Road-tripping is an American pastime. From Maine to Washington and Michigan to Florida, the U.S. is a treasure trove of roadside attractions, national parks and so much more. The first step is to keep a properly maintained and prepared vehicle. Look around your house for items you already have for your upcoming road trip. You’d be surprised at what you already have. Here are 100 household items for your emergency kit for your car.
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 (Newer cars don’t automatically carry 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.
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
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
What to Keep In Your Glove Compartment
Stock your glove compartment with items you need to keep within arm’s reach in case of an emergency.
AAA membership card, or other travel insurance card
Copies of driver’s 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
Life 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
Pair of keys
Cords and a cube for charging
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 if driving in the desert)
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
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
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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