10 Must-Have Items for Your Car Emergency Kit

Be prepared for anything with your own car emergency kit.

Whether you’re just commuting to and from work or going for a cross-country road trip, there is always the possibility of car trouble. If you have the right supplies in your vehicle, you can be prepared for anything that might happen. Plus, it will give you peace of mind.

No matter if you have a flat tire, dead battery, overheated engine, or another issue, you should always keep your emergency car kit equipped with these essential items from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Cellphone & Charger

If you’re stranded with your car in the middle of nowhere, a cellphone is going to be the number one item you need. Of course, the cellphone won’t be much help if the battery is nearly or completely dead.

We suggest keeping a spare cellphone charger in your car emergency kit. The best option is an emergency charger, which you can use without the power of your car.

2. A Roadside Emergency Kit

You can buy basic car emergency kits that come already assembled. Many of these kits include the following:

• First aid kit
• LED flashlight (with batteries)
• Tire sealant
• Road flares
• Poncho or blanket
• Basic tools, such as a screwdriver or pliers

They’re affordable, and you can keep them in a compact case for easy car storage. If you don’t want to buy a premade one, you can also create your own with the materials listed above.

3. Road Triangles

When your car breaks down, the last thing you need is for oncoming traffic to not see you. Using a reflective emergency warning triangle to warn other drivers is important when you’re working on your car or waiting for a tow truck.

Place the reflective triangle on the same side of the road, about 150 feet behind your vehicle. Make sure to put the triangle on the side of the road or shoulder, not in the way of traffic.

4. Water & Non-Perishable Food

Car emergencies can leave you stranded for a long period of time. Having a supply of drinking water to stay hydrated is important.

Granola and protein bars can provide energy if you are stuck with your car for awhile. Jerky will keep for a very long time.

Having an emergency food supply is especially important on longer trips, where you may get stranded in desolate areas.

5. Fire Extinguisher

It may seem dramatic to have a fire extinguisher in your car emergency kit at all times. But a car fire can start from a simple short circuit or an oil leakage. You can use a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire, preventing more damage to your vehicle.

Always use caution in a vehicular fire. Get away from the fire as soon as possible before attempting to put it out with an extinguisher.

6. Gloves & Rags

Working on your vehicle can be a dirty job, so you will definitely want rags and gloves in case of an emergency. Latex or disposable gloves are cost-effective options for a car emergency kit.

Paper or cotton shop towels also come in handy.

7. Duct Tape

You can use duct tape for a variety of things, especially in a car emergency. If your first aid kit runs out of adhesive bandages, use duct tape.

You can also use duct tape to hold together a broken headlight, taillight, or leaking hose.

8. Jumper Cables & Battery Jump Starter

This will allow you to help yourself and others if your battery dies and you get stranded.

9. Spare Tire

One of the most common reasons people get stranded on the side of the road is because they get a flat tire. To be prepared for this situation, you should have a spare tire in your vehicle.

Also make sure you have the proper tools to change a tire. This includes a tire iron and car jack.

10. Winter Car Supplies

If you live somewhere that has cold winters, you’ll need the necessary equipment to stay safe on the roads in all weather conditions.

Make sure you have an snow brush and ice scraper to clear your windows. You’ll also want a shovel and some sort of traction aid (like sand or cat litter), in case you get stuck in the snow.

Also keep a blanket or jacket of some sort in your vehicle. So you’ll have something to keep you warm if you get stranded in bad weather.

We want to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to keep you safe when things go wrong. That’s why you can find these products at your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

For more tips on car or truck safety and maintenance, check out our other Automotive articles.