Emergency Kit Checklist
A roadside emergency is easier to handle when your trunk is already stocked. Check this list seasonally and after any use so you are never caught empty-handed.
- Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
- Jumper cables or portable jump starter
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Tire pressure gauge
- First aid kit
- Water, nonperishable snacks, and blanket
Why a Roadside Kit Matters
Most breakdowns happen close to home, but the ones that leave you stranded usually occur on unfamiliar roads at the worst possible moment. A prepared trunk turns a stressful breakdown into a manageable wait. Build the kit once, check it twice a year, and you will rarely need roadside assistance for minor issues.
Cold-Weather Additions
- An ice scraper and snow brush
- Extra blanket and warm gloves
- Sand, cat litter, or traction boards for stuck tires
- A charged power bank for your phone
What to Avoid
Do not store flares near flammable items, and keep food sealed so it does not attract pests during long storage. Replace expired water and check battery freshness in flashlights every spring.
Checking After Use
Any time you use the kit — a jump start, a tire change, or a first-aid need — restock immediately. A kit that is half-used from the last trip is not reliable on the next one. Make it a habit to top off supplies the same day.
For Electric Vehicles
EVs rarely need jumper cables for the drive battery, but a 12-volt accessory battery can still die. Carry a portable jump starter and a warning triangle, since roadside help for EVs is less common in rural areas.
Teaching Passengers
Make sure anyone who drives your car knows where the kit sits and how to use the triangle and jack. In a real emergency, a calm helper who can set up warning gear while you change a tire prevents a second incident.
Seasonal Reminders
Recheck the kit at the start of winter and again before summer road trips. Batteries die in cold, water warms in heat, and a flashlight left unused for a year often fails when needed. A two-minute check twice a year is all it takes.