100 Things to Keep in Your Car for Any Journey

Start with equipment that helps you handle a flat tire, a weak battery, or a minor mechanical problem. Make sure your spare tire and jack fit your vehicle, and learn where the designated lifting points are before you need them.

1. Spare tire
2. Vehicle-compatible jack
3. Lug wrench
4. Wheel lock key, if needed
5. Tire pressure gauge
6. Portable tire inflator
7. Jumper cables
8. Portable jump starter
9. Flashlight
10. Spare flashlight batteries
11. Reflective warning triangles
12. Reflective safety vest
13. Work gloves
14. Wheel chocks
15. Owner’s manual
16. Roadside assistance contact information
17. Adjustable wrench
18. Socket set
19. Combination screwdriver
20. Pliers
21. Duct tape
22. Zip ties
23. Utility knife
24. Tire tread depth gauge
25. Mechanic’s inspection mirror

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating roadside repair and recovery.

Keep emergency supplies together in a bag you can reach without unloading the whole car. If you break down, move to a safe location when possible and call for professional help rather than working beside traffic.

1. First-aid kit
2. Adhesive bandages
3. Sterile gauze pads
4. Medical tape
5. Antiseptic wipes
6. Disposable gloves
7. CPR face shield
8. Emergency blanket
9. Whistle
10. Seat belt cutter
11. Window-breaking tool
12. Emergency contact list
13. Personal medication supply
14. Emergency drinking water
15. Shelf-stable snacks
16. Phone charging cable
17. Car phone charger
18. Charged power bank
19. Paper road map
20. Pen
21. Notepad
22. Vehicle registration
23. Proof of insurance
24. Small amount of cash
25. Emergency rain poncho

Adjust your kit for your climate and the routes you drive; winter mountain travel calls for different supplies than a short city commute. Store liquids securely, and replace anything damaged, expired, or unsuitable for the temperatures in your car.

1. Ice scraper
2. Snow brush
3. Compact snow shovel
4. Traction mat
5. Sand for traction
6. Tire chains, where appropriate
7. Warm blanket
8. Warm hat
9. Winter gloves
10. Extra socks
11. Waterproof boots
12. Hand warmers
13. Sunshade
14. Sunglasses
15. Wide-brimmed hat
16. Umbrella
17. Spare windshield washer fluid
18. Microfiber cloth
19. Spare windshield wiper blades
20. Small towel
21. Waterproof storage bag
22. Extra layer of clothing
23. Insect repellent
24. Sunscreen
25. Weather radio

These extras make errands and unexpected delays easier, especially when you travel with children or pets. Our Basic Tools to Keep in Your Car eBook guide offers another way to think about roadside safety and preparedness.

1. Reusable shopping bag
2. Trash bags
3. Paper towels
4. Facial tissues
5. Toilet paper
6. Hand sanitizer
7. Wet wipes
8. Reusable water bottle
9. Travel mug
10. Spare change
11. Parking pass
12. Reusable food container
13. Utensil set
14. Lint roller
15. Hair ties
16. Lip balm
17. Spare eyeglasses
18. Travel toothbrush
19. Small toothpaste
20. Pet leash
21. Collapsible pet bowl
22. Child activity book
23. Crayons or colored pencils
24. Spare phone mount
25. Reusable cleaning cloth