What to keep in your car emergency kit
A car emergency kit should hold what gets you seen, started and through a wait: jumper cables or a charged jump pack, reflective triangles, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, water, a warm layer and a phone charger. In snow country add a scraper, a small shovel and traction grit. Pack it in one bag and check it every spring and fall.
About 20 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Pack the start and fix items: jumper cables or a charged jump pack, a tire pressure gauge, work gloves and a small flashlight with spare batteries.
- Pack the be-seen items: two or three reflective triangles and a high-visibility vest.
- Pack the wait items: bottled water, a few shelf-stable snacks, a warm blanket, a phone charging cable and a basic first aid kit.
- In cold climates add an ice scraper, a small folding shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, and extra hats and gloves.
- Put a card in the bag with your roadside assistance number and insurance claim line.
- Check the kit twice a year when the clocks change: charge the jump pack, swap the water and snacks, and test the flashlight.
Common mistakes
- Buying a kit and never checking that the jump pack still holds a charge.
- Keeping the triangles under a trunk full of luggage where you cannot reach them.
- Leaving water to freeze and split in winter or cook in summer for years.
- Assuming the phone will always have battery when you need to call for help.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: What to keep in your car emergency kit
What to say
A car emergency kit should hold what gets you seen, started and through a wait: jumper cables or a charged jump pack, reflective triangles, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, water, a warm layer and a phone charger. In snow country add a scraper, a small shovel and traction grit. Pack it in one bag and check it every spring and fall.
What to show, in order
- Pack the start and fix items: jumper cables or a charged jump pack, a tire pressure gauge, work gloves and a small flashlight with spare batteries.
- Pack the be-seen items: two or three reflective triangles and a high-visibility vest.
- Pack the wait items: bottled water, a few shelf-stable snacks, a warm blanket, a phone charging cable and a basic first aid kit.
- In cold climates add an ice scraper, a small folding shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, and extra hats and gloves.
- Put a card in the bag with your roadside assistance number and insurance claim line.
- Check the kit twice a year when the clocks change: charge the jump pack, swap the water and snacks, and test the flashlight.
The check question
Ask: Which item helps other drivers see your stopped car?
Related skills
Words on this page
Sources
- National winter driving and roadside safety guidance, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .