VEDC: Car Emergency Kit Essentials You Need in Your Car

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It's the sort of scenario we've all seen in movies but never imagine finding ourselves in: Your car breaks down on a desolate road, far from civilization, with nightfall approaching or inclement weather brewing. Being prepared is about more than keeping your car in tip-top shape for those long weekend drives or optimizing fuel efficiency for the daily commute. It's also about being equipped for the unexpected.

We understand the importance of road safety, which is why we've curated a list of essential emergency car kit items that every driver should stow away, ensuring that even in the most unexpected circumstances you come across in your travels, you're always a step ahead.

While not all of these items may be necessary for your particular needs, this list will serve as a starting point for getting your vehicle ready for whatever the road throws its way. Another great resource, if you're looking for specific insights or experiences, is the subreddit r/VEDC, which is a forum dedicated to Vehicle Every Day Carry items.

Things to Consider When Preparing Your Vehicle Emergency Kit

Vehicle-Specific Needs: Consider the specifics of your vehicle. For example, you might need to downsize your kit if you're driving a sedan, or you might need more specific tools if your vehicle has aftermarket parts installed. Ensure everything in your kit can be securely fastened in the appropriate areas for minimal risk of anything going awry in the event of an accident.

Local Climate: If you live in an area prone to severe cold, items like a blanket and hand warmers become crucial. Similarly, in hot regions, extra water and sun protection are key. As they say, pack for the temperature outside the vehicle, not inside. There's no guarantee your A/C or heater will work in an emergency, even if you have enough fuel in the tank.

Trip Duration: For longer trips, think about including more food, water, and other supplies. A general rule of thumb for water is one gallon per person per day. Food will vary based on your physical characteristics, but you'll typically want somewhere between 1800-2800 calories per day, per person.

Local Wildlife: Depending on where you're traveling, you might need protection against wildlife or insects. Consider bug sprays or repellents if you're in a location where the creepy crawlies might attack. Likewise, if you're someplace where more fearsome animals might be, consider keeping bear spray on hand.

Storage Space: Ensure your emergency kit is compact enough for your vehicle while still containing all the essentials.

Is your car ready for anything? Here are our picks for car emergency kit essentials.

Wave Plus Multitool

No emergency kit is complete without a multitool, and the Leatherman Wave Plus is a robust option that has nearly everything you could need in an emergency situation. It consolidates a variety of vital tools into a single compact unit, ensuring you're prepared for a range of unexpected situations. Whether you need to cut a seatbelt, tighten a loose screw, or perform basic repairs, a multitool such as the Wave Plus provides versatility without occupying much space.

First-Aid Kit

First-aid kits are a must for any vehicle, and this bestseller from First Aid Only has nearly everything you could need, from basic bandages and gauze to an instant cold pack and basic over-the-counter painkillers. While building your own kit with items specific to your medical and environmental needs is the preferred option, this one is a solid choice that should have you covered for all but the most extreme circumstances.

Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter

Gone are the days of needing heavy, lead-acid-based jump packs. Now, a compact option like the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 can do the job with minimal maintenance and hassle. This particular unit should jump all but the largest batteries in consumer vehicles. If you'd prefer to carry jumper cables, we recommend going with Cartman Jumper Cables, our pick for the Best Jumper Cables.

Archer 2A V3 Flashlight

Yes, your smartphone probably has a flashlight on it, but when you're looking into the engine bay or struggling to see underneath your vehicle in an emergency, the last thing you want to do is drop and destroy your main means of communication. That's where a dedicated flashlight comes in. The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a consistent bestseller with a 500-lumen output using two AA batteries. The unit is IPX8 resistant, meaning it'll be tough enough to take on rain, dirt, and whatever else you can throw at it—perfect for an emergency kit. You can even purchase USB-C rechargeable batteries if you want to have the option to keep the unit charged on the go.

Automar10 Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is crucial for quickly addressing small fires before they escalate into situations where even the most powerful fire extinguisher won't help. Fire extinguishers come in different classes. Class B and C extinguishers are the best for vehicles, as they address flammable liquids/oils and electrical equipment, respectively. This First Alert FE10GR fire extinguisher is both Class B and C, making it ideal for automotive purposes.

