100 Things You Need To ALWAYS Keep in Your Car

Dad could drive but mom needs to be prepared.

We all know that on an August afternoon would be madder than a hornet if the family gets stuck at the side of the highway. I’ve been driving all over North America and I know how to pack a car, particularly those car emergency kits that must have haves.

You know the feeling you forgot something when you pulled out of the driveway? Don’t get it on your next ride when you need to haves used this list for car emergency kit.

Must-haves Car Emergency Kit

Keep it on time and arrive safely to your destination. Having your vehicle in good working order can help to prevent accidents on the roadside.

• Spare tire – Many newer cars may not have one
• Jack – see if it’s complete before you need it.
• Tire gauge
• Tire inflator and sealer for emergency flat repair
• Lug key–If your car requires one.
• Car manual – What’s the strange light that just popped up on your dash?
• Jumper cables
• Quart of oil + funnel
• Leatherman tool or minimum a flat head and Phillips head screw driver along with adjustable pliers
• Duct tape
• WD-40
• Flares
• Paper Maps – Grab them for free at a state’s welcome center.

What’s inside your Glove section?

In case of emergency, pack your glove compartment with things that you need to hold within arms reach.

• AAA member card or other travel insurance card
• Driver’s license copies and car insurance card
• Car manual
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Window breaker and seat belt cutter
• Matches or lighter
• Car maintenance log
• Multi Purpose Tool
• Tire Gauge

First Aid Supplies

Childlife is unpredictable. Scapes and falls may happen so brace yourself. I keep my kit under the driver’s seat for first aid.

• Assorted bandages
• Antibiotic cream
• Anti-itch cream
• Anti-bacterial gel
• Pain reliever, adults and kids
• Allergy medication, like Benadryl
• Antacids
• Eye Wash
• Lip balm
• Extra required medication
• Tweezers

Console Compartment 

Got a console compartment? Load it up with these essentials.

• Wipes
• Extra money, particularly change for parking meters.
• Extra napkins or paper towels
• Facial tissue
• Extra sunglasses
• Paper to write on
• List of friends and/or family phone numbers. Just in case the phone fails.

In Trunk or SUV Back

Take a tote, and put more supplies together.

• Old towel or blanket – never know whether an animal needs to be saved.
• Software Extra Cords and Cubes. Beside the ones in use.
• Extra pair of shoes, if the flip-flops split.
• Disposable rain ponchos
• Extra pair of keys.

Personal Products

I take a tiny zip top bag and pack it with personal care things. All in case I accidentally get stranded overnight.

• Deodorant
• Extra pair of underwear
• Travel roll of toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Contact holder + contact solution
• Travel toothbrush + paste
• Dental floss or pics

Food

Pack your daily needs for a few. Add some snacks on the road when heading out for a family ride.

• Gallon water bottle, can also be used for radiator
• Protein bars
• Dried fruit bars
• Dried nuts

Just For the Kids 

It’s almost difficult to keep the children clean so be prepared.

• Extra outfits plus socks and underwear
• Extra jacket or hoodie
• Stroller for kids under 6
• Sun hat for warmer weather
• Beanie for cooler weather
• Extra gloves – cheap ones

Babies and Toddlers 

I used my SUV like a giant diaper bag when my children were young. Hold those things locked in the car where you are changing your kid.

• Baby food and/or formula
• Baby wipes
• Extra diapers
• Changing Pad
• Bleach wipes
• Extra clothes including shoes and socks
• Disposable grocery bags for the dirties
• Extra soothing object, like a pacifier
• Extra toys

Keeping the Family Car Clean

We all know children are messy so take a few minutes to frequently wash the car. Children can help too.

• Windex wipes
• Armoral wipes
• Microfiber cloths — Clean the outside and clean the inside off.

Winter

Whether you live or are traveling in snow-prone areas, winter travel needs its own goods.

• State Mobile App for road delays and chain conditions
• Ice scraper with brush
• Can of de-icer
• Chains or cables plus extra cash to get installed by others
• Emergency blanket for heat retention
• Extra food and water
• Gummy gloves for hand protection when mounting chains or scraping snow and ice
• Small packable shovel for snow removal

With all this in your car … you’re going to be ready for anything!