Car Emergency Kits

Custom Kits & Quotes

Show Sidebar
Show More

Car Emergency Kits & Supplies

About Car Emergency Kits & Supplies

FEMA recommends storing emergency supplies in your vehicles in addition to your home. Make sure you are prepared no matter where you might travel by storing an emergency preparedness kit in each of your vehicles. A variety of emergency kits for cars are available to help you survive a disaster or help you with a roadside emergency. Don't delay, prepare today! Check out Our Guide to Emergency Car Kits here!

 

Kit Comparison

Comparing Car Roadside Emergency Kits

See exactly what's packed in each car roadside kit, item by item, so you can choose the right one for your vehicle.

Swipe to compare all 5 kits →

Items included in each Car Roadside Emergency Kit
Item
Standard Car Roadside Emergency Kit 14 items View Kit
Basic Car Roadside Emergency Kit 10 items View Kit
Compact Car Roadside Emergency Kit 2 people · 15 items View Kit
Deluxe Car Roadside Emergency Kit 18 items View Kit
Most complete 4-Season Car Roadside Emergency Kit 28 items View Kit
Standard Heavy Duty Emergency Kit Bag (Red) Not included Not included Not included Included Included
Small Emergency Kit Bag in High-Visibility Yellow Not included Not included Included Not included Not included
Small Red Utility Bag Included Included Not included Not included Not included
Puravai Emergency Drinking Water - 20 Year Shelf Life, 1 Liter Bottle Not included Not included Included Not included Included
Red Cross Emergency Food Bar - 3-Day Ration Not included Not included Included Not included Included
Mylar Emergency Survival Blanket (82" x 54") Included Included Included Included Included
Waterproof Poncho - Adult Included Included Included Included Included
Hand Warmers - Pair Not included Not included Included Included Included
First Aid Kit - 100 Piece Not included Not included Not included Included Included
Basic 40-Piece First Aid Kit Included Not included Included Not included Not included
Heavy Duty 10-Gauge Jumper Cables (12 Feet) Included Included Not included Included Included
Emergency Tire Inflator Kit in a Can Included Not included Not included Included Included
Emergency Auto Tow Rope (5500 LB Capacity) Not included Not included Not included Included Included
Collapsible Roadside Reflective Triangle Not included Not included Not included Included Included
Window Snow and Ice Scraper Included Not included Not included Included Included
Collapsible Emergency Snow Shovel Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Emergency Window Punch & Seat Belt Cutter Tool (3-in-1) Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
First Alert Automobile Fire Extinguisher - 5-B:C Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Multi-Tool - 14-Functions Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Heavy Duty Work Gloves Included Included Included Included Included
Nitrile Gloves - Pair Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Automotive Emergency Flashlight and Lantern (120 Lumen, 6 Modes) Included Not included Included Included Not included
No-Battery Hand Squeeze LED Flashlight Not included Included Not included Not included Not included
Duracell AAA Battery - 10 Year Shelf Life Included Not included Included Included Not included
12-Hour Yellow Emergency Glow Sticks Included Included Included Included Included
Emergency Whistle with Carabiner Clip (125 dB) Included Included Included Included Included
EMR2000 Multi-Function Emergency NOAA Radio Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Automotive Emergency Help Banner Included Included Included Included Included
Standard Mesh Safety Vest (Fluorescent Yellow) Not included Not included Not included Included Included
Face Mask - Flat - 3-Ply with Ear Loop Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
N95 Particulate Mask Not included Not included Included Not included Not included
Pocket Tissue Pack Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Heavy-Duty Emergency Duct Tape (10 Yards) Included Included Included Included Included
Waterproof Matches - Box of 40 Not included Not included Not included Not included Included
Emergency Communication Planning Card Not included Not included Not included Not included Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about car emergency kits, from what to include and how to build your kit to keeping supplies safe through summer heat and winter cold — because roadside assistance can't fix everything.

What should actually be in a car emergency kit?

A car emergency kit should include jumper cables or a jump starter, a tire inflator, a flashlight, a first aid kit, reflective triangles or flares, an emergency blanket, a whistle, water, food bars, basic tools, and seasonal items (such as hand warmers for winter).

Will supplies survive being left in a hot car all summer?

Yes, most supplies tolerate hot-car conditions (up to 140 degrees F in summer). Water, batteries, medications, and food bars degrade faster in heat; swap those out annually. Items to watch: aerosol cans, lighters, and glucose tabs can fail in extreme heat.

Do I need separate kits for summer and winter driving?

Yes if you drive in regions with severe winter weather. Winter add-ons include a wool blanket, hand warmers, a snow shovel, cat litter or sand for traction, and heated packs. Summer kits prioritize water, electrolytes, and a sunshade.

Should I buy a pre-made kit or build my own for my car?

Yes to a pre-made kit in most cases. Pre-made is faster and usually cheaper because components are bundled. Build your own if you drive in a specific region with unusual needs (desert, high altitude, very remote areas) where the standard kit contents will not cover you.

What is the single most important item in a car kit?

A first aid kit or jumper cables. Most roadside emergencies involve either a dead battery or an injury. After those, prioritize water, a flashlight, and a warm blanket.

How often should I inspect or rotate supplies in my car kit?

Inspect twice a year (daylight saving time weekends are a good reminder). Rotate water and food bars yearly, batteries every 3 years, and tire inflators per manufacturer recommendations. Replace items immediately after any use.

Do I still need a car kit if I have roadside assistance?

Yes. Roadside assistance can take 30 to 60 minutes or longer to arrive in bad weather or remote areas. A kit keeps you safe, warm, and hydrated while you wait. AAA also recommends a self-sufficient kit in every vehicle.

What should I keep in my car for winter?

For winter, add a wool blanket, hand warmers, ice scraper, snow shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, tire chains, hats and gloves, extra food and water, a candle and lighter, and matches to your standard car emergency kit.