Vehicle Emergency Kit List: Essential Items to Store in Your Car

Vehicle Emergency Kit List: Essential Items to Store in Your Car

When you're on the road, being prepared for the unexpected can make all the difference. From sudden breakdowns to unpredictable weather, having the right tools and supplies in your vehicle can help you stay safe and get back on track faster. Whether it's a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, an engine failure, or a dead phone battery when you need to call for help, a well-stocked vehicle emergency kit is essential. One often-overlooked but crucial item is an emergency phone charger. Keeping a reliable, portable charger like ChargeTab in your kit ensures you'll never be stranded without the ability to communicate. Here’s a breakdown of the essential items every car should have!

What is a Vehicle Emergency Kit?

A vehicle emergency kit is a collection of essential items designed to help you handle various roadside emergencies. These kits are tailored to keep you safe, make minor repairs, or call for help when necessary. Whether it's a dead battery, a flat tire, or even something as simple as a dirty windshield, the right tools and supplies can prevent a minor issue from turning into a serious problem. Vehicle emergency kits can be customized based on personal needs, climate, and the type of driving you do, but there are core items every driver should include.

Why is it Important to Have a Roadside Emergency Kit?

The value of having a roadside emergency kit is undeniable. Accidents, breakdowns, and unexpected issues can strike without warning, leaving you stranded and vulnerable. In those critical moments, having the right tools on hand can mean the difference between a quick fix and a long, stressful wait for help. A well-prepared kit ensures you're ready to handle whatever the road throws your way, turning what could be a major disruption into a manageable inconvenience.

A properly stocked emergency kit can:

  • Help you get back on the road quicker
  • Reduce the risks associated with being stranded in unfamiliar areas
  • Provide comfort and safety while waiting for help
  • Ensure your phone stays charged to communicate in emergencies

Without a vehicle emergency kit, even a simple issue like a flat tire could turn into hours of waiting for assistance, wasting valuable time and potentially putting you in harm's way.

9 Essential Items to Have in Your Roadside Emergency Kit

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is crucial for any emergency situation. It should include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and scissors. It’s important to be prepared for both minor injuries and more serious incidents, especially if you’re driving long distances or in remote areas.

Jumper Cables or Battery Jump Starter

Dead batteries are among the most common roadside issues. If another vehicle is nearby to assist, a set of jumper cables can help you get back on the road quickly. Alternatively, a portable battery jump starter allows you to charge your own battery without needing a second vehicle.

Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench

Flat tires can happen without warning. Make sure you have a properly inflated spare tire, along with the tools to change it. Knowing how to change a tire is equally important, so familiarize yourself with the process ahead of time.

Portable Phone Chargers

In today's connected world, your phone is a lifeline during emergencies. Whether calling for help or navigating to the nearest repair shop, your phone needs to stay charged. ChargeTab's portable phone chargers are a perfect solution. Compact and easy to use, ChargeTab emergency chargers have a shelf life of up to two years, making them a perfect companion for your vehicle emergency kit. Each ChargeTab portable charger is pre-charged, so there’s no need to spend hours charging your charger just to power up your phone. Simply open the weatherproof packaging, plug your ChargeTab into your phone via the small, permanently attached power cord, and get up to four hours of power for talking and texting! Whether you have an iPhone or Android, ChargeTab has you covered.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

A flashlight is essential for roadside emergencies, especially if they happen at night. LED flashlights are durable and long-lasting. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries to ensure it works when you need it most.

Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife

A multi-tool can assist with a variety of roadside tasks, from cutting a seatbelt in an emergency to making minor repairs. It’s a versatile addition to your kit that takes up very little space.

Reflective Triangles or Flares

If your car breaks down at night or in low visibility conditions, it’s crucial to alert other drivers to your presence. Reflective triangles or flares can help prevent accidents by ensuring that your vehicle is visible from a distance.

Blanket and Extra Clothes

In cold climates or during winter months, staying warm while waiting for help is essential. A warm blanket and an extra set of clothes can make a big difference if you’re stranded in cold weather.

Food and Water

Non-perishable snacks like granola bars and bottled water can keep you nourished and hydrated if you're stuck for an extended period of time.

Discover Emergency Phone Chargers From ChargeTab

When you're facing a vehicle emergency, the last thing you want is to be stranded with a dead phone. ChargeTab emergency phone chargers make it easy to get immediate power for your phone. Whether in your console, glove compartment, or vehicle emergency kit, ChargeTab’s compact design allows you to store them just about anywhere. ChargeTab chargers are available in packs of 10 or 30, giving you the ability to have multiple phone chargers on hand for extended emergencies.

ChargeTab is the sustainable solution to accessing emergency power for your phone. Each of our chargers is made with a biodegradable paper shell that houses a fully refurbished, recharged, and properly tested lithium-ion battery—that means we don’t need to manufacture any new batteries! Once fully discharged, our eco-friendly chargers can be mailed back to us through our free recycling program. It’s a great way to keep batteries out of landfills, protect the planet, and save 10% on your next order. Power when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere.

Back to blog