How to Prepare for Unpredictable Situations: Essential Emergency Gear for Your Car

It’s easy to take driving for granted, especially when most of us are on the road regularly—nearly 95 percent of Americans drive at least occasionally.¹ But even the most routine trips can take a turn when you least expect it. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or running out of fuel, knowing how to handle unexpected situations can save you time, money, and stress.

Keeping your car stocked with essential emergency gear will help protect you and your vehicle in an unpredictable situation. Below, we’ll explore the essential vehicle equipment to keep in your car and other factors you should consider to help you prepare for the unexpected.

• Road flares and warning triangles: These tools increase visibility, making it safer for other drivers to see you, especially if you’re stuck on the side of the road. If you opt for warning flares to stay visible, make sure they’re approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Flashlight and spare batteries: While the majority of cell phones come with a flashlight, flashlights provide a brighter light source if you break down at night. Pack extra batteries separately.
• Ice scraper and brush: If you live in a colder climate, an ice scraper and brush are essential for clearing snow and ice from your windshield and ensuring visibility.
• Jumper cables: Restart your dead battery using jumper cables connected to another driver’s battery. Keeping jumper cables handy is also a great way to help other drivers who may need a jump start. You can also buy a portable battery, which allows you to jump-start your car without needing another vehicle—just be sure to keep it fully charged and ready for use.
• Basic Tools: A shovel and wrench can help with some common unpredictable situations. Shovels can help dig your tires out of the soft ground if you get stuck in the mud, and a wrench can help you tighten loose wires if your car battery dies.
• Duct tape or other adhesive: Duct tape and other adhesives are a short-term solution that can temporarily fix vehicle issues, such as a hole in the ceiling or floor.

Consider Roadside Assistance

For extra peace of mind, consider adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as a policy add-on, and some companies even have it built into most policies. You can also purchase roadside assistance as a standalone service from companies like AAA.

Roadside assistance covers you for common unpredictable situations, including:

• Fuel delivery (if you run out of gas)
• Flat tire change
• Jump-start for a dead battery
• Lockout assistance
• Towing to a repair shop
• Battery replacement
• Winching or extrication (if your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch)
• Minor mechanical repairs (to help you get back on the road temporarily)
• Electric vehicle charging assistance (for EVs that run out of charge)

Note that most roadside assistance only includes labor, and does not include the cost of supplies like fuel, batteries, or tires. Learn more about your options for roadside assistance.  

What to Consider When Assembling Your Emergency Kit

When preparing your emergency kit, think about your vehicle, location, and the kind of trips you’ll be taking. Here are a few things to consider:

• Trip Duration: For longer trips, consider prioritizing food, water, and personal essentials.
• Local Climate: Those living in a colder climate should prioritize keeping warm clothes, ice scrapers, and blankets as part of their emergency gear. If you live in a hot climate, prioritize carrying plenty of water.
• Important Paperwork: Always keep the necessary paperwork in your car. This can vary by state, so make sure to understand your state’s requirements. Typically, you should carry your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and car tax information with you in your vehicle at all times.

Emergency Gear for Small Vehicles

What if you don’t have much storage space in your vehicle? If you have a small vehicle, you may not have space to include all the items listed above in your emergency gear kit.

There are still a few key items that should always be included in your emergency kit:

• Cell phone and charger
• Spare tire
• Jumper cables
• Warning triangle
• Water

While it’s always better to be over prepared than underprepared, having a small emergency kit in your vehicle is better than not carrying any supplies.

Other Tips for Keeping Safe

In addition to carrying emergency gear, there are other steps you can take to minimize your chances of getting stuck on the road.

• Keep the gas tank full: Don’t wait for the low fuel light to come on before refueling. Keeping your gas tank at least half or a quarter full reduces the risk of running out of fuel and can prevent potential damage to your fuel pump caused by running on empty.
• Maintain your tires: Regularly check your tread depth to ensure your tires are safe and effective (tread depth gauges are small and inexpensive). Proper tread depth helps prevent flat tires, reduces the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather, and improves control on icy roads. Additionally, invest in a portable tire inflator to easily maintain proper tire pressure, enhancing safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
• Trust your instincts: If you feel your vehicle behaving unusually or sense you may be about to lose control of your car, find a safe place to pull over. If you are driving in adverse weather conditions that make driving uncomfortable, pull over and wait for it to pass before resuming your journey.