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Car Emergency Kit – What To Keep In Your Car For Emergencies

By Lori, Last updated on May 31, 2025
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Car Emergency Kit - PIN

A car emergency kit is a must-have for every car owner. It helps ensure that you keep yourself and your family safe while on the road. 

Car Emergency Kit - FB

This car emergency kit guide will tell you everything you need to keep in your car. Even if you’re going to the grocery store or doing other essential services, it’s important to be prepared. Now is the best time to make a car emergency kit before you need one. 

We have affiliate relationships, meaning I may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost if you shop using my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Why I Have an Emergency Car Kit

First Aid Car Emergency Kit

I live in earthquake territory. It often makes me think of what it would be like to be trapped in my car away from my family during a disaster. Thinking about being stuck in my car is terrifying, but being prepared can help me stay alive in times like this.

That’s why I put together a car emergency kit. The items in my kit are all the things I could think of that would help me in an emergency. If you are doing spring cleaning, some items you may not be using will be perfect to put in a duffle bag or small suitcase to keep in your car for emergencies.

Why You Need A Car Emergency Kit

Believe me, it’s always better to plan than to experience something and be unprepared for it. You could include even more things in this list, but this is what I always keep in my car.

I like to keep all this in a duffle bag and store it in my trunk. It’s safe there and won’t become a projectile in the event of a car crash. Be safe, and always be prepared!

Items You Need In Your Car Emergency Kit

There are lots of different versions of a car emergency kit that you can buy online. To save myself money, I decided to create my own. If you don’t have time to set it up yourself, you can get what you need by clicking the links I provided to view each item. Here’s what I include in my car emergency kit:

Sweatshirt and Blanket

You never know if you will be stuck overnight when it’s cold outside. Pack a way to keep yourself warm. I got this 4-pack of thermal blankets at a reasonable price from Amazon.

Walking Shoes

Put a pair of old, comfortable shoes in your car. I have a pair of tennis shoes in case you have to walk a distance.

Emergency Flares

If you are stuck on the side of the road or out in the middle of nowhere, emergency flares can get the attention of emergency personnel. Keep a handful of them in your trunk.

Duct Tape

Duct tape fixes almost anything, doesn’t it? Always keep a roll in your trunk just in case.

Flashlight

A flashlight is a must for all car emergency kits. You can use it to walk around at night if you need to. You can also use it to try and fix your car if it’s dark out.

Pen and Paper

Another tool you need to keep in your vehicle is a pen and paper. There are lots of reasons you might need one. For example, if someone on the phone is trying to give you a phone number for a local towing company, or you need a confirmation number.

Toiletries

Always plan for emergency overnight visits. Pack your car with some toiletries and over-the-counter medications, just in case. If you need a prepared toiletries bag, check these out.

First Aid Kit

All cars should have some kind of first aid kit in them. Even if you are in a minor accident, a first-aid kit can help you care for small cuts or wounds.

Snacks

Store a few snacks and bottles of water in your car, too. Pack things that are shelf-stable and nutritionally dense. I like to pack granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit like these.

Matches or a Lighter

When you are planning for a worst-case scenario, it’s smart to plan for needing a fire. Pack something that could start that fire. These typhoon matches have a great container that will keep them dry and protected. If you want a lighter, I recommend this set of 2 multipurpose lighters to be in your kit. 

Plastic Grocery Bags

They have a lot of different ways you can use them. You can put them over your head to protect it from getting wet and wear them over your socks for protection there too. If you don’t keep these in your house and want to have them in your car, you can get this set of grocery bags to keep in both places.

Baby Wipes

From messy foods in the car to the need to clean up quickly, like you’re taking a shower, baby wipes are a must. I like to keep a large stack of them in my car.

Small Amount of Money

What would you do if you left your wallet at home? Keep enough money in your car to cover a tow truck or a hotel stay. I use this fireproof and waterproof money bag to make sure it won’t get damaged in case anything happens.

Gloves

If you want, you can pack plastic gloves and warm gloves. I usually pack one pair of warm gloves to protect my hands in case I get stuck in the winter.

Toilet Paper

A roll or two of toilet paper is a godsend when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. You should keep a roll in your trunk.

Here is a link for a portable urinal that can be used by men and women in case of an emergency.

EVERLIT Survival Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets -Space Blanket Survival kit Camping Blanket Perfect for First Aid Kit Outdoors, Hiking, Survival,Bug Out Bag,Marathons (Silver, 4 Pack)
EVERLIT Survival Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets -Space Blanket Survival kit Camping Blanket Perfect for First Aid Kit Outdoors, Hiking, Survival,Bug Out Bag,Marathons (Silver, 4 Pack)
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    Tobfit 6 Pack LED Road Flares Emergency Lights Roadside Safety Beacon Disc Flashing Warning Flare Kit with Magnetic Base & Hook for Car Truck Boats | 9 Flash Modes (Batteries Not Included) (6)
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      The Original Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape, 1-Pack 1.88 Inch x 20 Yard, 1-Pack Silver, Gray (1044729)
      The Original Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape, 1-Pack 1.88 Inch x 20 Yard, 1-Pack Silver, Gray (1044729)
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        GearLight LED Flashlights - Mini Camping Flashlights with High Lumens, 5 Modes, Zoomable Beam - Bright and Versatile Flash Light for Outdoor and Home Use - S1000-2 Pack, (Batteries Not Included)
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          JoyNote Notebooks Journal, A5 College Ruled Journal with Pen Holder, Thick Paper Soft Cover Notebook, 96 Sheets/192 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25 inches, Red
          JoyNote Notebooks Journal, A5 College Ruled Journal with Pen Holder, Thick Paper Soft Cover Notebook, 96 Sheets/192 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25 inches, Red
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            Convenience Kits International Women's Herbal Essence Kit, Blue, 10 Piece Set
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              Convenience Kits International Men's Deluxe, 9-Piece Kit with Travel Size TSA Compliant Essentials , Featuring: Old Spice Products in Reuseable Toiletry Bag
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              All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Sprains & Burns, Home, Car, Travel, Camping & Outdoor Emergency Kit, FSA/HSA Eligible, 160 Pieces
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                Nature's Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Pack (28.8 oz)
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                  Zippo Typhoon Match Kit
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                    BIC Multi-Purpose Lighter, 2 Pack
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                      Stock Your Home Eco Grocery Bags (100 Count) – Reusable Supermarket Thank You T-Shirt Style, Recyclable and Suitable for Small Trash Cans
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                        The Honest Company Clean Conscious Unscented Wipes | Over 99% Water, Compostable, Plant-Based, Baby Wipes | Hypoallergenic for Sensitive Skin, EWG Verified | Rainbow, 72 Count
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                          JUNDUN Fireproof Document Bags,14.2”x 10.0”Waterproof and Fireproof Money Bag with Aluminum Foil Lining,Fireproof Safe Storage Pouch with Zipper for Document and Cash,Black
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                            CLEANWRAP Disposable Gloves (Short/Long) - LDPE, BPA FREE
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                            Geyoga 4 Pairs Women's Winter Touch Screen Gloves Soft Warm Fleece Lined Knit Elastic Cuff Texting Gloves
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                              Extra Items For Your Car Emergency Kit

                              Jumper Cables

                              These jumper cables are essential if you encounter a dead battery on the road. Having these with you is crucial, especially if you’re going on a long ride and suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere on your journey. 

                              Tire Pressure Gauge

                              Include a tire pressure gauge in your emergency kit to ensure your tires are properly inflated.

                              Safety Reflective Triangle Road Sign 

                              If you need help, this reflective triangle is useful for signaling or warning other drivers of an accident.

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                              Energizer Jumper Cables for Car Battery, Heavy Duty Automotive Booster Cables for Jump Starting Dead or Weak Batteries with Carrying Bag Included (12-Feet (10-Gauge)
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                                Tire Pressure Gauge 100psi Glow in The Dark, ATsafepro 2.5” Dial Mechanical Tire Gauges for Tire Pressure, Certificated Accuracy Analog Air Pressure Gauge for Cars, Trucks, Bicycles.
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                                  2 Pack Slow Moving Vehicle Sign Safety Triangle Road Sign with Reflective,Plastic 14'x16' Up to 7 Years Outdoor for Golf Cart Tractor UTV Waterproof
                                  2 Pack Slow Moving Vehicle Sign Safety Triangle Road Sign with Reflective,Plastic 14"x16" Up to 7 Years Outdoor for Golf Cart Tractor UTV Waterproof
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                                    Winter Car Emergency Kit

                                    If you’re traveling to an area that often experiences harsh winters, consider making a specialized winter car emergency kit. In addition to the items listed above, this winter car emergency kit can include:

                                    Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

                                    These ice scrapers and snow brushes can help clear snow and ice from your windshield and windows. This is the one I recommend, and it’s easy and convenient to use. 

