AAA has spent decades helping families stay safe on the roads. We’re most familiar with their roadside assistance service, but they do a lot about education, too. They let Marie Dodds talk to me about what to include in a car emergency kit, and here’s what she said:
Jumper Cables
A medium-gauge pair, which you know how to use.
Inflated, Functional Spare Tire
If you can afford it and it will fit, get a real tire, not just the donut. Practice changing tires on your car before you need to use the skill.
Tire Change Kit
Your jack and lug wrench. Again, practice this before you need it.
Snow Chains
Or those new-fangled snow boots for cars…either way, once again, practice before you try it “in the wild”.
Tarp
Get one waterproof and thick enough it does you some good when you’re laying down in the snow.
Work Gloves
At least one pair, thick enough to protect but not so thick you can’t work in them.
1-Gallon Bag of Sand, Pebbles, or Cat Litter
Spreading this over mud or snow can give your car the traction it needs sometimes.
Folding Shovel or Entrenching Tool
Sometimes, you need to dig a stuck car out. This means you don’t have to do it with your hands.
Car Tool Kit
Select tools appropriate for both your vehicle and your personal skillset. An experienced mechanic in a 1997 Ford pickup will need a different kit than somebody in a brand-new BMW who doesn’t change their own oil.
Shop Rags
A bag of a dozen costs less than ten bucks, stores easily, and will come in handy more often than you’re imagining.
Duct Tape
One good-sized roll. Like the shop rags, you’ll be amazed how often you use it.
Ice Scraper
Every car should have an ice scraper. What caliber of ice scraper will depend on where you live, and what winters are like.
Car Escape Tool
These little hammers come with a seatbelt cutter and a glass breaker, to help you get out if things go really, really wrong. Be advised: some modern tempered glass resists these tools. Find out if that’s true of your car now. You don’t want to learn that in the moment.
Car Fire Extinguisher
Something to keep in mind about this: if your car is on fire, leave your car. This is for grabbing on your way out, and most of the time for putting out a fire that’s outside your car.
Road Flares or Signal Triangle
It’s depressing how many people get hit by cars when on the side of the road with car trouble. Flares or a signal triangle help you avoid that problem.
Flashlights
At least one. I have three in my car. You really can’t have too many.
Glowsticks
There are excellent emergency lighting, and they can entertain kids if you’re stuck for a while. Get the kind with a necklace and put them around every kid’s neck to make them super-visible while you’re dealing with your car problem.
Hand-Crank Emergency Radio/Charger/Flashlight
These will run you $30 and are worth every penny.
Spare Batteries for All Devices
The last thing you want is to find out none of your gear works because they’re out of juice.
First Aid Kit
For booboos and major injuries. Stay tuned for a post about how to build one yourself for well under $50.
Mylar Emergency Blankets
Have one for every seat in your car, plus one spare. These have so many uses I’m going to do a whole blog post on it. You need them in your car.
Spare Comfortable Shoes
Like I say in this video…create a new rule. When you get your next pair of walking shoes or hiking boots, your old ones go in the car. That way you always have broken-in, comfortable shoes to change into if the car won’t work and you have to walk.
Weather-Appropriate Gear
If you live in a hot climate, have a hat and a flowing overshirt for each person likely to be in the car. If you live in a cold climate, have a jacket and gloves. All climates call for a simple poncho.
Emergency Food
Non-perishable rations enough for two days, times the number of seats in your car.
Water
One to two gallons, times the number of seats in your car.
Comfort Items
An extended car emergency means a combination of fear and boredom. Having a few coloring books, games, and similar activities on hand can help calm everybody down and pass the time.
Watch the Video
For more details on each of the items above, and some other expert insights from Marie, check out the full interview here: