Guide, United States

Car emergency kit list

How we wrote this: researched from the public sources listed at the end of the page. General information, not medical or legal advice. Last checked 2 November 2026.

A breakdown kit is the one emergency kit most people will actually use, for a flat battery in a car park or a long wait on the shoulder. Here is what to keep in the trunk, built from the Ready.gov car list and the National Weather Service winter advice.

The Ready.gov car list

Ready.gov lists these automobile extras on top of a basic kit:

Jumper cables
Flares or a reflective triangle
An ice scraper
A car phone charger
A blanket
A map
Cat litter or sand for tire traction

Add light, charging and first aid

A breakdown at night is mostly a light problem. Keep a flashlight that lives in the car, a headlamp so both hands are free for a tire change, and a charged power bank so your phone lasts while you wait for help.

A compact first aid kit belongs in every car. Pick one sized for the number of seats.

Winter extras

The National Weather Service suggests extra layers, blankets, food and water, and a full tank in winter. Keep a warm hat and gloves in the car from November.

A bag for the trunk

A small 72 hour kit in a bag covers food, water pouches and basics if you are stuck for a long time.

Write your roadside plan into the free 72-Hour Family Plan, and check the road and weather picture on the Situation screen before a long drive. For winter specifics, read the winter storm kit guide.

FAQ

What goes in a car breakdown kit? Jumper cables, a reflective triangle or flares, an ice scraper, a car phone charger, a blanket, a map and sand or cat litter, per Ready.gov, plus light, a power bank and first aid.

Where should I keep it? In the trunk, in one bag, with the light and first aid on top.

How often should I check it? Twice a year is a good habit: charge the power bank and flashlight, and swap any food or water past its date.