi-Function Knife (such as a Swiss Army knife, Gerber, or Leatherman)
Whistle
Compass
Rubber Bands
Paper Clips
Pens and Pencils
Small Notepad
Emergency Instructions (to help you keep you together during and after an emergency)
Window Punch (can help you break a window for escape after an accident or if you're trapped in your vehicle under water)

In the Trunk (or other storage location that is quickly accessible but won't be in the way; you can actually get most of these items into a duffle bag)

Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Solar Blanket
Emergency Flares
Reflective Triangles
Battery Jumper Cables
Tire Wrench
Spare Tire
Tire Air Pressure Gauge
Tire Sealant (Fix-a-Flat)
Extra Fuses
Lubricating / Penetrating Spray (such as WD-40, to help loosen lug nuts and locks)
Tow Rope or Chain
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
Needle Nose Pliers
Adjustable Pliers
Adjustable Wrench
Socket Set and Ratchet
Rubber Mallet
Duct Tape
Mechanic's Wire
Gas Siphon
Funnel
Work Gloves
Reflective Vest
Bungee Cords
Tie Down Rope
Gallon Jug of Drinking Water (bring more if you are going to a dry climate or location away from civilization; also great for filling your radiator or windshield washer fluid)
Gallon of Anti-Freeze (if driving in cool climates or away from civilization)
2 Quarts of Oil (if driving away from civilization)
EMPTY Gas Can (only carry gas if you expect to be FAR away from civilization without a way to call for help ; otherwise it could do more harm than good by starting a fire)
Waterproof Tarp
Large Warm Blanket (at least big enough for a twin bed)
Candles
Metal Can (such as a metal coffee can; can be used to hold candles)
Hatchet or Axe
Ice Scraper and Brush (even if you don't expect to find ice on your windshield)
Show Chains or Cables
Folding Shovel
Small throw rug (to help you gain traction if you get stuck; you can also use the floor mats in your car)
Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter (optional if you have throw rugs and floor mats)
Help Sign
Roll of Paper Towels (thick, industrial, disposable rags work best)
Window Cleaner (best in a spray bottle)
Change of Clothes (denim jeans, long sleeve t-shirt, socks, warm hat, hat to block out sun, warm waterproof jacket, and so forth; also bring clothes for hot weather in the summer, but don't give up those cold weather clothes because it can get cold at night even in the summer; you can always take clothes off to cool down, but you must have cold weather clothes to help you keep warm)