Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times: Here are our top picks

Road side assistance? You've got it in the bag.
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Overview

Table of Contents

You probably have an emergency or first aid kit in your home, and your job (we hope) provides emergency essentials at your workplace, so why wouldn't you carry some form of aid in your car? It only makes sense considering it's probably one of the places you spend most of your time (especially if you have to endure traffic).

SEE ALSO: The best thing you can buy for your car this year is one of these devices

No matter how often you use your car, you need an emergency kit. This is not the product you want to keep on your shopping list for weeks. Checking it off as soon as possible can save you some serious trouble.

What exactly should be in a survival kit for your car?

It's completely up to you to decide just how much you want to keep in your trunk. You can carry the bare minimum or go above and beyond with kits that have certain items you hopefully won't ever need to touch.

However, these are a few items that you should have no matter what:

  • Jumper Cables

  • Flares

  • Flashlight

  • Car escape tool (seatbelt cutter or window breaker)

  • Bottled water

  • Blanket

  • First aid kit

  • Spare tire and jack

While those can certainly be lifesavers, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to actually prevent needing them.

Be sure you bring your car in for regular checkups

You probably know to do this, but don't skip it. Your mechanic can check things like antifreeze levels, brakes, battery, oil, air filters, and other parts of your vehicle that need to be in top shape in order to try to avoid emergencies in the first place.

And, of course, remember to always do everything in your power to drive safely. No texting, please.

Here are the best survival kits to keep in your car:

The Good & The Bad

  • Lightweight
  • Backed by AAA
  • Easy to locate due to red case
  • Not as comprehensive as some on this list

Why We Like It

AAA is best known for their 24/7 roadside assistance. Now, they're backing a product that you can own even if you're not a coverage member. 

While this option may not have flares and other extravagant items, it still has the essentials you'd want from a survival kit. It includes eight-foot jumper cables, a flashlight with batteries, a screwdriver, duct tape, an emergency poncho, a shop cloth, five cable ties, 20 bandages, four towelettes, a reusable zipper lock bag, an AAA Membership Brochure and AAA Accident Guidelines. (Those last two might be of minimal help in an emergency, but they're part of the kit.)

Many customers seem to buy the kit for beginner drivers who won't be going far but still need some emergency aid with them. That may be a good point to keep in mind when trying to decide if it has enough for you. 

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Fair price
  • Sturdy jumper cables
  • Heavy

Why We Like It

Hopefully you'll never be in a position where road assistance can't be reached. However, if you are, this survival kit contains almost everything that the professionals would bring to your aid. 

It includes extras like a snow shovel, flash lamp, reflective warning triangle, safety hammer, seat belt cutter, adhesive tape, a rain coat and so much more. One thing it doesn't have, though, is a first-aid kit, so be sure to pick up one of those as well.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly
  • Less pieces than others

Why We Like It

One thing you never want from an emergency kit is for it to cost as much as a trip to the mechanic. This one is just under $30 and gives you the absolute essentials — and not much more. 

It includes some unique products like a reflective warning triangle and gloves with gripping palm plus the staples like a LED flashlight and jumper cables.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Comes in a durable poly-canvas duffel
  • Includes a 64-piece first aid kit
  • A bit pricey
  • Some reviews claimed jumper cables weren't sturdy

Why We Like It

This survival kit is so well-prepared that it has a kit within a kit. The 64-piece first aid kit is just a part of everything it offers. It includes a good number of pieces that are not typically included in other emergency kits, such as a heavy-duty tow strap, an 11-in-1 multi-tool, bungee cords, a magnesium fire starter, and a roadside warning sign. 

Don't worry, it's not all flashy. It also includes staples like a flashlight and emergency blanket. 

Although pricier than others, it seems like a fair trade for all you're getting. 

Details


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