Emergency Supplies Every Family Car Should Carry

A compact first aid kit is the starting point for any vehicle emergency supply. Look for one that includes adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, sterile gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves, and a basic instruction card. If anyone in your family uses prescription medications or has known allergies, keep a small supply and any relevant supplies (such as an epinephrine auto-injector, if prescribed) accessible — not buried in the trunk.

The American Red Cross offers guidance on what a complete basic kit should include. Review yours periodically to replace anything that's expired or been used.

A dead battery is one of the most common reasons families call for roadside assistance. Traditional jumper cables work when another vehicle is available, but a portable jump starter (sometimes called a jump pack) lets you restart your car without a second vehicle present. These compact battery units have become widely available and are straightforward to use — most include clear instructions on the device itself.

Whichever option you carry, make sure you understand the correct connection sequence before you need it. Incorrect use of jumper cables can damage vehicle electronics or, in rare cases, cause sparks near a battery. If you're unsure, calling a roadside assistance service is the safer choice.

Visibility is the critical factor when your vehicle is stopped on or near a roadway. Reflective warning triangles are reusable, don't require a flame, and can be seen by approaching drivers from a significant distance. The general guidance from roadway safety organizations is to place them at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind your vehicle — adjusting for curves or hills.

If you carry traditional flares, be aware they involve an open flame and should be kept away from fuel or spilled liquids. LED flares are a safer alternative for families with young children. Whatever you use, getting them deployed quickly — before attending to anything else — is the priority. This connects directly to advice in our guide on teaching kids breakdown safety steps.

Breakdowns don't wait for daylight. A reliable flashlight is essential for everything from checking under the hood at night to signaling for help. LED flashlights last significantly longer on a set of batteries than older incandescent models. Store extra batteries separately — keeping them installed in the flashlight long-term can cause corrosion that renders the flashlight useless at the wrong moment.

Headlamps — the hands-free type worn on your head — are particularly useful because they free up both hands for tasks like changing a tire or reading a map. If your family includes young children, a small nightlight or a spare flashlight at their level can also help manage anxiety in a dark, stopped vehicle.

In hot climates or during summer travel, dehydration can become a concern within hours of a breakdown — particularly for young children. Keeping at least one liter of water per person in the vehicle provides a meaningful buffer. Rotate it every few months, as plastic bottles can degrade or leach when exposed to sustained heat.

A small supply of shelf-stable snacks — crackers, nuts, or individually wrapped energy bars — helps manage hunger during delays and significantly reduces stress when children are involved. Keep snacks in a sealed container to deter pests if the car sits for extended periods. For longer trips, the family packing list for every trip type covers broader provisions worth considering.

A compact emergency blanket — the thin mylar type used in first aid kits — takes up almost no space and can be critical in cold weather while you wait for help. For families who live in or travel through winter climates, a heavier fleece or wool blanket stored in the trunk adds meaningful warmth during an extended wait. Gloves, a hat, and an extra pair of socks for each family member round out cold-weather readiness.

If your family travels seasonally, our seasonal car care guide covers what to add and remove from your kit as conditions change.

A modest set of tools — adjustable wrench, screwdrivers in both flat and Phillips head, pliers, and zip ties — handles a surprising number of minor roadside fixes. More specifically for tires: confirm your vehicle has a serviceable spare (not just a compact temporary spare that's flat or cracked), a jack rated for your vehicle's weight, and a lug wrench that actually fits your wheel bolts. These should already be in your vehicle, but they're worth verifying before a long trip.

A can of tire inflator sealant can temporarily seal small punctures and inflate a tire enough to reach a service station — useful when changing a tire isn't safe or practical. Note that sealant-treated tires usually can't be repaired afterward and may affect tire pressure monitoring systems, so it's a backup measure, not a routine fix. See our guide to checking your car's fluid levels for related under-hood basics worth knowing.