                                    Snow Shovel

                                    If your car ever becomes stuck in the snow, having a snow shovel ready in your kit is a huge help.

                                    Hand Warmers

                                    You must have hand warmers stored in your kit. These disposable hand warmers will help keep you warm if you’re stranded in the cold.  

                                    Rock Salt or Sand

                                    Add rock salt or sand to your emergency kit. Is your car stuck in ice or snow? Using rock salt or sand improves traction.

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                                    AstroAI 27' Snow Brush and Ice Scrapers for Car Windshield, Detachable Snow Scrapers with Ergonomic Foam Grip for Cars, Trucks, SUVs (Heavy Duty ABS, PVC Brush, Orange)
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                                      Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV01-P2 18-in Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel w/Spring Assisted Handle, Blue
                                      Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV01-P2 18-in Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel w/Spring Assisted Handle, Blue
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                                        HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack, 10 Count (Pack of 1)
                                        HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack, 10 Count (Pack of 1)
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                                          Best Car Emergency Kit on Amazon

                                          If you do not have time to put together a car emergency kit yourself, there are many pre-made kits available on Amazon. Here are some of the best car emergency kits I recommend:

                                          Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit

                                          This 42-piece emergency car kit has a variety of essential items that you might need. It includes jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and more.

                                          Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

                                          Get the most out of this Road Assistance Emergency Kit that contains 142 essential items. You’ll find a 10-foot jumper cable, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, and other essential items inside. 

                                          Always Prepared 125-Piece Car Emergency Kit 

                                          Just like its name, this Always Prepared kit includes many of the same items mentioned in the kits above. It also has additional items for tire repair.

                                          Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit, 42 Piece Emergency Car Kit with Jumper Cables, Flashlight and First Aid Kit,4330AAA,Black
                                          Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit, 42 Piece Emergency Car Kit with Jumper Cables, Flashlight and First Aid Kit,4330AAA,Black
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                                            LIANXIN Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit - Car Emergency Kit with Jumper Cables (Upgraded) Emergency Roadside Kit for Car 142 Pieces Car Safety Kits,Tow Strap,Tool Kit,Reflective Warning Triangle
                                            LIANXIN Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit - Car Emergency Kit with Jumper Cables (Upgraded) Emergency Roadside Kit for Car 142 Pieces Car Safety Kits,Tow Strap,Tool Kit,Reflective Warning Triangle
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                                              Always Prepared Premium Roadside Emergency Kit for Car - Car Safety Kit, Tools, First Aid, Visibility Gear & More - Perfect Roadside Assistance Kit Gift for New Drivers (125 pc)
                                              Always Prepared Premium Roadside Emergency Kit for Car - Car Safety Kit, Tools, First Aid, Visibility Gear & More - Perfect Roadside Assistance Kit Gift for New Drivers (125 pc)
                                                Check current price

                                                Emergency Kits for the Home

                                                Here is an article about what the Costco Emergency Kits for Home contain, along with a comprehensive list of what you need to make one for yourself.

                                                Amazon also offers several already-made Emergency Kits for the Home that you can view here.

                                                It’s Better to Be Prepared

                                                A red Car Emergency Kit

                                                Every car owner should have an emergency kit in their vehicle. It’s crucial to be ready for any emergency that may occur. Bring your car emergency kit even if you’re only driving to work or going on a long road trip.

                                                Be ready for anything by packing the essentials I listed in this post. I hope that this has been a useful guide for your journey. Always stay prepared and be safe!

                                                Do you have any Car Emergency Kit tips to share? Leave them in the comments below! 

                                                More Lifestyle Resources

                                                • Recycle, Donate, or Sell Your Old Gadgets
                                                • Upcycling Ideas – Repurpose Common Household Items
                                                • How to Start an Emergency Fund – Even When Money is Tight

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                                                Car Emergency Kit - PIN

                                                Don’t forget to share this list of Car Emergency Kit items with your friends and loved ones. If you are on social media, I would love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. Just click on the links to visit my profile. Leave a message, and I will follow you back!

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