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What to keep in your car

A small kit in the trunk turns a breakdown into an inconvenience. Here is what Ready.gov lists, plus a few things worth adding.

Sources read Oct 30, 2026.

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The basics

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

From Ready.gov: Car Safety.

For winter

  • Add a flashlight, warm clothes, more blankets, bottled water and snacks.
  • Keep the gas tank full.

From Ready.gov: Winter Weather.

Worth adding

  • A first aid kit and a tire pressure gauge.
  • A seatbelt cutter and window breaker within reach of the driver.
  • A portable jump starter, so you don't need a second car.

Our tips.

Before a long trip

  • Have a mechanic check antifreeze, battery, brakes, exhaust, filters, heater and defroster, lights, oil, thermostat, wipers and washer fluid.
  • In snowy places, winter tires with good tread, and chains if local rules call for them.

From Ready.gov: Car Safety.

On the road

  • Don't drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can make a car lose control or stall.
  • If a power line falls on your car, stay inside until a trained person removes it.
  • Turn off cruise control on icy, snowy or slippery roads.

From Ready.gov: Car Safety.

Sources

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General preparedness information, not professional or medical advice. In any emergency, call your local emergency number and follow official guidance from local authorities.