Road-tripping across the U.S. is an American pastime. From Washington to Maine and Michigan to Florida, there is so much to see and do. To have a great trip focused on exploring, a properly maintained and prepared vehicle is important. Look around your house for items you already have to prepare your car for a road trip. You’d be surprised what you have already. Here are 100 household items for your emergency kit for car.
Top Items for Your Console Compartment
Got a console compartment? Load it up with these essentials for your Emergency Kit for Car.
- Wipes
- Facial tissue
- Extra napkins or paper towels
- Extra money, especially change for old-school parking meters or toll booths
- Extra sunglasses
- Extra reading glasses
- List of phone numbers of friends and family. Just in case the phone goes missing.
- Paper
- Pens or pencils
Emergency Kit for Car Must-Haves
Keep your vehicle in good working order to prevent roadside emergencies and arrive at your destination safely. This list keeps you on schedule and focused on fun.
- Check the spare tire.
- Emergency flat repair
- Tire gauge
- Tire jack–see if it’s complete before you need it.
- Lug key–If your car requires one.
- Jumper cables
- Quart of oil + funnel
- Leatherman tool or minimum, a flat head and Phillips screwdrivers along with adjustable pliers
- Duct tape
- WD-40
- Flares
- Atlas–Many areas across North America have little or no data coverage.
- Paper Maps–Grab them for free at a state’s welcome center.
What to Keep In Your Glove Compartment
Stock your glove compartment with items you need to keep within arms reach in case of emergency.
- AAA membership card, or other travel insurance card
- Copies of Drivers license and car insurance card
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle manual
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Window breaker and seat belt cutter
- Matches or lighter
- Vehicle maintenance log
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First Aid Supplies for Your Emergency Kit for Car.
is unpredictable, and scrapes and falls happen frequently, so be prepared. I keep my first aid kit under the driver’s seat.
- Antiseptic wound wash
- Gauze pads for bleeding
- Assorted bandages
- Antibiotic cream
- Anti-itch cream
- Pain reliever, adults and kids
- Allergy medications, like Benadryl
- Antacid, like Tums
- Pepto-Bismol
- Antidiarrheal, like Imodium
- Lip balm
- Eye Wash
- Extra required medication
- Tweezers
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
Musts for the Back of SUV or in The Trunk
First, grab a tote and pull together more supplies. These essentials for your Emergency Kit for Car.
- Old towel or blanket–never know when you have to rescue an animal
- Extra pair of keys
- Extra cords and cube for technology charging
- Extra pair of shoes, in case you break your flip-flops
- Packable thermal blanket
- Travel pillows
- Disposable rain ponchos
- Umbrellas
Keeping the Family Car Clean
We all know life is messy. Take a few minutes to wash the car regularly.
- Windex wipes
- Armorall wipes
- Microfiber cloths—Dry the outside and wipe down the inside.
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Emergency Food for Your Car
Pack a few essentials, just in case.
- A gallon jug of water, can also be used for the radiator
- Protein bars
- Dried fruit bars
- Dried nuts
- Peanut butter crackers
- Candy bar
- Jerky
- Refillable water bottles
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Personal Products
First, pack a small zip-top bag with personal care products.
- Travel roll of toilet paper or a TP kit with toilet paper and hand wipes in a reusable bag
- Lysol, travel-sized
- Bleach wipes
- Travel toothbrush + paste
- Dental floss or pics
- Basic makeup, like mascara, powder and lip gloss
- Deodorant
- Extra pair of underwear
- Contact holder + contact solution
- Feminine products
Emergency Must-Haves For Kids
Since keeping the kids clean is nearly impossible, be prepared.
- Extra outfits plus socks and underwear
- Sun hat for warmer weather
- Beanie for cooler weather
- Extra jacket or hoodie
- Extra gloves
- Stroller for kids under 6
Emergency Must-Haves Babies and Toddlers
When my kids were little, I used my SUV like a giant diaper bag. So keep these items stored where you change your baby.
- Baby food and/or formula
- Extra bottles or sippy cups
- Extra diapers
- Baby wipes, in addition to the ones in the console compartment
- Changing pad
- Disposable grocery bags for the dirties
- Bleach wipes, additional
- Extra clothes, including shoes and socks
- Another soothing object, like a pacifier
- Extra toys
- Extra receiving blanket
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Winter Must-Haves
Winter travel requires its own products if you live or travel in snow-prone areas.
- State Website App for road closures and chain requirements
- Ice scraper with snow brush, extra scraper for the kids to help
- Can of de-icer
- Chains or cables plus extra cash to have someone install them
- Rubber gloves to protect hands when installing chains or removing snow and ice
- Emergency blanket for heat retention, like the silver NASA blankets
- Extra food and water
- Small packable shovel for snow removal
- Kitty litter for tire traction
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There you have it, now go have a great road trip.
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