It looks like car manufacturers finally got it right when they started adding car charging ports to vehicles. A charged phone goes a long way when you're stranded, but what happens when roadside assistance is taking too long? Or, when a simple tool and skill can get you back on the road in minutes? Investing in an emergency kit for your car could save you a lot of time and money.
This list won't consist of essential items like cell phone chargers, spare tires, and jumper cables. You should already know that those are items you need to keep in your car. Here are some essential items for winter driving, long road trips, driving with children, and more.
Car Window Breaker & Seat Belt Cutter Demo
The other items to include in your safety box, like our favorite roadside first aid kit, are below.
Emergency Car Kit List
In an emergency situation at night, you'll want a way for drivers to see you. Unfortunately, drivers are hit when stranded on the side of the road. Even state troopers are victims of this when pulling over drivers. A visibility vest could save your life.
2. AstroAI 27" Snow Brush and Detachable Deluxe Ice Scraper
If you live in an area where cold weather is typically below freezing, be sure to keep an ice scraper on hand.
3. Tire Pressure Gauge - (0-60 PSI) Heavy Duty, Certified ANSI Accurate with Large 2 Inch Easy to Read Glow Dial, Low - High Air Pressure Gauge. Tire Gauge for Car and Trucks Tires by Vondior
An Amazon customer gave this tire pressure gauge a five-star review and said, "Best I've ever had. As accurate as my more expensive digital gauge yet even better because: no batteries required."
Checking your tire pressure before and during long road trips is a must.
4. VicTsing 2 Pack Car Safety Hammer, Emergency Escape Tool with Car Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter, Life Saving Survival Kit
A customer gave this window breaker a perfect rating and said, "As a firefighter of 32 years (retired) I've used this tool many times and it works flawlessly. The chances of a person having to ever use it is slim. But if you need to extract yourself or come across an accident where a quick extrication is required. It will be a very handy tool."
Another customer put it to the test on a junk car and said it worked. You never know what could happen. Heck, this would even come in handy in cases where babies and dogs are left in hot cars. It also cuts seatbelts!
Kitty litter is also a great emergency item to consider for driving in bad weather. A sock filled with cat litter can help clear up fogged windows. We all know driving with foggy windows is terrifying.
6. SlimK LED Road Flares for Roadside Emergency Kit - Very Bright Led Emergency Lights for Vehicles & Boat Flares w/Magnet & Hook - Heavy Duty & Water Resistant Roadside Safety Disc - 3 Packs, 9 Battery
These emergency flares are visible from a mile away at night and half a mile away at daytime. Check out this helpful review.
7. Aleve Liquid Capsules, Naproxen Sodium Capsules 220 mg (NSAID), Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, Fast Pain Relief, 120 Count
Emergency preparedness also means looking out for your health. If you wear contacts or glasses, then you know that driving with a sharp prescription can give you a headache. Consider keeping ibuprofen in your glove compartment.
8. CLIF BAR - Energy Bars - Best Sellers Variety Pack - (2.4 Ounce Protein Bars, 16 Count) (Packaging and Assortment May Vary)
Food is a must! Whether it's granola bars, water bottles, or dried fruit, keep something yummy in your car. If you live in an area with bad traffic, then you'll be glad you had a snack ready when your ETA to the nearest exit is two hours. Especially if you have children in the car.
9. Artnaturals Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizer Gel (2 Pack x 8 Fl Oz / 220ml) Infused with Alovera Gel, Jojoba Oil & Vitamin E - Unscented Fragrance Free Sanitize
Add hand sanitizer to your emergency supplies list. With or without coronavirus, it's a must. It's perfect for keeping on you in case a gas station is low on soap, or just if you need a little cleaning after changing a flat tire.
10. 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit for Home, Car or Work : Plus Emergency Medical Supplies for Camping, Hunting, Outdoor Hiking Survival
In case of an emergency (involving minor scrapes and burns), you'll be thankful you had a first aid kit. If you travel with children, you definitely ought to consider buying one for the car.
There are many other things we recommend outside of the basic stuff like jump starters, pliers, and screwdrivers. A rain poncho and an extra change of clothes are also fantastic items to keep in your trunk just in case.
Feeling prepared will make you feel more confident on the road.
This post was originally published on August 13, 2020.