Car Emergency Kit List With Costs

Car troubles are inevitable. Being prepared can make all the difference both in safety and in cost. A basic emergency kit in your car with repair tools, safety gear, survival items and winter-specific equipment can save you from hefty towing bills and prevent bigger hassles.

Consider an emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables and first aid supplies to prepare for any situation. For example, the Everlit Survival Road Guardian is a comprehensive kit for around $70. If you prefer to put together your own kit, we’ve compiled a list of tools and items to keep in your car emergency kit, along with their expected costs.

Combined with a great car insurance policy, keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle provides safety and comfort for you and your passengers while on the road.

Car breakdowns and minor repairs can happen anytime. Having the right tools on hand — like a spare tire kit for changing flats or jumper cables for a dead battery — can save you from long delays and getting stranded. Equip your car with these essential tools and be ready for repairs and adjustments to ensure you can handle any roadside situation effectively.

These tools are for handling unexpected tire issues on the road. A spare tire is a lifeline when dealing with a flat or damaged tire. The jack lifts the vehicle safely off the ground while the lug wrench loosens and tightens the lug nuts during a tire change. To avoid roadside delays, regularly check the air pressure of the spare tire and test if the jack and lug wrench are in working order.

Recommended Brands: Look for comprehensive kits from Michelin ($150–200), reliable jacks and lug wrenches from Torin Big Red ($50–100) or budget-friendly options from Powerbuilt ($50).

Having a reliable set of jumper cables can save you from being stranded with a dead battery. These cables connect your car battery to another vehicle's battery, providing the power to start your engine. Inspect the cables periodically for any signs of wear and tear to ensure they function when needed.

Recommended Brands: Durable options from Energizer ($25–50) are available, while Cartman offers budget-friendly cables ($15–30). TOPDC provides a balance of affordability and reliability ($20–35).

When your battery dies, a portable jump starter allows you to jump-start your car without needing another vehicle. These compact devices store enough power to start your engine and often come with USB ports for charging electronics. They are incredibly convenient and essential for remote locations.

Recommended Brands: Consider high-quality jump starters from NOCO Boost ($100–150), reliable and affordable options from Tacklife ($50–100) or mid-range choices from DBPOWER ($70–120).

When dealing with minor punctures, a tire repair kit can be a quick fix to keep you moving until you reach a service station. These kits usually include a tire plugger, adhesive and a sealing agent. Remember to read the instructions provided for using the kit correctly.

To fix a puncture, first locate and remove any embedded objects. Clean and enlarge the puncture hole with the reamer tool. Insert a plug into the plugger tool and push it into the hole. Pull out the plugger tool, leaving the plug in place, then trim any excess plug material and inflate the tire to the correct pressure.

Recommended Brands: You can find comprehensive kits from Slime ($20–40), budget-friendly choices from Victor ($10–25) or premium kits from Blackjack ($30–50).

Driving with properly inflated tires boosts both safety and fuel efficiency. A portable air compressor allows you to inflate your tires anywhere, making maintenance easy. These handy devices are user-friendly and ensure your tires are always at the right pressure.

Recommended Brands: Highly rated portable air compressors from Viair ($60–100) are a good choice. EPAuto offers budget-friendly options ($30–50), and Kensun provides a balanced alternative ($40–70).

A tow rope or chain is indispensable when your vehicle needs to be towed to safety. These tools provide the necessary strength to pull a car out of ditches or mud so you can move your vehicle to a safer location.

Recommended Brands: Heavy-duty options from Rhino USA ($30–50) are the most popular. Grip offers budget-friendly choices ($20–30), and Everest provides durable options ($25–40).

A multitool or utility tool combines several functions — such as pliers, screwdrivers and knives — into one portable device. It is incredibly versatile for various roadside repairs and adjustments, making it essential when preparing for any road trip.

Recommended Brands: Choose high-quality options from Leatherman ($70–100), reliable mid-range tools from Gerber ($40–70) or budget-friendly choices from Swiss+Tech ($20–40).

Duct tape is another indispensable item to add to your car emergency kit list for managing minor emergencies on the road. It can hold broken parts together, patch leaks, secure loose components and even temporarily fix a broken side mirror.

Recommended Brands: Consider high-quality options from 3M ($10–15), durable choices from Gorilla ($8–12) or budget-friendly rolls from Duck ($5–10).

Being seen by other drivers during roadside emergencies prevents accidents and ensures your safety. Clear visibility — especially in low-light or poor weather conditions — can significantly reduce the risk of collisions. With the necessary tools, you can respond quickly to any road situations that may arise.

A flashlight provides critical light during nighttime breakdowns or in low-visibility conditions. Paired with extra batteries, it ensures you’re never left in the dark. Be sure to check the flashlight periodically and replace batteries to keep it ready for use.

Recommended Brands: For durable and bright flashlights, check out Maglite ($25–50). Eveready provides budget-friendly options ($10–20), while GearLight offers reliable mid-range choices ($20–30).

Reflective triangles and flares enhance visibility and alert other drivers to your presence, especially during roadside emergencies at night or in poor weather conditions. They help prevent accidents by making you and your vehicle noticeable from a distance.

Recommended Brands: You can choose high-quality options from Camco ($20–30), dependable choices from Orion ($15–25) or affordable kits from Wolo ($15–20).

A fire extinguisher is a critical safety tool that quickly addresses small vehicle fires. Regularly check its pressure gauge to confirm it's in the green zone, verify the expiration date and replace it if necessary. Keep the nozzle and other components free of obstructions, and shake the extinguisher occasionally to prevent the powder from settling.

