The Best Emergency Car Kits
No matter how careful we are, accidents happen. And while we can usually ring a friend or look up a how-to article on changing a tire, sometimes we find ourselves in an area without precious cell service. When that happens, we need to take matters into our own hands. But this requires a bit of preparation. Thankfully, if you're not sure what that preparation should be, then try an emergency car kit. An essential accessory in every vehicle, emergency car kits are compact, complete, and will help keep you safe no matter where you are. Below, we've done the research to come up with our favorite kits available today to get you back on the road in no time.
Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit
Tried and trusted
When it comes to car safety, the first name that comes to mind is AAA, the American Automobile Association. Of course, there’s no surprise why this is the case — if you’re a member of their services, you can access their great roadside assistance anytime you need it, 24 hours a day. And now, thanks to the folks at Lifeline, you can have AAA-approved emergency car service with you at all times in a comprehensive, super affordable kit. Whether you need to jump-start a dead battery, re-attach a loose car part, or simply help your child find their toy under the seat with a handy dandy flashlight, this kit has what you need. Ideal for mid-size cars, SUVs, and even small trucks, this kit sure packs a punch.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Compact and easy to carry
- Includes accident guidelines
Cons:
- The plastic coating on the jumper cables may melt with repeated use, so replacing those is recommended
Vetoos Roadside Emergency Car Kit
Safety comes in small packages
While you can go many years without finding out the contents of your emergency kit, the time may come where you’ll finally get your money’s worth out of it. When this happens, you want to make sure your kit is as accessible as it can be. That’s why we considered size and weight when selecting the best emergency packs. With petite proportions of 12″ by 6″, the Vetoos Roadside Emergency Car Kit easily fits under the driver’s seat without getting in the way of your passengers. This is super important as casually throwing your emergency kit in the trunk may get you in trouble if you’re stuck in the front. But despite its small size, this kit has everything you need in terms of essentials, plus it even comes with a handy DIY toolset and a 4-in-1 multi-function survival whistle.
Pros:
- Premium PVC covered jumper cables
- Includes a 47 pcs first aid kit
- Comes with an information sheet for the items
Cons:
- Some of the items are less durable than others
First Secure Car Emergency Kit
All you need for all vehicles
When an emergency strikes, one of the hardest things is knowing what to do in the right time frame. That’s why having all the necessary tools in your car is imperative for quick action. And while some drivers prefer to assemble their own emergency supplies, the benefit of buying a kit is that you get everything you need in one conveniently assembled package. With a tire-repair kit, air compressor, and 48-piece first-aid kit thrown into the mix, the First Secure Car Emergency Kit goes above and beyond its competitors. But while it’s full of extra goodies, the essentials themselves are rock-solid in their reliability. With 8-gauge, copper-clad aluminum jumper cables and a 12-foot nylon tow strap, you can be sure that your vehicle will get the lift and start it needs, no matter if you’re dealing with a small car, a larger truck, or even a boat.
Pros:
- High-tensile, super-strong tow rope
- More durable equipment
- Comes in a carrying case with handles
Cons:
- Higher cost
Lianxin Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit
Be ready rain or shine
Bad weather and car troubles go hand in hand. And, unfortunately, the areas with super slippery roads and less street cleaning are also the ones where you’re most likely to lose your cell signal. If this happens, you need more than just the essentials for roadside DIY assistance. You’ll also need some tools to help you battle against the elements. That’s why we recommend the Lianxin emergency car kit for those drivers who often go out in inclement weather. In addition to the usual gear, this pack contains a snow shovel, raincoat, and even a reflective triangle so other drivers can spot your vehicle no matter how bad visibility may be. Even the temperature-resistant jumper cables are designed to withstand the worst of the weather so you don’t have to.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Includes a hand-crank flashlight
- Durable jumper cable clips
Cons:
- Jumper cables are only for cars and not trucks
Thinkwork Car Emergency Kit
Prepared in pink
As much as we couldn’t wait to get our hands on the wheel when we were teens, it’s a different story from the parent’s perspective. While our kids see freedom and fun on the open roads, we can’t help but see all the ways they may hurt themselves. Fortunately, you can keep your kids safe even from a distance by sending them off with an emergency kit for teenagers like this pink-themed one by Thinkwork. With a range of pink emergency car accessories — all of which come in an equally fun and fashionable carrying bag — your teen will be excited to have this kit in the back of their hot ride. Simultaneously, you can be sure that they’re safe and sound and have everything they need to help themselves even when you’re not around.
Pros:
- Powerful safety hammer
- 10 ft jumper cables for more flexibility
- The carrying bag has reflective strips for more safety
Cons:
- Weak tow rope
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the things I should have in my kit?
Though the full list might differ for everyone depending on where you live, here are some essentials we don’t leave home without: jumper cables, a flashlight, an orange safety vest, a reflective safety triangle, gloves, basic tools, a first aid kit, an emergency raincoat, a safety hammer, zip ties, a tire gauge or tire repair kit, a small shovel, a compass, and duct tape. We also recommend having a bottle of water and some granola bars stored away in case you’re stuck waiting by your car for a while.
What do I do if my car breaks down in the middle of nowhere?
If you start hearing funny noises or you blow a tire on a motorway, the first thing you want to do is pull off to the side of the road in an open area where you’ll be safe from traffic. Put your hazards on, and then use the GPS feature on your phone to determine your exact location. If you have cell service, call your roadside assistance company and let them know what you are and what happened. If you don’t have service, then open the hood of your car and place reflective triangles around your vehicle to let other drivers know you’re having an issue. Then remain calm, drink some water, and have a snack or two while you wait for help.
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