Camp & Trail
Car Emergency Kit Checklist
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A breakdown in bad weather is no time to discover you're missing a basic. Use this checklist to build a kit for your car or truck.
Vehicle essentials
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Tire inflator and tire pressure gauge
- Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench (check them!)
- Reflective triangles or road flares
- Tow strap
- Basic tool kit and duct tape
Portable jump starter
Lets you start your car without a second vehicle.
Check price on Amazon[ADD YOUR TAKE] Your notes on the Portable jump starter: how long you have carried it, what you like, what wore out. Add a photo.
Portable tire inflator
Top up a slow leak and get to a shop.
Check price on Amazon[ADD YOUR TAKE] Your notes on the Portable tire inflator: how long you have carried it, what you like, what wore out. Add a photo.
Personal safety
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare power
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Emergency blankets and warm layers
- Phone charging cable and power bank
- Seatbelt cutter / window breaker tool
- Whistle
Car first aid kit
A compact, well-stocked kit for the trunk.
Check price on Amazon[ADD YOUR TAKE] Your notes on the Car first aid kit: how long you have carried it, what you like, what wore out. Add a photo.
Emergency mylar blankets
Light and compact warmth.
Check price on Amazon[ADD YOUR TAKE] Your notes on the Emergency mylar blankets: how long you have carried it, what you like, what wore out. Add a photo.
Winter add-ons
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Folding shovel
- Kitty litter or traction mats
- Hand warmers, gloves, and a hat
Folding shovel
Dig out of snow or mud.
Check price on Amazon[ADD YOUR TAKE] Your notes on the Folding shovel: how long you have carried it, what you like, what wore out. Add a photo.
Maintain it
Check your kit twice a year: rotate water and food, test batteries and the jump starter charge.
[ADD YOUR TAKE] Photo of your own vehicle kit and how you store it.
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