47 Things to Keep in Your Roadside Assistance & First Aid Kit

Motorists can never be sure what they’ll be up against out on the road. A breakdown, crash, or other roadside emergency can leave drivers stranded. The best way to prevent the situation from escalating and avoid serious problems is to always be prepared for what might await.

A roadside emergency kit can help you get back on the road while personal supplies can make you more comfortable while you wait for help to arrive. A first aid kit is indispensable for medical issues and a winter readiness kit is a must have for colder climates.

We recommend keeping the bulk of your emergency supplies in a durable canvas bag in the trunk of your car. Check your supplies every 6 months to make sure everything is in good shape and in working order. Here are 47 things to put in your roadside assistance kit.

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency kit can be a game changer in case of an emergency. With a well planned kit you may be able to get your car back on the road. Keep a roadside emergency kit in your car at all times and make sure that you know how to use each item in it.

1. Flares And Reflective Triangles
If you’re dealing with an emergency on the side of the road, the last thing you need is to cause a car accident. Keep yourself safe by setting up roadside flares and reflective triangles behind your vehicles to make yourself and your vehicle more visible to other motorists. Glowsticks, warning lights, or even brightly colored cloth can also be used.

2. Empty gas can
It’s not a good idea to leave a full jerry can in your car but if you have an empty one in your trunk you can walk to a gas station and bring back some gas. Keep in mind that you might have to carry it for some distance so keep it no larger than 2-5 gallons.

3. Jumper cables
Jumper cables can be used to start a vehicle despite a dead battery. Simply attach one end of the cables to your battery and the other end to any functional car and you can boost your battery to at least get yourself home or to a safe place. Any jumper cables are better than none but if you’re looking to purchase a new set, look for ones that are 4 to 6 gauge and at least 20 feet long.

4. Emergency Car Battery Charger
Jumper cables are great if you have someone to help but if you’re stranded in a desolate place you will have to rely on your roadside assistance kit. An emergency battery or solar powered charger can give your battery enough power to get your vehicle started again.

5. Tow Rope
A tow rope, strap, or chain can be used to get your vehicle unstuck or towed a short distance.

6. Small Tool Kit
Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, you may be surprised by what you’re capable of in an emergency. Give yourself the best chance of success with basic tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, an adjustable wrench, and a tire pressure gauge.

7. Flashlight
If it’s dark, conducting minor repairs or tire changes will be much easier if you can see what you are doing. A flashlight with extra batteries is a must have in your roadside assistance kit. A flashlight that doesn’t need batteries, such as the wind up version, is a great choice too.

8. Tire Sealant/Inflator
This unassuming aerosol is capable of sealing a punctured tire and inflating it. It’s designed as a temporary solution but it can get you back on the road until you can get your tire replaced or properly repaired.

9. Spare Tire
Most vehicles come with a spare tire. Make sure yours is properly inflated and stored where it should be.

10. Portable Car Jack
A car jack is used to lift the vehicle. Most often it is utilized for tire changes but it can be handy for repairs as well.

11. Lug Nut Wrench
The only purpose of a lug nut wrench is to get the wheels off your car. Useless in most cases but invaluable if you get a flat tire.

12. Spare Car Fuses
Most cars have one or more fuse boxes. Familiarize yourself with their location and have a set of spare car fuses in your roadside assistance kit.

13. Extra Vehicle Fluids
Always carry extra windshield washer fluid along with a gallon of antifreeze and about 2 quarts of oil.

14. Car Fire Extinguisher

15. Roll Of Duct Tape

Personal Supplies Kit

If you get into trouble that’s beyond your ability to handle, you will have to wait for assistance. The personal supplies kit can help you hunker down until help arrives. A few items in your trunk can make the wait a lot more bearable.

16. Food
Nonperishable food such as energy bars, granola, unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy.

17. Water
Water in plastic bottles is best but replace the bottles every six months as the plastic in the bottles can be affected by the temperature in your car.

18. Cell Phone Charger
To be left in the car at all times.

16. Toiletries
Soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes etc.

17. Whistle
In case you need to attract attention.

18. Car Escape Tool
This should include a seatbelt cutter and window breaker and must be kept within the driver’s reach.

19. Road Maps

20. Compass
In case you need to find your way without GPS.

21. Paper Towels Or Rags

22. Reflective Vest
You may need to walk to get help.

23. Radio
Battery powered or hand crank radio to stay informed.

24. Pen And Paper

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is intended to treat minor injuries and to deal with medical emergencies quickly. If your roadside emergency involves a crash, you or your passenger may sustain injuries that might need attention until help arrives. Additionally, injuries may occur as you try to get your vehicle back on the road.

25. Bandaids

26. Disinfectant

27. Bandages

28. Instant Ice And Heat Packs

29. Scissors

30. Aspirin

31. Gauze

32. Adhesive Tape

33. Antiseptic Cream

34. Non Latex Gloves

35. Hydrocortisone

36. Aloe Vera Gel

37. Thermometer

38. Tweezers

39. Rescue Blanket

40. First Aid Instructions

Winter Readiness Kit

Ice and snow come with additional dangers for motorists. If you live in a cooler climate you should keep a few extra items in your vehicle during those cold months.

41. Warm Clothing
Extra hats, gloves, boots, wool socks, and sweaters to be kept in the car at all times.

42. Sleeping Bags Or Blankets

43. Collapsible Shovel

44. Something For Traction
Sand, salt or non clumping cat litter are good options.

45. Candle In A Deep Can
Not only does a candle give off a surprising amount of heat inside a closed vehicle, it can also be used to melt snow underneath your car’s wheels and get you going again.

46. Waterproof Matches
Stored in a waterproof bag for extra protection.

47. Scraper And Snowbrush

Driving expands your world, opens doors, and presents new opportunities but there are dangers out there as well. The best thing you can do to stay safe is drive a road worthy vehicle. Find out how myAutoloan can help. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst and you’ll be able to handle anything you encounter on your travels.