What to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies: Practical Items for Any Road Trip

By Jeff Lowe • January 14, 2026

When our kids were younger, my wife and I did a lot of driving. 

As a family of five, we took dozens of cross-country road trips over the years. It was often the most practical option, especially when airfare for five people didn’t make much sense.

Our kids traveled great, and those long drives became part of the adventure.

One thing we learned early on was the value of being reasonably prepared. We weren’t carrying a full emergency kit or trying to plan for every possible scenario.

But we did make a point to keep some common-sense items in the trunk—things that could make a breakdown, weather delay, or long wait a little less stressful.

This article isn’t about carrying everything imaginable. It’s about focusing on a few basics that make sense for most drivers, plus some additional items worth considering depending on the trip or season.

The Basics: Items That Make Sense to Always Have in Your Car

These are the core items that are commonly recommended and useful in a wide range of situations. Whether you’re commuting around town or heading out on a road trip, these are things that tend to earn their spot in the trunk.

Blankets

A simple blanket is one of the most versatile items you can keep in your car. It provides warmth if you’re stuck waiting for help, but it’s also useful for kids who fall asleep, unexpected cold snaps, or even roadside picnics. You don’t need anything fancy—older blankets work just fine.

Jumper Cables or a Portable Jump Starter

A dead battery is one of the most common roadside issues. Jumper cables are inexpensive and reliable, while portable jump starters remove the need for a second vehicle. Either option can save time and frustration.

Flashlight

A flashlight is invaluable if you need to check under the hood or change a tire after dark. Many people prefer a headlamp so they can keep both hands free. Just remember to check batteries occasionally.

Phone Charger

It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. A basic car charger—or a small power bank—can make a big difference if you’re stuck longer than expected and need to make calls or use navigation.

Basic First-Aid Supplies

You don’t need a full medical kit. A few bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers can handle most minor issues until you’re back on the road.

Water

Even a small amount of water can be helpful if you’re delayed. Some people rotate bottled water seasonally or keep refillable containers, especially if they live in areas with temperature extremes.

Food That Actually Makes Sense to Keep in a Car

Food is one area where practicality matters more than variety.

Good options tend to be:

• Granola or protein bars

• Crackers or nuts

• Peanut butter or similar packaged snacks

These hold up better to heat and cold than many foods and don’t require preparation. When our kids were young, having familiar snacks on hand helped keep small delays from turning into big frustrations.

A Few Basic Tools Worth Having

You don’t need to be a mechanic, but a couple of simple tools can help with minor issues.

Common choices include:

• A basic tire inflator

• A multi-tool or small tool kit

• An ice scraper (even in places where winter is unpredictable)

These items don’t take up much space and can be surprisingly useful.

Things to Consider Packing for Certain Situations

Beyond the basics, there are a few items that may be worth adding depending on when and how you’re traveling. These aren’t necessarily things you carry all the time, but they’re worth thinking about.

Winter or Cold-Weather Travel

If you regularly drive in winter conditions—or are heading into colder regions—consider:

• Extra warm blankets or gloves

• A snow brush and ice scraper

• A small shovel for snow or slush

These items can be invaluable even during short delays.

Long-Distance Road Trips

For longer trips, especially through rural areas:

• Extra snacks and water

• A printed map or offline navigation backup

• A second phone charger or battery pack

On long family trips, we found that redundancy mattered more than perfection.

Traveling With Kids

When kids are in the car, comfort becomes part of preparedness:

• Extra snacks and drinks

• A blanket or sweatshirt per child

• Wipes or tissues

These don’t just help in emergencies—they make unexpected delays far more manageable.

Keeping It Simple and Organized

One of the best lessons we learned was not to overdo it. A small bin in the trunk can hold most of these items without turning your car into a storage unit. Rotating snacks once or twice a year and checking batteries occasionally is usually enough.

Preparedness shouldn’t feel overwhelming. A few thoughtful items can handle the most common situations you’re likely to encounter on the road.

A Practical Mindset for the Road

After all those years of family road trips, we never aimed to be perfectly prepared—we just wanted to be reasonably prepared. Most roadside issues aren’t true emergencies, but they can feel that way if you’re cold, hungry, or stuck waiting.

Focusing on a handful of basics you always keep in the car, and adding a few extras when the situation calls for it, strikes a good balance. It keeps things simple, practical, and realistic—exactly what you want when plans don’t go quite as expected.