Every driver understands the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected. Roadside emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or something more serious, having the Best Roadside Emergency Kit in your car is not just a matter of convenience—it’s about safety and preparedness. Instead of relying on chance or waiting indefinitely for roadside assistance, equipping yourself with a comprehensive emergency kit can make all the difference, potentially saving you time, money, and even preventing a dangerous situation from escalating.
While there’s a vast selection of pre-made emergency car kits on the market, their contents can vary significantly. No single kit is universally perfect, but the top-tier options provide a solid foundation, covering essential basics and offering room to customize based on your specific needs and vehicle. As someone with years of experience in auto repair and roadside assistance, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of being well-equipped. That’s why I’ve tested and evaluated a range of kits to help you choose the best one to keep in your car. Being over-prepared is always better than being caught off guard, especially when facing a roadside emergency.
Here are my top picks for the best emergency car kits you can purchase right now, each reviewed based on their contents, quality, and overall value to ensure you’re ready for whatever the road throws your way.
The Best Roadside Emergency Kits You Can Buy Right Now
1. Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Roadside Car Emergency Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 12.3 x 11.6 x 7.5 inches (two cases together)
Weight: 7.3 pounds
Number of items: 15
Jumper cables/length: Yes/12-feet
First aid kit: Yes
Air pump: No
Shovel: No
Flashlight: No
Fire extinguisher: No
Reasons to buy
- Excellent first aid kit for treating injuries
- Long, 12-foot jumper cables for battery issues
- Includes basic toolkit for minor repairs
- Poncho and blanket for weather protection
Reasons to avoid
- Two separate cases can be less convenient to store
- Lacks flashlight and fire extinguisher for comprehensive emergencies
- Higher price point compared to basic kits
The Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Roadside Emergency Kit justifies its slightly higher price by offering an exceptional selection of items, particularly standing out with the best-equipped first aid kit I’ve encountered in a pre-made kit. While it may miss some basic roadside essentials like a flashlight or fire extinguisher, the inclusion of a comprehensive first aid kit is invaluable for treating injuries on the go.
For drivers who are comfortable with basic car maintenance, the included toolkit is a significant advantage, providing tools that can be useful for getting back on the road. The addition of work gloves, though not heavy-duty, adds a practical touch for roadside tasks. While the kit comes in two bags, which might be less space-efficient, their size makes them easy to tuck into various storage spaces in your vehicle. However, this compact size also means limited space for adding extra items you might want to include.
Read our full Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Roadside Car Emergency Kit review
2. US Safety Kit All-in-One Car Emergency Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 13.0 x 11.1 x 7.8 inches
Weight: 12.7 pounds
Number of items: 12
Jumper cables/length: Yes/12-feet
First aid kit: Yes
Air pump: Yes
Shovel: No
Flashlight: Yes
Fire extinguisher: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Includes essential fire extinguisher, flashlight, and air compressor for diverse emergencies
- Packaged in a backpack, offering portability and extra space for personal items
- First aid kit includes water packets, crucial for hydration in emergencies
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks reflective stripes on the bag for enhanced visibility
- Does not include tools for basic car repairs
Finding a car emergency kit that truly has “everything” is rare, but the US Safety Kit All-in-One Emergency Car Kit comes remarkably close, packing in a range of robust equipment that could be life-saving in an emergency. It stands out by including a fire extinguisher and a tire inflator, items often missing in other kits, addressing critical roadside scenarios.
If your vehicle lacks a tire pump or fire extinguisher, this kit is a strong contender. While it could benefit from a small tool kit and perhaps a shovel for snowy conditions, its comprehensive nature is impressive. The backpack design is practical, offering both portability and additional room to add personal items or extra tools. However, its bulkier size might make under-seat storage challenging, likely requiring trunk placement.
Read our full US Safety Kit All-in-One Emergency Car Kit review
3. DOT Essential OSHA ANSI Compliant Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 21.0 x 9.0 x 10.0 inches
Weight: 17.2 pounds
Number of items: 5
Jumper cables/length: No
First aid kit: Yes
Air pump: No
Shovel: No
Flashlight: Yes
Fire extinguisher: Yes
Roadside assistance: No
Reasons to buy
- Features fire extinguisher, warning triangles, and emergency light for enhanced roadside safety
- Excellent first aid kit for treating injuries effectively
- Large bag with significant extra room for customization
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price and heavier weight compared to other kits
- Lacks basic essentials like jumper cables for battery emergencies
Despite its name filled with acronyms, the DOT Essential OSHA ANSI Compliant Kit is a standout emergency car kit, offering some of the highest quality equipment in its category. It excels in including top-notch safety items like a fire extinguisher, a very comprehensive first aid kit, an LED flashlight, and highly reflective warning triangles, comparable to those used by emergency services.
While it omits some common roadside assistance items like a tire inflator or jumper cables, the kit prioritizes high-quality safety equipment. The spacious duffle bag provides ample room to add any missing components and personalize the kit further. However, its higher price and heavier weight might be factors to consider, especially if budget or space are concerns.
Read our full DOT Essential OSHA ANSI Compliant Kit review.
4. First Secure Car Emergency Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 14.1 x 10.2 x 4.1 inch
Weight: 8.9 pounds
Number of items: 11
Jumper cables/length: Yes/10-feet
First aid kit: Yes
Air pump: Yes
Shovel: No
Flashlight: Yes
Fire extinguisher: No
Roadside assistance: No
Reasons to buy
- Contains tire inflator and tire repair kit for flat tire situations
- Includes tow strap, jumper cables, and multi-tool for versatile assistance
- Offers 11 major items in a compact package
- Small bag for easy storage
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks fire extinguisher and shovel for more serious emergencies
- No roadside assistance included
The First Secure Car Emergency Kit is an excellent starting point for building a comprehensive roadside emergency setup. It’s designed to be compact yet includes a useful selection of essential equipment, making it a great foundation for any driver. Its small size allows for convenient storage, easily fitting under a car seat for quick access when needed.
Inside, you’ll find valuable items such as a tow strap, jumper cables, multi-tool, and importantly, a tire inflator and tire repair kit, addressing common roadside issues. However, it does lack a fire extinguisher and shovel, which could be crucial in certain emergencies. The bag’s limited size also means there’s little room to add extra items. Priced affordably, it’s a solid choice to get you initially equipped.
Read our full First Secure Car Emergency Kit review.
5. Haiphaik Emergency Roadside Toolkit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 13.9 x 10.0 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 8.3 pounds
Number of items: 9
Jumper cables/length: Yes/12-feet
First aid kit: No
Air pump: No
Shovel: Yes
Flashlight: Yes
Fire extinguisher: No
Roadside assistance: No
Reasons to buy
- Contains a variety of tools, 12-foot jumper cables, and tire repair kit for roadside fixes
- Includes 9 major items at a budget-friendly price
- Shovel-pick combo tool includes a compass for navigation
- Inexpensive option for basic preparedness
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks fire extinguisher, first aid kit, air compressor, and reflective vest – key safety items
- Limited space for adding extra items
The Haiphaik Emergency Roadside Toolkit offers great value, particularly for budget-conscious buyers. As its name suggests, it emphasizes tools, including items like a hammer, knife, and tape measure—tools not commonly found in standard emergency car kits.
While it misses essential safety items like a fire extinguisher and tire inflator, it provides a useful set of tools and jumper cables. The inclusion of a shovel-pick with a compass adds a unique, practical element. If you’re looking for a kit to start with, intending to add more comprehensive safety equipment later, this could be a good option.
Read our full Haiphaik Emergency Roadside Toolkit review.
6. Everlit Roadside Assistance Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 17.0 x 6.5 x 8.0 inches
Weight: 7.8 pounds
Number of items: 13
Jumper cables/length: Yes/12-feet
First aid kit: Yes
Air pump: Yes
Shovel: No
Flashlight: Yes
Fire extinguisher: No
Roadside assistance: No
Reasons to buy
- Includes tire inflator for flat tire emergencies
- Features long 12-foot jumper cables for battery jump starts
- Self-powered flashlight ensures light source without batteries
- Contains 13 major items for comprehensive assistance
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks critical essentials like a fire extinguisher for fire-related emergencies
- No extra room in the bag for adding additional items
The Everlit Roadside Assistance Kit, while lacking some fundamental essentials, still provides a range of quality items to address common roadside problems. It includes 12-foot jumper cables, a significant benefit for battery issues, and a first aid kit that is notably more comprehensive than those found in many competitor kits.
Although it doesn’t include a fire extinguisher, the Everlit kit offers a solid set of well-made equipment to get you started. Just be aware that you may need to consider a separate bag for any additional items, as the Everlit bag itself doesn’t offer extra space.
Read our full Everlit Roadside Assistance Kit review.
7. Lifeline Premium Excursion Road Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 12.2 x 9.5 x 5.2 inches
Weight: 6.6 pounds
Number of items: 13
Jumper cables/length: Yes/10-feet
First aid kit: Yes
Air pump: Yes
Shovel: No
Flashlight: Yes
Fire extinguisher: No
Roadside assistance: No
Reasons to buy
- Includes tire inflator for tire issues
- 10-foot jumper cables for battery problems
- Small flashlight for visibility
- 13 major items for varied emergencies
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive compared to similar kits
- Lacks tow strap, fire extinguisher, reflective vest, roadside assistance, and shovel – several key items
- No extra room for customization
The Lifeline Premium Excursion Road Kit, despite carrying the AAA logo, doesn’t necessarily outperform kits from lesser-known brands in terms of features or value. However, it does include essential driving must-haves like jumper cables, tools, and tire repair equipment.
While it is on the pricier side, the items included are well-constructed and durable, promising longevity. However, it still falls short of being a truly complete emergency car kit, missing several key components despite its association with a major roadside assistance provider.
Read our full Lifeline Premium Excursion Road Kit review.
