How To Make A DIY Car Emergency Kit (With A Full Checklist)

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Has your car ever broken down at the worst possible time? A DIY car emergency kit can’t stop that from happening, but it can make a stressful moment much easier to handle. Here’s what to pack, how to put it together, and how to keep it ready, based on what our family has learned the hard way.

I started keeping a car emergency kit when my kids were babies. I based it on some lists I found, plus the common sense things we often needed. I’ve changed it many times as our kids have grown. Most of them are adults now, and I still keep one in the car.

We’ve had many car breakdowns over the years. Flat tires, dead batteries, running out of gas, bad weather, and mechanical problems can happen to anyone.

They rarely happen when it’s convenient. And when you have your kids with you, you want to be ready.

Having a kit gives you peace of mind. You can handle the small problems yourself, and you’re more comfortable while you wait for help with the big ones.

What Our Car Breakdowns Taught Me

Most of what’s in my kit is there because of something that happened to us. Here are a few of our breakdowns, and what each one taught me.

Keep Jumper Cables In The Car

One time, my husband and I had just finished a big shopping trip. The van was all loaded up, and the kids were with us. We went to start the van, but it wouldn’t start. The battery had suddenly died.

Thankfully, we had a set of jumper cables in the van. Someone who worked at the store was kind enough to give us a boost. That let us get to the nearest auto store and buy a new battery.

You Can’t Always Count On Someone Stopping To Help

Another time our battery suddenly died, but there wasn’t anyone available to help us. My husband had to walk a long way to buy a new battery and then carry it back. Car batteries are pretty heavy, so that was quite the trip.

A Little Wire Can Get You Home

A few times, our muffler has come loose. That could have caused a real problem. But we always have some wire in our car emergency kit, so my husband was able to tie it up and make it home.

Sometimes You Just Need A Phone And A Tow

One time the muffler came down in a way that couldn’t be tied up. Thankfully, this was after my husband had gotten a cell phone. He called our mechanic’s shop to come tow the car and got a ride home.

Our alternator also died once when we were on the way home. We made it home just in time, and later had the car towed to the shop to be fixed. No kit can fix everything, so it’s important to have a way to call for help too.

Tires Don’t Wait Until You’re Close To Home

We’ve had tires start to leak when we’re away from home. A small leak can often be fixed for the time being by pumping up the tire or using tire sealant.

But one time our car had to be towed back from an hour away. That was probably the most stressful breakdown we’ve had, because it happened so far from home.

Why Make Your Own Car Emergency Kit

• Fits Your Family: A homemade car emergency kit can hold exactly what your family needs, from diapers and wipes to warm clothes for teens.
• Better Quality: You choose each item yourself, so you can pick good jumper cables, a good flashlight, and tools you trust.
• Fits Your Car: You can make it as big or as small as you have room for.
• Easy To Change: It’s simple to swap things in and out as the seasons change and your kids grow.

How To Pick The Right Container

Choose a container that’s sturdy and water-resistant, or even waterproof, so everything inside stays dry. A zippered duffel bag, a small plastic tote with a lid, or a trunk organizer bin all work well.

I use a large duffel bag for my kit. It fits under the seat or in the trunk well, depending on what car we had at the time.

Also think about the size of your vehicle. An SUV or van can hold more gear. In a smaller car, you may need to pare down to the things you need most, or keep a few items under a seat.

Whatever you choose, make sure it won’t roll around in the trunk. You also want it to be easy to grab in bad weather.

What To Put In A Car Emergency Kit

Here’s what to put in your kit, grouped the way I’d pack it. You don’t need everything on the list, so start with the things that fit your family and the way you drive. There’s a full checklist further down.

Safety And Visibility Items

• Reflective warning triangles: Place these behind your car to warn oncoming traffic, especially when it’s hard to see.
• Road flares or LED flares: These can signal for help, even in poor weather. Handle road flares with care to avoid burns, and store them safely. LED flares are another option.
• High-visibility safety vest: This helps other drivers see you if you have to get out of the car.
• Flashlight and extra batteries: A durable LED flashlight gives long-lasting light. A hand-crank or rechargeable one also works well.
• Emergency whistle: It’s small, but it can help you attract attention if you’re stranded somewhere remote.