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher properly can be lifesaving in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and practice the PASS technique: Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side.

Recommended Brands: First Alert offers reliable and easy-to-use fire extinguishers ($30–50). Kidde provides dependable options ($20–40), and Amerex is a budget-friendly choice ($20–30).

For roadside repairs and emergencies, work gloves provide essential grip and safety when handling tools or working with sharp objects. Choose gloves that are durable and fit well for maximum protection and functionality.

Recommended Brands: For high-quality gloves, Mechanix Wear ($15–25) is a great option. Ironclad provides durable picks ($10–20), while Wells Lamont offers budget-friendly choices ($5–15).

A rain poncho can keep you dry when a sudden downpour hits during a roadside emergency. Having this in your car emergency kit allows you to tackle repairs comfortably without getting soaked, helping you avoid discomfort and potential health hazards.

Recommended Brands: Shop durable, reusable ponchos from Totes ($10–35). Frogg Toggs offers reliable options ($10–15), and Hagon PRO has budget-friendly disposable ponchos ($5–10).

Whether you're dealing with a minor accident or an extended roadside situation, a functioning set of survival and communication tools can keep you safe and comfortable. Essentials like a first aid kit, non-perishable food and a phone charger can help you manage injuries, stay nourished and maintain contact with emergency services.

A well-stocked first aid kit allows you to treat minor injuries effectively in a roadside emergency. It should include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers and a first aid manual. Check and replenish your supplies regularly to make sure everything is up-to-date and ready for use.

Recommended Brands: Look into comprehensive kits from Swiss Safe ($30–50), reliable options from Johnson & Johnson ($20–40) or budget-friendly choices from Be Smart Get Prepared ($15–30).

Having water and non-perishable food in your car emergency kit list ensures you stay hydrated and nourished during a prolonged roadside emergency. Opt for items with a long shelf life, such as bottled water, granola bars and canned goods.

Recommended Brands: Datrex offers emergency water pouches and food bars designed for survival situations ($10–30). Clif Bar provides nutritious and long-lasting snack bars ($10–20 for a multipack), and Nature Valley has budget-friendly granola bars ($10–15).

In an emergency, a charged phone is your lifeline for calling help and accessing navigation. Portable chargers or car chargers with USB ports keep your device powered when you need it most.

Recommended Brands: Anker provides reliable portable chargers and car chargers ($20–30). Belkin offers dependable options ($15–25), and Aukey has budget-friendly solutions ($10–20).

Quick access to emergency contact information allows you to get help when you need it. Store important numbers — such as family members, roadside assistance and medical services — in a dedicated spot in your car or phone. Best of all, it’s free to implement.

To keep your information current, review and update your contacts every six months. Include essential contacts and have both digital and physical copies. Store physical copies in a waterproof plastic cardholder and save digital copies in your phone’s contacts and a secure cloud storage service.

While digital maps are convenient, having physical maps and a compass is invaluable if you lose signal or your device battery dies. These tools help you navigate and find your way to safety.

Recommended Brands: National Geographic offers detailed and durable maps ($10–20). Reliable compasses are available from Silva ($20–30), and Suunto provides budget-friendly options ($10–20).

Winter weather poses unique challenges for drivers, such as reduced visibility, icy roads and freezing temperatures. These conditions can make driving hazardous and increase the risk of accidents. Preparing for these scenarios and practicing safe winter driving helps create a safer and more comfortable trip.

When stranded in your car during cold weather, a thermal blanket or sleeping bag can provide the warmth needed to stay safe. Thermal blankets are lightweight and compact, making them easy to store, while sleeping bags offer more substantial insulation. Hand warmers add extra comfort to freezing conditions.

Recommended Brands: Swiss Safe offers high-quality thermal blankets ($10–20), and Grabber provides reliable hand warmers and blankets ($15–25). Coleman has dependable sleeping bags ($30–50), while Arcturus offers cost-effective options ($20–40).

Clearing ice and snow from your windshield and windows is crucial for safe driving in winter weather. An ice scraper and snow brush help maintain visibility by removing ice buildup and snow, ensuring clear sightlines while driving.

Recommended Brands: Hopkins SubZero provides durable options ($15–25). Mallory Winter offers reliable tools ($10–20) and AmazonBasics has budget-friendly choices ($10–15).

Snow chains provide extra traction on snowy and icy roads, reducing the risk of skidding and improving control. They are especially useful in areas with heavy snowfall and can be quickly installed when conditions deteriorate. Make sure they are the correct size for your tires and practice installing them before winter arrives.

Recommended Brands: For high-quality snow chains, Security Chain Company ($60–100) is a great choice. Peerless offers reliable options ($50–80), and AutoSock provides cost-effective alternatives ($40–70).

Antifreeze prevents your car's engine coolant from freezing, helping it run smoothly in cold temperatures. It also protects the engine from overheating and corrosion. Regularly check your antifreeze levels and top up as needed to maintain proper engine function.

Recommended Brands: Prestone offers high-quality antifreeze ($15–25). Zerex provides reliable options ($10–20), and Peak has budget-friendly choices ($10–15).

When snow piles up around your car, a handy snow shovel allows you to clear a path or dig out your vehicle, making it safer to drive. Keeping one in your trunk offers practice convenience during winter months.

Recommended Brands: Lifeline offers durable and compact shovels ($20–30), while Hopkins provides budget-friendly choices ($15–20).