Essential Items for My Car Emergency Supply Kit: A Detailed Guide
- Chris
- Jan 24
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 6
When I hit the road, the last thing I want is to feel unprepared for an emergency. From flat tires to sudden engine failures or severe weather, an emergency supply kit can be a game changer. This guide breaks down the essential items I always include in my car emergency supply kit to ensure I'm ready for any situation life throws my way. The general idea is to think about what you might need before you find yourself in a situation wishing you had it. More often than not, your kit will not be lifesaving, but it can make a difficult situation much easier and often speeds up the time for you to get back on the road. Also, remember that everyone's needs are different, and therefore your kit should reflect that. Are you traveling alone or with family? What about pets? Do you frequently travel long distances or short commutes? What type of climate do you drive in? Is winter weather a consideration? Do you or a family member have specific medical needs? I will provide some foundational items, but you should always think about your specific circumstances when planning.
Why You Need a Car Emergency Supply Kit
Having an emergency supply kit is not just smart; it's crucial. A study showed that nearly 1 in 3 drivers experience a breakdown each year. When these unexpected events occur, having the right tools and supplies can be lifesaving or just make life easier.
If you don't want to read the details, here is a short list of my recommended items.
Kit Essentials
Cold Weather Needs
First Aid
Smaller First Aid Kit
Food & Water
Emergency Rations
Emergency Power/Charging
Other
Organizing Your Supplies
Start with a quality storage bag. Something reasonable in size, easy to see, portable, and ideally resistant to the elements. I am a fan of dry bags like this one. You never know if you will be able to stay with your vehicle in an emergency, so a bag you can quickly grab and easily carry can be useful. Dry bags are popular among adventure enthusiasts because they are a cheap and easy way to keep your items protected from the elements.
The Unigear Dry Bags that I use come in different sizes and colors and include a waterproof phone case, which can be convenient in emergencies or for everyday use (for example, a Disney or Universal Studios visit). You can use different colors for different things (car used for family, car used for business, etc.). I generally go with high visibility colors so I can easily find it, and if you need to take your bag when you exit your car, it's easier to see at night.
Basic Tools and Equipment
Every effective emergency supply kit starts with a solid set of basic tools. Here are the essentials I keep in my car:
For every car:
Jack and Spare Tire: Flat tires are among the most common road issues. Having a fully inflated spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench within arm's reach can save time and frustration. If you have wheel locks, don't forget to keep the key somewhere in your vehicle (ideally the same area you store the jack and wrench). Do yourself a huge favor and remember to check the tire pressure on your spare when you check your other tires (generally at least twice a year). Also, familiarize yourself with these tools and the tire-changing procedure on a nice sunny day in the comfort of your driveway so you are not struggling to figure this out on a dark snowy evening pulled over on a 4-lane highway.
I also keep one of these Flat Tire Emergency Kits in each of my vehicles. It includes a tire inflator and tire slime. Tire slime is effective with small punctures and can get you going in 10 minutes. Now, I know some mechanic or tire shop worker is reading this and saying "Tire slime is a nightmare." Yes, it can be a pain once you bring the tire in for service, but this site is all about practical solutions, and in reality, not everyone can change a tire. It requires the physical ability to loosen/tighten lug nuts, jack up the car safely, remove and lift the tire, etc. You get the idea. If you are in a pinch, Flat Tire Emergency Kits are a great backup option.
All that being said, if you can call a roadside assistance company, do so - let the professionals with the right equipment deal with this for you. Don't forget that many car insurance companies include this service with your premium and if you don't have it, it might be worth calling your insurance agent to see what it costs. I highly suggest this for teen and elderly drivers.
Emergency Flares or Reflective Triangles: A 2020 survey found that 36% of breakdown-related incidents occur in low-visibility conditions. Carrying these items helps alert other drivers to my situation when visibility is low. A great alternative is a rechargeable road flare like these. These are magnetic, waterproof, and can take an absolute beating (crushproof) and still work. I find them useful for not only emergencies but also as a flashlight in a pinch.
Mulity Purpose Toolkit: You just need the basics, this is not the set of tools you are going to use to remodel your house. More times than you realize, you will find yourself searching for a razor blade or a screwdriver, and there are a million reasons you won't think of until you need it. Now if you are willing, you can probably go to your local hardware store and piecemeal something together. Bought individually you might be able to get higher quality items for a little bit more, but if you're like me a simple one-and-done option like this one takes all the thought out of it.
For Cold Weather Conditions: Consider keeping a foldable shovel like this one. It folds down nicely and can be useful if you're stuck. This is another nice option that includes a snow scraper and foldable shovel.
For ICE and hybrid-powered vehicles:
Jump Starter: Instead of depending on others for help, a jump starter lets me recharge my car battery quickly. Brands like NOCO offer compact models that can fit even in glove compartments. You might consider something like the NOCO Boost. Just remember to charge it at least once a season; they have a good track record for maintaining a charge for about a year. A pair of jumper cables can also come in handy, but you're reliant on either someone to come meet you OR a friendly motorist. Don't cheap out on jumper cables, get a quality brand and appropriate gauge such as those by Energizer.
For EVs:
I love EVs for so many reasons and I talk about how EVs can be a great addition to a family's preparedness plans in other blogs, but they do bring some special considerations with them. Since traditional jump starters are out, I recommend fully considering your charging options and capabilities. Always travel with a charger, even a slow charge from a Level 1 source is better than nothing.