First Aid Supplies

• Band-aids and adhesive dressings: Pack a variety of sizes for small cuts and scrapes.
• Sterile gauze pads: These help stop bleeding and protect larger wounds.
• Antiseptic wipes: Use these to clean a wound before you bandage it.
• Pain relievers: Keep a small supply of ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor aches and pains.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: These are handy for cleaning up, especially when you’ve been working on the car.
• First aid guide: This gives you step-by-step instructions when you’re not sure what to do.

If someone in your family needs prescription medication, it’s best to carry it with you. A parked car can get very hot or very cold, and that can damage some medications.

You can also add to a store-bought first aid kit rather than starting from scratch.

Tools And Repair Items

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter: Good quality cables give you a reliable connection, and poor quality ones can fail when you need them most. Learn how to use them safely before you need them, because connecting them incorrectly can damage both vehicles.
• Tire pump: I added an air pump that plugs into the car’s lighter (now called an auxiliary power outlet), and it has come in handy many times. A slow leak is much less stressful when you can pump up the tire and get to a shop.
• Tire pressure gauge and tire sealant: These help with small leaks too. Tire sealant is only a temporary fix, so have the tire looked at as soon as you can.
• Spare tire, tire iron, and jack: Check your spare’s condition and pressure regularly. Make sure the tire iron fits the nuts on your wheels, and that you have a jack that’s durable and easy to use.
• Wire and duct tape: Wire has gotten us home with a loose muffler more than once. Duct tape is another good choice for quick fixes. Only do this if it’s safe to get under the car, and remember that a muffler can be very hot.
• Multi-tool or small tool kit: A multi-tool is compact and handles all kinds of minor repairs. A multi-purpose survival tool may also include a blade, fire starter, and whistle.
• Work gloves: A good pair of work gloves protects your hands when you’re working on the car. Insulated work gloves are helpful too.
• Spare fuses: A spare fuse can be a quick fix.
• Tow chain or tow strap: These can help with towing or pulling a car out of a ditch.
• Fire extinguisher: A compact, dry chemical fire extinguisher can handle a vehicle fire. Know how to use it safely.
• Folding emergency shovel: Buy a good quality one. It’s useful in snow and in mud.

Food And Water

• Bottled water: Keep several bottles on hand, and add extra in the summer heat. Water purification tablets are another option if you’re short on space.
• Non-perishable snacks: Choose filling snacks like granola bars and nuts. Canned foods also keep well, but don’t forget a can opener if they need one.
• Foods for special diets: Pack foods that suit any dietary restrictions, so everyone in the car has something to eat.

We have always kept snacks and water in our kit. If you’ve ever waited on the side of the road with hungry kids, you know why.

Warmth And Comfort

• Emergency blankets: These are compact and help hold in body heat. We’ve always kept these in our kit. Pack one for each person who usually rides with you.
• Spare clothes: Pack warm layers for unexpected weather changes.
• Rain poncho: It’s easy to tuck in, and you’ll be glad to have it if you need to get out in the rain.

Phone, Cash, And Important Papers

• Phone charger or power bank: A phone is only helpful if it has a charge.
• Cash in small bills: This is handy when cards don’t work.
• Printed emergency numbers: Include your emergency contacts, your mechanic, a towing service, and your roadside assistance number. These are invaluable if your phone dies.
• A copy of your insurance card: Keep this with your phone numbers so it’s all in one place.

Winter And Summer Additions

Different seasons call for different supplies. It’s why I go through my kit at the start of every season.

Cold Weather Extras

For winter, add an ice scraper, extra blankets, warm layers, hand warmers, and a small bag of sand or cat litter for traction. Don’t forget a folding shovel.

I gave my husband a good-quality folding emergency shovel as a gift. Not long after, he had to stop to help dig someone out of the ditch. They had gotten stuck in the snow and mud. Other times he has used it to dig his own car out of snow drifts.

If you do get stuck in the snow and run the engine for heat, keep the tailpipe clear so exhaust can’t build up inside the car.

For the full list, see my winter car emergency kit guide. And if the power goes out once you get home, here’s how to keep warm when the power is out.

Warm Weather Extras

In the summer, pack extra water so you don’t get dehydrated during a long wait. Sunscreen helps if you have to work outside the car, and a sun shade can help keep it cooler inside.

How To Change Your Kit For Your Family

Babies And Young Kids

When my kids were little, I kept extra diapers, a change of clothes, wipes, and other baby items in the car. This was in addition to our regular emergency supplies.

A change of clothes, extra wipes, and bags to clean up messes were a big help if one of the kids got sick in the car.

As they got older, I adapted the kit to fit them. So think about what your kids need right now, and change it as they grow.

Older Family Members And Pets

If you often drive with an older family member, think about what they would need to stay warm and comfortable during a long wait. If your pets ride along, add some water and food for them too.

Where You Drive

We live in a rural area with many spots that have bad cell service. It has gotten better over the years, but you can’t always count on calling for help right away. That’s a big reason I like having a well-stocked kit.

If you drive mostly in town, you might not need as much survival gear, so focus on the items for common car problems. If you often drive rural roads like we do, pack more food, water, and warm things.

How To Put Your Kit Together

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Use the checklist below, and start with what you already have at home. You may be surprised at how much you can find around the house.

Step 2: Test Everything That Runs On Batteries Or Power

Try out your flashlight, tire pump, and power bank before you pack them. It’s better to find out now if something doesn’t work.

Step 3: Group Similar Items Together

Keep first aid supplies in one zip bag, tools in another, and so on. Then you can find what you need quickly without digging through everything.

Step 4: Add Your Papers And Phone Numbers

Tuck in your emergency numbers and a copy of your insurance card.

Step 5: Store It In The Car

Put the kit in the trunk where it won’t shift around. Keep small things you may want quickly, like your phone charger, in the glove box.

How To Check And Restock Your Kit

I check my emergency kits at the start of each season. That’s when I change out the clothes and other items to suit the weather coming up.

If we use something during a breakdown, I replace it as soon as possible after we get home. It’s easy to forget otherwise, and you don’t want to discover it’s missing during your next breakdown.

When you check your kit:

• Replace any expired food, medicine, and first aid supplies.
• Swap out the water so it stays fresh.
• Test the flashlight and replace the batteries if needed.
• Make sure your tire pump and power bank still work.
• Check the pressure in your spare tire.
• Change out clothes and seasonal items.

The Full Car Emergency Kit Checklist

Use this list to pack your kit, then double-check it before you hit the road.

Safety and visibility

• Reflective warning triangles
• Road flares or LED flares
• High-visibility safety vest
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Emergency whistle

First aid

• Band-aids and adhesive dressings
• Sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes
• Pain relievers
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• First aid guide

Tools and repair

• Jumper cables or portable jump starter
• Tire pump and tire pressure gauge
• Tire sealant
• Spare tire, tire iron, and jack
• Wire and duct tape
• Multi-tool or small tool kit
• Spare fuses
• Work gloves or insulated work gloves
• Tow chain or tow strap
• Fire extinguisher
• Folding emergency shovel

Food and water

• Bottled water or water purification tablets
• Non-perishable snacks

Warmth and comfort

• Emergency blankets
• Warm layers and spare clothes
• Rain poncho

Phone, cash, and papers

• Phone charger or power bank
• Cash in small bills
• Emergency contacts and phone numbers
• Copy of your insurance card

Winter extras

• Ice scraper
• Extra blankets
• Hand warmers
• Sand or cat litter

Summer extras

• Extra water
• Sunscreen
• Sun shade

For your family

• Diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes
• Bags to clean up messes
• Other baby or kid items
• Food and water for pets

FAQ’s

Free Printable Car Emergency Kit Checklist

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