A well-stocked emergency roadside kit is a must-have item for road trippers. Stocking your car with the right things can help you get back on the road—or at least remain safe while you’re stranded.
Pre-assembled kits are available to purchase, but you might want to assemble your own or customize a kit you buy. While some items are nice to have in an emergency, others are critical to have on hand.
What should you keep in your car emergency kit?
The Absolute Essentials: These are the necessary items that can keep you safe and secure should your car break down or should there be any other kind of emergency. They can also help you get help or even find a solution to the problem that’s left you stranded.
- Cell phone and car charger, with a list of emergency numbers
- Fire extinguisher
- Two roadside flares
- Small first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Your car’s manual
You Should Probably Always Have: If you have the room in your car, these items can prove valuable in an emergency. They can either help you flag down assistance or possibly make your car operable again if the solution is simple.
- Quart of oil
- Multipurpose tool or pocket knife
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire inflator
- Duct tape
- Rags
- Pen and paper
- Help sign
- Jumper cables or a portable battery booster
The Nice-to-Have Items: If your car has more trunk space, or if you’re planning a long trip, you’ll want to add these to your car. They can be helpful should extreme weather make your drive difficult, something stops working or you are stranded for an extended period of time.
- Gallon of antifreeze
- Extra fuses
- Extra flashlight batteries
- Basic tools: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- Ice scraper
- Granola or energy bars
- Bottled water
- An approved gas container (empty and safely stored)
- A road atlas
What else should I consider?
Think about the weather, too. Will you need extra water or a warm blanket? If icy roads are likely, a bag of sand or cat litter could provide traction for a stuck tire. You might also be glad to have a folding camp shovel or warm gloves and hat.
Think about your passengers, too. If you have kids and they ride in your car often, think about having items in the emergency kit that will keep them occupied if you're stopped for a while. Also consider additional blankets and snacks.
Check your kit occasionally to make sure it’s in working order. You’ll want to confirm the following items are attended to properly:
- The spare tire is inflated
- Batteries are in working order
- First-aid supplies are stocked
- Water is fresh and food is dry
In addition, familiarize yourself with how each tool works before you need to use it in an emergency. Also remember that the most important tool you have is common sense; stopping to change a tire in the fast lane is an accident waiting to happen.
Some of the best support, however, you won’t find anywhere in your car. Having the right auto insurance coverage with an ERIE auto policy can give you peace of mind by helping you get back on the road should you something happen. Check in with an ERIE Agent and make sure you're covered for wherever your travels take you.