Tire Inflator Air Compressor

Of course, you can't get back to driving without inflating your tire again after repair. This Avid Power Tire Inflator is just the item you'll need to restore the psi and get you moving again. It came in as our top pick for Best Portable Tire Inflator with its ability to run on batteries or via your vehicle's 12V DC plug and its relative ease of use.

Military Wool Blanket

This one might be a bit more geographically dependent than other items on this list, but the reality is it can get cold anywhere and, even if not for warmth, a blanket can be used as protection against the sun or something to lay on while working underneath a vehicle.

This Arcturus Wool Blanket is a great option, as wool will keep you warm even when it's wet. If you want a more compact option, these Mylar blankets from Everlit (a veteran-owned business) should help keep you warm thanks to their ability to trap body heat very efficiently despite their compact size; they fold up to the size of a few credit cards stacked together.

Tire Repair Kit

You never know when you might run over a screw left behind by a construction crew or catch a nail that's flown off the back of a contractor's truck. Whatever the case is, you'll want to make sure you're prepared with a tire repair kit. While not all holes can be plugged or patched, it never hurts to have everything you need for those instances where a little elbow grease will get you back on the road again. This tire repair kit from Boulder Tools can do it all and even includes extra valve caps and stem-removal tools to speed up the process.

Nylon Tow Strap

You never know when you or a stranger might need to hitch a ride out of a ditch or ravine. This 20-foot strap from JCHL is two inches thick and rated for 20,000 pounds. On each side is a forged hook for easy attachment and removal. Keep in mind all safety precautions when using a tow strap, as there is always the possibility they could cause serious harm if they fail.

Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape

For instances where duct tape doesn't make sense, you might get some added benefit from a patch-and-seal style of tape, such as this offering from Gorilla. This tape is strong enough to patch up nearly any material, preventing liquids from leaking or entering where they shouldn't. The rolls are quite large, so we suggest cutting off a few squares or rectangles and keeping them in your vehicle if you need to patch up a leak in the sunroof, a crack in your washer-fluid tank, or even a rock-sized hole in your cartop carrier.

Warning Triangles

As for flares, you have three options: passive triangle flares, LED flares, or pyrotechnic flares. This DOT-approved triangle set from Cartman comes with three weighted emergency triangles that can be placed at various points behind and around your vehicle. They rely on the lights of oncoming traffic to reflect and notify drivers of an impending hazard, and they meet the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 571.125.

If you'd prefer LED flares, this four-pack from Marcala includes four magnetic LED pucks that can be recharged via a standard USB-C cable. These can be laid out over the road behind or in front of your vehicle, as well as attached directly to the vehicle via an integrated magnet. The kit comes with a charging cable and carrying case for easy storage.

Reflective Safety Vest

Should you be stuck on the side of the road, you'll want to make sure oncoming traffic is able to see you and your vehicle from miles away. That's where a hi-vis vest and flares come into play. This ArcRidge vest comes in multiple colors and sizes and is rated for Class 2, which is the standard for construction workers operating in areas with traffic over 25 miles per hour.

Work Gloves

Aside from normal gloves, which you may want alongside extra clothes, you'll also want to have a pair of work gloves available should you need to do any work on the car itself. These aptly named Mechanix Wear Covert Tacticals are a great option that should pack down easily while providing more than enough protection for basic car repairs.

Duct Tape

What more need we say? It's a legend for a reason. While it's not necessarily great in any one area, duct tape is as versatile as it gets and you can't go wrong with the 60-foot roll of the Original Duck Brand.

FAQs

Why do I need an emergency vehicle kit?

An emergency kit can be a lifesaver in situations where help isn't immediately available. Whether it's a flat tire in a remote area or being stuck in severe weather, a kit can provide the essentials to keep you safe until help arrives.

How often should I update or check my kit?

Ideally, you should check your kit every six months. Replace expired items, put new batteries in all of the electronics, charge any rechargeable devices, ensure all equipment is in working order, and consider seasonal needs.

Where should I store my emergency kit in my vehicle?

Store your kit in a location that's easily accessible, such as the trunk or back seat. It should be in a sealed bag or container to prevent any damage from moisture or other contaminants.

Is one kit sufficient for all types of vehicles?

While the basics remain the same, there might be specific needs for different types of vehicles, such as trucks, motorcycles, or electric vehicles. It's essential to tailor your kit according to your vehicle type.

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