For Tesla Owners, consider keeping a Tesla to J1772 adapter in your vehicle. Yes, eventually the world will bend its knees to the Tesla NACS charging standard, but until then you are best to maximize your charging options. In a pinch, you may benefit from being able to charge anywhere and bypass a crowded charging station.
For non-Tesla vehicles (those with J1772 ports), I recommend the same consideration. Now, not every manufacturer has worked out arrangements for using the Tesla charging network, but many have - so if you can leverage it - you should! Consider something like this NACS to CCS adapter.
Do not "cheap out" on EV charging adapters, cables, or equipment. These devices handle very high voltages and amperages and it's not something to cut costs on. If you are not sure what devices work with your vehicle, do your research and refer to your manufacturer's documentation and recommendations.
First Aid Supplies
Staying safe and healthy during emergencies is essential, which is why I always pack a well-equipped first aid kit. Now, it's easy to go over the top and buy an expensive kit, but don't buy perishable supplies or supplies that are above your skill level to utilize. The goal is to cover your basic needs until you can get proper medical attention.
First Aid Kit: This kit includes band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, and over-the-counter medications like pain relievers. Keeping it organized can save valuable time during an emergency. Some options I have used include this one which comes in a nice waterproof bag or even more basic, this one by Johnson and Johnson.
If you want to supplement your kit with some basic medications, consider one of these pill organizers. I am a big fan of these. They come with pre-printed labels, seal tightly, and are available in a few different sizes and colors so you can color-code by person depending on your needs.
Pro tip, children's liquid medications do not store well in cars. However, children's chewable medications are a great alternative as they tend to be more temperature stable and have longer expiration dates. I would recommend just the basics so you don't have to manage a lot of expiring meds; consider including Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl. Always opt for dye-free medications if available to reduce allergic risk.
Emergency Blanket: I would opt for a quality blanket that can easily be rolled up. These outdoor blankets come in a variety of sizes (the smaller option is probably best for the car), have a waterproof backing, and a built-in handle. Those tiny mylar blankets are not bad to have, but if you are stuck in a cold weather situation you are going to want a decent blanket. The ones I recommend can also double for everyday use at sporting events and outdoor activities.
Hand Sanitizer: With statistics showing that 80% of infections are spread by hands, this item is a must-have, especially if soap and water are not accessible. You can get these just about anywhere nowadays. I like these from Purell because they come with a nice carrier hook that can be used for everyday use and are also travel-size.
Having a comprehensive first aid kit ensures I'm ready to handle any minor injuries while on the road.
Food and Water Supplies
Water: Generally, it's recommended to carry at least one gallon, ensuring you can drink and stay hydrated for an extended period. A rule of thumb is to have one gallon per person per day for at least three days. However, for a lot of people carrying that much water around in your car is not practical. And yes, bottled water does expire due to the plastic packaging. Here are some options:
Datrex water pouches are purified and have a long expiration date. The water does not taste great, but it's safe and I would be happy to drink it in a pinch.
Take a case of bottled water with you if you are planning a long trip or know you will be traveling into poor weather conditions where you might be stuck. If you don't need it, you can use it for everyday needs. Bottled water can also be used for cleaning and teeth brushing so it's always great to have.
LifeStraws are also a great item to have. They are by far the most inexpensive and easy way to purify water for drinking. There is no guarantee you will have access to water, however, they are so small and lightweight that it seems like a no-brainer.
Energy Bars: These are compact, nutritious, and provide a quick energy boost, ideal for when I need to maintain strength during unforeseen delays. Emergency rations like these are relatively cheap and have super long expiration dates. However, they taste like sawdust and nothing you do improves that.
Portable Meals: Now, I would gladly eat those rations if I was desperate, but something like a Heater Meal is a far more palatable option. Think of them as microwave TV dinners without the need for a microwave. If you are thinking of MREs, you are close, but these are far better tasting. Everything you need is included in the box. Tossing a few of these in your kit is not a bad approach and when they get closer to expiring, take them to work as lunch so they don't go to waste. They are also great for camping or other outdoor activities where a hot meal is possible without the need for any cooking tools.
Communication Tools
Portable Phone Charger: A dead battery can make a challenging situation worse. A portable charger allows me to maintain communication, especially during long waits for assistance. I love this portable solar charger. It has all the cords attached, can be charged by plug-in OR with the built-in solar panel, has a wireless charger, and is water resistant.
Flashlight with Extra Batteries: If I'm stranded at night or need to navigate in the dark, a good flashlight makes all the difference. If you want to avoid the hassle of battery replacements, this rechargeable solar flashlight is a great option. It can be charged by plug-in OR with the built-in solar panel and also be used as a USB charger for your phone.
Essential Clothing
Extra clothing: The goal is not to win any fashion awards. Next time you organize your closet or dresser, maybe set aside a few extra items that might be headed for the trash. I would include the basics, an extra shirt, a pair of long pants, socks, and underwear. Consider including a thick sweater, hat, and gloves if you travel in cold-weather climates.
Protip, no vacuum compression bags are an excellent way to store items. They save lots of space, protect your items from water, and can be reused again and again. The no vacuum option makes it easier to reuse them when you are not home and don't have access to a vacuum.
Other Resources
The Ready Gov website is a great resource https://www.ready.gov/car. They don't make specific product recommendations, but I find the checklists to be helpful.
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