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Car Emergency Essentials Checklist

Toy car
The tools to keep on hand so you're ready for anything, from a flat to a fender-bender.

  • Aerosol tire inflator. Plug a small hole or a leak long enough to get to a garage. (Be sure the product doesn’t contain flammable gases, such as butane, propane, and isobutene.)
  • Car-battery charger. Forget the hassle of jumper cables. Get a jump-start with a compact charger that renews your battery via the car’s cigarette lighter.
  • Duct tape. After an accident, use the reinforced tape to patch things together temporarily.
  • Empty gas can. When filled, a one-gallon jug will hold enough to get you to a service station, without being burdensome to lug back to your car.
  • Fire extinguisher. You know how scary car fires can be if you’ve ever seen flames shooting from under your hood. Enough said.
  • First-aid kit. Stow a kit in an easily accessible space to treat cuts, burns, and traffic headaches.
  • Flashlight. Crucial for after-dark roadside repairs, emergency signaling, and, of course, old-school map reading.
  • Reflecting triangles. When your car breaks down or you pull over for a repair, make yourself visible—and warn off other drivers—with emergency reflective triangles.
  • Scraper. If you live in an area where cold weather brings ice and snow, choose a scraper that can tackle both.
  • Tow rope. In case you need a hitch—or want to give one.
  • Traction panels. Lay these lightweight metal panels under your drive wheels when you’re stuck in slush, ice, or sand.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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