Having a well-stocked car emergency kit is more than just a good idea—it’s crucial for both everyday driving and long road trips. While pre-assembled kits might seem convenient, they often fall short, particularly with subpar jumper cables. To truly ensure preparedness, creating your own kit with carefully selected components is the best approach. We at Wirecutter have dedicated countless hours to researching and rigorously testing essential items, ensuring they’ll be reliable in any roadside emergency, whether you’re assisting yourself or others.
During a road trip through the remote highways of northern Arizona, we witnessed firsthand the importance of emergency preparedness. A rental camper van suffered a tire blowout, leaving the drivers stranded, unaware of their spare tire location and lacking essential tools. This incident highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive emergency kit.
In addition to a physical kit, consider enrolling in a roadside assistance program. While there isn’t a universal best option, factors like your vehicle type, driving habits, and location influence the ideal plan. Resources like Popular Mechanics offer excellent guidance on choosing a plan tailored to your specific needs. Ensure your plan aligns with your typical driving scenarios—city dwellers might need less towing range than those embarking on cross-country journeys.
First-Aid Kit
Top Pick
First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)
All the Basics
This comprehensive first-aid kit is packed with bandages and essential cleaning supplies, perfect for handling minor injuries on the road.
Buying Options
$21 from Amazon
A first-aid kit is indispensable for providing immediate care and comfort until professional medical help arrives. Prioritize a basic, well-maintained kit with unexpired supplies over a large, complex kit left at home.
We recommend the First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit. While it may not match the specialized tools of a wilderness first-aid kit, it offers ample bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and supplies to treat minor cuts and scrapes for up to four people during a weekend trip. For a detailed comparison, refer to our in-depth guide.
Snow Shovel
Top Pick
Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel
The Best Car Shovel
This compact yet robust shovel effectively cuts through icy snow and disassembles for convenient in-car storage, making it ideal for winter roadside emergencies.
Buying Options
$72 from Amazon
After extensive research and testing, the Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel emerges as the top choice for a car emergency shovel.
Favored by ski patrols and trail maintenance crews, this shovel features a durable metal scoop and a two-piece handle that assembles into a sturdy tool. Our tester has relied on the Voilé shovel in her truck throughout winter, finding it invaluable on numerous occasions for quick snow removal. While its shorter length makes it unsuitable as a primary shovel, it excels for rapid shoveling tasks. Its three components conveniently stow under a car seat or in the trunk when not in use.
Tire Gauge
Top Pick
Accu-Gage RRA60X
The Best Tire Gauge We’ve Found
This Accu-Gage is the preferred tire pressure gauge among automotive professionals we consulted, known for its reliability and accuracy.
Buying Options
$20 from Amazon
Regularly checking tire pressure, including the spare, is essential for vehicle maintenance. Proper inflation is crucial for ride comfort, braking efficiency, and tire longevity. Underinflation can lead to overheating and blowouts, a situation we witnessed firsthand during our Arizona trip.
Prioritize tire maintenance for safer journeys. Caleigh Waldman for NYT Wirecutter
When we consulted tire shops in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Accu-Gage 60 PSI gauge with shock protector was consistently recommended. Our testing, including extensive road trips, has confirmed the Accu-Gage’s status as our top tire gauge for years. It’s accurate, durable, and battery-free, unlike digital gauges. The Accu-Gage is available in various configurations, with largely similar performance. We prefer the hose-attached version with a straight chuck for ease of use. The model we tested includes a protective rubber bumper for added durability.
Portable Jump Starter
A portable jump starter offers a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional jumper cables. This lightweight battery pack with attached cables allows you to jump-start your car independently, eliminating the need for another vehicle or waiting for assistance.
Staff Pick
Weego Jump Starter 44s
Staff-Favorite Jump Starter
The Weego 44s provides ample power in a small, safe package to jump-start most cars and SUVs, making it a staff favorite.
Buying Options
$63 from Amazon
$63 from Walmart
Wirecutter has consistently recommended Weego products since our initial portable jump starter guide in 2017. Our guide writer, Mark Smirniotis, evaluated 40 lithium-ion jump starters, testing 12 extensively. The Weego 22s (top pick, ~$60) and Weego 44 (upgrade pick, ~$150) emerged as top performers (though now discontinued). Many Wirecutter staff members still rely on Weego jump starters, often the updated and affordable Weego 44s, priced similarly to the 22s.
The Weego 44s, about the size of a smartphone (5.62 x 3.44 x 1.04 inches) and weighing under a pound, incorporates safety features to protect both you and your vehicle. Reverse-polarity protection prevents damage from incorrect battery connection, indicated by a red light and alarm.
