According to statistics by MFASCO, 90% of drivers don’t have first aid supplies in their cars, while only one in 10 have all the essential safety items. If you’re in the minority, consider getting an emergency kit or making one yourself.

For example, a common roadside emergency is a flat tire. It’s close to impossible to deal with it without the proper tools. You might get stuck on the road until help comes along, eating precious time and whatever chips and granola bars you might have in the glove box. Having an emergency kit mitigates the issue, as you can change the tire yourself.

Roadside Emergency Kit Must-Haves

A roadside emergency kit contains tools and accessories that can help you in an emergency situation, such as flat tires. Some tools and items that your emergency kit must have include a lug wrench, tire patch kit, jumper cables, rags, and a first aid kit.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: You also need at least a gallon of clean water and a small can of brake fluid. A small fire extinguisher isn’t a bad idea. There are actually aerosol fire extinguishers you can buy at parts stores.

Lug Wrench

Lug wrenches can loosen or tighten lug nuts on wheels. It usually comes in two styles: L-shaped and X-shaped. The former has a single socket at one end and a long handle, while the latter has four different socket sizes for different lug nut sizes.

The X-shaped wrench has multiple socket sizes, making it more versatile for various lug nuts. An L-shaped wrench, however, is lighter and easier to store in smaller spaces.

Having at least one lug wrench in your DIY emergency kit is crucial in case of flat tires. You won’t need to call for assistance as long as you have a spare on hand and know your way around a flat, saving you time and money.

You can get an X-shaped lug wrench for as low as $20, while L-shaped ones cost more, with some going as high as $90.

car emergency kit with 5 ton hydraulic 12 volt jack — An alternative is a kit like this (see photo) that comes with a 5-ton hydraulic 12-volt jack that also contains an air pump for inflating tires and a 12-volt impact wrench and sockets, a seat belt cutter, and glass breaker, and a pair of gloves. It’s a bit pricey but worth every penny. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tire Patch Kit

Speaking of flats, tire patch kits can help repair punctures in the tires. They typically include patches to cover the puncture, a sealant to help prevent flats, instructions, and other items depending on the kit.

Pro Tip: Plugging a tire is a workout. Seriously. Most people don’t have the strength or know-how to plug a tire, and patches go on the inside of the tire, not the outside. So unless you have a lot of physical strength and stamina, you should probably make other plans.

If you feel some items in repair kits are unnecessary, you can always choose which ones to include in your roadside emergency kit. Two that should come in handy are repair plugs and tire sealants. They’re relatively cheap, as you can get plugs for as low as $6 and sealants for $9. The aerosol flat fix is a quick remedy, but take the tire to a tire shop as soon as possible so they can get that stuff out of the tire.

Tire Pressure Gauge

With a tire pressure gauge, you can measure your tire’s pressure and ensure they’re properly inflated to prevent a flat in the first place. That being said, most vehicles now have tire pressure monitoring, but some just have a tire pressure warning light and don’t tell you which tire is low or what the pressure is.

Simply attach the gauge to the end of your open tire valve until the hissing sound disappears, then wait for the reading to appear. Some electric tire inflators will have a built-in gauge so you can monitor the tire as it is being inflated.

For something incredibly useful, tire pressure gauges are relatively cheap. Some of them go for as low as $10, while more modern gauges can go as high as $200.

Spare Tire

Whether you’re simply doing a grocery run or going on a long road trip, it pays to never leave home without a spare tire. Of course, some vehicles come without spare tires, so there’s that.

Pro Tip: You need to be tough and resourceful and you need to know where your spare tire is mounted, how to release it from the mount, where tools are to change the tire.

Furthermore, you need to make sure your spare isn’t flat, and if you have a donut space saver spare, it doesn’t need to be installed on the drive axle. If that’s where the flat happens to be, you’ll need to remove a full size tire from another place on the car and put it on the drive axle, then put the donut space saver on a non-traction wheel. Having a small tire on one end of a drive axle causes the differential gears to spin crazy fast and can destroy the final drive in the transaxle or transmission.

While regular tire pressure checks will help you prevent getting a flat tire, they won’t account for unexpected troubles, like driving over sharp objects that can damage the tire. If you measure all your tire pressures and find that one tire is a lot lower in pressure than the other 3, you’ve got a leak in that tire, so get it handled.

Having a spare tire saves you time and gives you one less thing to worry about if you get a flat, as you know you’ll reach a nearby auto shop safely with the spare.

Of course, having a spare isn’t just about storing an extra tire. You should be aware of its PSI and take note of other maintenance tips, including checking the tread and keeping the tire covered.

As for the spare tire itself, expect to pay at least $150. You might have to fork out more if you plan to buy other accessories like a carrier, hoist, and cover.

Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are used to jumpstart your car by connecting its battery to another vehicle’s. It’s useful during roadside emergencies since you only need to ask a favor from another driver passing by.

Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, and everyday use could shorten the battery’s life span, so it’s crucial to remain ready.

You can get a brand-new jumper cable for as low as $22, while newer models may cost over $100.

Get some good jumper cables, not cheap ones. You get what you pay for, and good jumper cables will get a car started while old ones can’t.

Jump Starters

Jump starters are portable battery packs that can jump-start a car without needing another power source. You only need jumper cables to connect to them and draw power. Jump starters are also small, making them easy to carry around as they won’t eat up space in your trunk. These work well, but you need to make sure you keep them charged.

First Aid Kit

First aid kits are one of those things you keep in your car but hope to never use. It’s useful in case of major accidents or collisions because it can help you manage injuries until professional help arrives.

You can buy a first aid kit for as low as $17. You can also go the DIY route and build the kit yourself. Some must-haves include bandages, burn cream, analgesic, splint, gauze, antiseptic wipes/cream, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, and antihistamines for allergies.

Car Safety Tips

To prevent or decrease the odds of roadside emergencies, it pays to ensure your gas tank is full, inspect your brakes, and check your tires before heading out on a trip.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full

Ensuring your gas tank is full before every trip limits the risk of getting stranded due to low fuel levels. It also prevents the fuel line from freezing, which is when water vapor in the fuel line freezes due to cold temperatures. Keep in mind that a full gas tank doesn’t gather water condensation like an empty tank does.

To ensure the gas tank is full, keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Top up every time you go out and before you go home.

Pay Attention to Your Brakes

Accidents caused by a faulty braking system are no joke. They could lead to accidents and irreparable damage, so it’s best to err on the side of caution before heading out. You can do simple checks, like stepping on the brake pedal when driving out of the garage.

If you notice anything irregular, it might be best to go straight to an auto shop for inspection. The inspection should only cost you somewhere between $80 and $120. Even if they don’t find anything unusual, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you can drive safely.

Check Your Tires

In 2024, it’s estimated that 27% of roadside emergencies are tire-related. It’s why most of the must-have tools for emergency kits are for patching flat tires, as they’re one of the most common issues you’ll face on the road.

While a roadside kit can help you deal with flats, you can also do your part by checking the tires before leaving. Use the pressure gauge; a tire that is half deflated can look just fine.

About The Authors

Written By

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By

Richard McCuistian

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

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