The Best Emergency Car Kits
Emergency car kits are no joke. These kits can not only save you from expensive tow truck bills, but they can actually save your life, too. Many contain all the essentials that one might need in an emergency: jumper cables, first aid kits, flashlights, emergency blankets, and more. So the next time you find yourself on the side of the road with a broken-down car, we suggest being prepared. Here, we've assembled a list of the best emergency car kits so that you can find the perfect pick for your car and your budget.
Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit, 42-Piece
Triple-A Knows What You'll Need
It should come as no surprise that AAA (or as we call them, “Triple-A”) makes the top of our list. This company specializes in roadside rescue, so in this kit, they’ve accounted for just about every possible scenario. To name just a few of the included items: jumper cables, a flashlight, a medical kit, zip ties, and a poncho. The jumper cables are eight feet in length and work perfectly for most cars and trucks. Better yet, this handy kit comes with a really helpful AAA Accident Guidelines guidebook. It truly comes in clutch, especially since we’ll take all the guidance we can get in an emergency.
Pros
- Trusted and reliable company, so you know that they haven’t forgotten any essentials.
- Considering the reusability and quality of the different items, it’s a fantastic value for the price.
- The included Accident Guidelines guidebook is well-written and super helpful.
Cons
- Saying that it’s 42 pieces is a bit misleading since that number includes each individual band-aid and battery.
STDY Car Roadside Emergency Kit
Cover All the Bases
They might not have quite the fame as AAA, but STDY makes a worthy roadside emergency kit as well that can’t be overlooked. Replete with tons of the most essential items, like jumper cables and a first aid kit, this option also comes with some extra goodies. These include a whistle, a tire pressure gauge, super-strong tow rope, and even safety gloves. The tow rope in particular is super handy, especially since it’s strong enough to tow up to 7,000 pounds. Perfect for keeping in the trunk of your car, this kit is the kind of thing that you forget about – until it unexpectedly saves your vacation. Then you’ll be grateful that STDY came along for the ride.
Pros
- Covers just about everything you could need in an emergency scenario, as well as tools for minor roadside repairs.
- Fantastic price point since buying all these tools separately would cost a fortune.
- Everything packs into the case nice and compactly.
Cons
- The first aid kit is a little thin, but you could always buff it up with some extra bandages and antiseptic cream.
First Secure Heavy Duty Car Emergency Kit
A Kit Built to Last
First Secure isn’t messing around when it comes to emergency car kits. This option is indeed heavy-duty and built to last a lifetime. It contains all the basics, like a first aid kit and window breaker. But where this kit really shines is in the durable construction of its jumper cables and tow rope. The cables are 10 feet long and composed of copper-clad aluminum, so you can rest assured that they won’t char or melt. And the tow rope is equally as tough, with an 11.8-foot length and a strength capable of towing 10,000 pounds. The cherry on top? This kit includes a 12V air pump with a maximum pressure of 250 PSI. With First Secure, the goal is to get you back onto the road safely.
Pros
- The most essential items, like the pump, tow rope, and jumper cables, really are quite heavy-duty, so it’s a kit built to last.
- The first aid kit is packed with 48 pieces of medical gear.
- A great option for fixing a flat in a jiffy, this includes a pump and a tire plug kit.
Cons
- There are cheaper options, but with this kit, you pay a bit extra for higher quality.
- Though it is reliable, the pump takes a while to inflate a large tire.
Haiphaik Emergency Roadside Toolkit
You Might Need a Wrench
For those with a mechanical mind, you’re going to need the right tools to make repairs. That’s why we recommend this modestly-priced kit from Haiphaik, which comes with a hammer, wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, and more. Even if you’re not super knowledgeable about car mechanics, we’re certain you’ll find some utility in these basic tools at some point in time; after all, nobody plans on having an accident.
This kit also includes a survival shovel, which can be used as a saw, pick, spade, and compass. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to digging out a trench and shoveling gravel, should your car ever get stuck in the mud. Another fantastic overall option, Haiphaik’s emergency kit makes sure you’re never stranded without your tools.
Pros
- Includes a tool box containing all the most essential handyman tools, like screwdrivers, a hammer, measuring tape, and pliers.
- At 11.8 feet in length, the included jumper cable is super long, so you can jumpstart a car even in a tight spot.
- The flashlight charges with a couple squeezes, rather than requiring disposable batteries.
Cons
- No first aid kit, but there’s extra room in the bag so you can always pop one in there.
WNG Roadside Assistance Emergency Car Kit
A Steal of A Deal
Those shopping on a budget should consider this option from WNG Brands, as it’s reasonably affordable and contains all the essentials (and then some). The jumper cables are high-quality and easy to use, the tow rope is strong, and the safety gloves are durable. This kit also includes a reflective safety vest, a mechanical LED flashlight, a couple of screwdrivers, and a first aid kit. At this price range, you won’t get any fancy tools or air pumps, but the items included in this kit are nevertheless essential. A great gift for first-time car owners, the WNG Emergency Car Kit is a must-have.
Pros
- Compact size, so it won’t take up too much trunk space.
- Comes with a reflective vest, which many higher-priced options neglect to include.
- Super affordable price makes this a great option for those on a budget.
Cons
- Hard to pack everything back into the bag neatly, but in an emergency, that’s a non-issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essentials to have in an emergency kit?
We strongly recommend keeping jumper cables, some strong rope, a first aid kit, a light source, and reflective hazard signs in the trunk of your car. That being said, these are the bare minimum, so it can’t hurt to have some other useful tools in there as well.
How do I use jumper cables?
If you’ve got a dead battery, you might be able to jumpstart your car and hit the road again. First, make sure the live battery that you’re going to jump it with is of a similar voltage and size. An 8-wheeler truck isn’t the best choice for jumpstarting your mini sedan.
Start by parking the two cars side-by-side or facing each other. Make sure the cars aren’t touching or turned on, and then attach the jumper cables. Start with the positive terminals: the red cable should connect the red (or positive) terminals of both batteries together. Then, attach one end of the black cable to the good battery’s black, (or negative) terminal and attach the other end to a metal part of the engine block. Do not connect the negative cable to the dead battery’s negative terminal.
Now, simply turn on the car with the good battery and let it idle for a bit. You can rev the engine to speed it along. After a couple minutes, try starting the dead car. If it turns on, disconnect the cables in the reverse order that you connected them. Finally, let the car run for a while to ensure it charges up the battery and doesn’t die again.
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