Rated for gasoline engines up to 7 liters and diesel engines up to 3.5 liters, the Weego 44s can jump-start a wide range of passenger vehicles, from compact cars to larger trucks and SUVs, all within a glovebox-friendly size.
The Weego 44s arrives partially charged and fully charges in about 2.5 hours via a USB-A-to-Micro-USB cable (charger not included). It retains charge for over a year in storage but should be topped off every 3-6 months. With typical use, it’s rated for 3-5 years or up to 1,000 recharge cycles and can provide multiple jump starts per charge, indicated by five battery life lights.
While the Weego 44s prioritizes safety, lithium-ion batteries have temperature limitations. Though rated for -4 °F to 140 °F, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Battery expert Sarah Witman advises, “Devices with lithium-ion batteries, including jump starters and smartphones, shouldn’t be left in extreme temperatures for extended periods as it can cause permanent battery damage. Also, remember that colder temperatures require more engine power to start, so keep your jump starter fully charged in cold climates.”
Jumper Cables
For those who prefer traditional jumper cables, ensure they are sufficiently long and thick to handle most jump-start scenarios.
Top Pick
Lifeline AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables
The Best Cable Option
These 16-foot, 6-gauge cables are durable and long enough for any situation, with a current rating suitable for even SUVs and trucks.
Buying Options
$36 from Lowe’s
After examining numerous jumper cable options and consulting an electrical engineer to analyze top models, we recommend Lifeline’s AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables. These cables are adequately long and thick for most situations, with a 400-amp rating capable of jump-starting most vehicles, including larger trucks and SUVs. They also include a durable and convenient mesh storage bag.
While portable jump starters are preferred, cables are a dependable backup. Caleigh Waldman for NYT Wirecutter
A key advantage of Lifeline cables is the accurate 6-gauge specification. Some brands, like Capri, may misrepresent cable gauge, offering thinner cables than advertised, which can be insufficient for larger vehicles.
Lifeline cables have excellent clamps designed for broad battery terminal compatibility. John Neff for NYT Wirecutter
If you’re unfamiliar with jumper cable usage, review proper jump-starting procedures. Lifeline includes a helpful diagram for quick reference. Remember to connect the black clamp to an unpainted metal surface, not the dead battery’s black post, and avoid clamp contact while connected to a battery to prevent sparks.
Tool Roll
Top Pick
Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll
For the At-Home Mechanic
This tool roll, designed for off-road emergencies, offers a versatile selection of tools to address various vehicle issues on the road.
Buying Options
$595 from Decked
For those without existing car maintenance tools, the Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll is an excellent starting point. With 65 tools, it contains nearly everything a home mechanic, especially truck owners, might need for roadside repairs. Originally designed for off-roading, the complete 31-pound kit might be excessive for everyday use. However, its compartmentalized design allows for easy selection of essential tools like ratchet and wrench sets, depending on the trip. The kit includes combination wrenches, sockets, impact sockets, hex and torx keys, breaker bars, hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers. The durable Cordura nylon bag ensures longevity. If you’re interested in DIY car maintenance or emergency preparedness, this toolkit provides a solid foundation.
A headlamp is essential for nighttime emergencies or camping in remote areas. Caleigh Waldman for NYT Wirecutter
Headlamp
Top Pick
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
The Best Headlamp
The Spot 400 is user-friendly, sufficiently bright, and offers long-lasting battery life and consistent performance over years of use.
Buying Options
$50 from Amazon
$50 from REI
We’ve been testing headlamps since 2012, with our latest tests in 2023. For road trips, a rechargeable headlamp like the Black Diamond Spot 400 is ideal, especially when paired with a USB car charger. Its 400-lumen output is among the brightest in our picks.
The Black Diamond Spot 400 has been our top pick since 2012 due to its reliability and brightness for diverse situations. Since 2023, a rechargeable battery pack is available as an add-on.
Its intuitive two-button interface offers various modes, including red light (night vision), proximity floodlight (wide beam), and strobe (emergency signal). The Spot 400 weighs 3 ounces, features a lock mode, and is weather-resistant. While brighter headlamps exist, the Spot 400 balances brightness, simplicity, reliability, and affordability exceptionally well.
Flare Alternative
Top Pick
StonePoint LED Emergency Beacon
The Best Emergency Beacon
This set of three crushproof and waterproof LED beacons with magnetic bases offers a safer and reusable alternative to traditional flares.
Buying Options
$25 from Amazon (set of three)
For roadside safety, we recommend StonePoint LED Emergency Beacons as a safer alternative to flares.
The StonePoint set provides three crushproof (to 20,000 pounds), waterproof, magnetic beacons for the price of a single high-intensity model like the PowerFlare. Magnetic bases allow for elevated placement on your car, significantly improving visibility. Positioning one on the road, one on the trunk, and one on the hood creates a highly visible warning for approaching drivers.
Product testing during a tire blowout scenario in Arizona, emphasizing real-world emergency preparedness. Caleigh Waldman for NYT Wirecutter
While traditional flares are brighter, LED beacons offer significant safety and environmental advantages. Traditional flares pose health and environmental hazards due to harmful chemicals. Elevating LED beacons effectively mitigates any visibility difference, making them a compelling and safer choice.
Among tested beacon models, the Wagan model proved difficult to operate, and the Smittybilt U.F.O. light was less effective in daylight and sold individually. StonePoint beacons were easy to use, battery-accessible, and the brightest among alternatives tested.
Crucially, as the responding officer advised, regardless of beacons used, “Stay off the road, and when in doubt, stay in your car.”
Multi-Tool
Top Pick
Leatherman Skeletool CX
The Best Multi-Tool
This lightweight, slim, and durable multi-tool is easy to carry and built to withstand demanding use.
Buying Options
$90 from Amazon
$90 from REI
A multi-tool is an indispensable component of any emergency kit. Minor roadside issues like loose screws or needing a rag for oil checks are easily addressed with the right tool. Multi-tools are compact enough for pocket or belt carry, providing a range of functions on the go. Our top pick is the Leatherman Skeletool CX, featuring pliers, a bit driver, pocket clip, carabiner/bottle opener, and a high-quality 2.6-inch 154CM carbon-fiber stainless steel blade. The Skeletool CX excelled among 22 tested multi-tools by prioritizing essential tool functionality, ergonomics, and robust construction over cramming in numerous less useful tools. It’s portable yet equipped for most emergency repairs, excluding tasks requiring a hammer or socket set.
Duct Tape
Top Pick
Duck Brand Max Strength Duct Tape
The Best Duct Tape
This duct tape is exceptionally strong, sticky, flexible, and tears cleanly in a straight line, making it ideal for versatile repairs.
Buying Options
$7 from Amazon
Duct tape is an incredibly versatile tool for countless situations. We rigorously tested 11 duct tapes and selected Duck Brand Max Strength as superior due to its high material strength, strong adhesive, and flexibility for wrapping around various shapes. While not strictly essential, duct tape proves invaluable for tasks like repairing torn tents or securing loose car parts. It can even serve as a temporary first-aid solution. As any MacGyver fan knows, duct tape is an exceptionally useful tool to have on hand.
Water Jug
Top Pick
Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer
The Best Water Jug
This 4-gallon water jug provides ample water for two people for two days and features a spill-proof screw-on vent cap.
Buying Options
$33 from Walmart
$24 from Amazon
The general guideline recommends one gallon of water per person per day in emergencies. Four to five gallons is a practical amount for a car emergency kit, sufficient for being stranded, even with a passenger. Increase this for remote travel or desert regions. During our Southwest trip, we frequently refilled water bottles.
The Aqua-Tainer’s spigot facilitates easy hydration. Caleigh Waldman for NYT Wirecutter
After evaluating 16 water jug types, we recommend the Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer. It features a spill-proof screw-on vent cap and a self-reversing spigot cap, preventing leaks. Unlike pull-top vents that can pop open and spill, the screw-on vent remains secure. The spigot cap also reverses into the jug for a tight seal when not in use. We used the 4-gallon Aqua-Tainer on our road trip (sufficient for two people for two days); for larger groups, consider the 7-Gallon Aqua-Tainer.
The Reliance Aqua-Tainer is made from BPA-free molded plastic and is trunk-friendly, unlike flexible bladder-type jugs (like the MSR Dromedary Bag) which are less rigid and harder to pack in a car. The Aqua-Tainer’s rigid sides also facilitate dispensing water from elevated positions, such as a car roof. However, protect your car’s paint from scratches by placing a cloth underneath the jug.
Avoid thin gallon jugs made of easily punctured HDPE plastic with easily dislodged caps, as well as collapsible jugs prone to leaks and difficult pouring.
By assembling a car emergency kit with these Wirecutter top picks, you’ll be well-prepared to handle unexpected roadside situations and ensure safer travels.