8. Lianxin Roadside Car Emergency Kit
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 14.7 x 8.8 x 4.6 inches
Weight: 4.9 pounds
Number of items: 10
Jumper cables/length: Yes/8-feet
First aid kit: No
Air pump: No
Shovel: No
Flashlight: No
Fire extinguisher: No
Reasons to buy
- Unique inclusion of a vacuum cleaner with accessories for car cleaning
- Decent toolkit for minor repairs
- Tow rope and 8-foot jumper cables included
- Very inexpensive, budget-friendly
Reasons to avoid
- No extra room in the bag for adding essentials
- Lacks basics like first aid kit, flashlight, and fire extinguisher – crucial emergency items
The Lianxin Roadside Car Emergency Kit is a very basic, budget-oriented option. It includes standard items like basic tools, jumper cables, tow ropes, and a window breaker. However, its standout feature is a miniature vacuum cleaner—a unique addition, especially at this price point.
While the vacuum cleaner and attachments are useful for car tidiness, this kit is lacking in essential emergency equipment. You’ll need to purchase additional items to compensate for its shortfalls, but if you need a very affordable, quick solution, particularly if you prioritize car cleanliness, this is a viable, economical choice.
Read our full Lianxin Roadside Car Emergency Kit review
FAQs: What Should You Look For in the Best Roadside Emergency Kit?
Why do you need an emergency car kit?
Roads can be unpredictable, and it’s wise to assume that anything that can go wrong, might go wrong. Relying solely on roadside assistance or the kindness of strangers isn’t always dependable. Being prepared for various situations can be the difference between reaching your destination and facing a prolonged, uncomfortable, or even dangerous roadside wait. Whether it’s a simple dead battery or a more complex issue, preparedness is key.
What’s the benefit of buying a pre-made kit?
Purchasing a pre-made emergency car kit allows you to acquire many essential items at once. Gathering individual items separately can be time-consuming and potentially more expensive, especially considering shipping costs or trips to multiple stores. A pre-made kit provides a convenient starting point, offering crucial items quickly and easily. Most kits also include a carry case, helping you keep your emergency tools organized in one accessible location.
What should I look for in an emergency car kit?
No pre-made emergency car kit will include absolutely everything, and you’ll likely need to add items over time. However, when choosing a kit, prioritize basic essentials. Key items to look for include jumper cables, a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter for safety, a tow cable for vehicle recovery, reflective gear for visibility, a light source, and a tire inflator (either manual or powered).
These prices vary a lot, does it matter how much I pay?
Generally, you get what you pay for. A budget kit around $50 will often be better equipped and of higher quality than a very cheap $15 kit. However, this isn’t always true for higher-priced kits, like those around $200. Brand names or kits with popular logos don’t always equate to better quality or contents compared to lesser-known brands. Be wary of inflated item counts due to marketing tactics that count individual components within first-aid or tool kits. Use common sense and carefully review the contents list rather than overpaying based on marketing hype.
Where should I keep my emergency car kit?
It might seem logical to keep everything together, but it’s more practical to store emergency equipment where it’s most accessible when needed. For example, items like a tire compressor and jumper cables can be stored in the trunk. However, critical safety tools like a glass hammer and flashlight should be kept within immediate reach, such as in the glove box. A fire extinguisher is ideally placed where it can be quickly accessed in an emergency, such as under the passenger seat.
Is there anything I should avoid buying?
There’s no such thing as a “wrong” emergency car kit if it encourages preparedness. Any emergency equipment is better than having none at all. Consider a pre-made kit as a foundation, and remember that the more you supplement it with additional items tailored to your specific needs and driving conditions, the better prepared you will be.
Essential Emergency Car Kit Contents
There are certain items that every driver should consider essential for their car emergency kit, addressing common roadside issues. Here are recommended essential contents:
- Jumper cables: Essential for jump-starting your car or assisting others. Opt for cables marked for polarity and at least 8 feet long for ease of use.
- Tire inflator: Whether dealing with a flat or low tire pressure, a tire inflator is crucial. Powered models that plug into your car’s 12V socket are faster, but manual pumps are also viable, especially when paired with a tire patch kit or sealant.
- Fire extinguisher: Legally required in some regions, a fire extinguisher is vital for safety, potentially preventing minor incidents from becoming major disasters.
- First aid kit: A well-stocked kit is essential for treating injuries. Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tape, burn cream, ice packs, emergency water, latex gloves, and scissors.
- Duct tape: Incredibly versatile for temporary fixes, from securing loose parts to sealing leaks.
- Flashlight and reflective gear: Visibility is key in roadside emergencies, especially at night. Choose a wind-up flashlight for guaranteed power, or consider a head torch and glow sticks. Reflective triangles and a high-visibility vest are crucial for alerting other drivers to your presence.
- Tools and gloves: Basic roadside repairs often require simple tools. A multi-tool is a start, but consider a hammer, adjustable wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, and a socket set for more comprehensive capability.
- OBD-II scanner: A compact OBD-II scanner can quickly diagnose car problems, differentiating between minor issues like a loose gas cap and more serious engine faults.
- All-weather gear: Be prepared for breakdowns in any weather. Include at least a poncho and gloves, and a foldable shovel if you drive in snowy areas.
- Other useful kit: Bungee cords can secure loose bodywork, a whistle can attract attention, and a combination glass breaker/seatbelt cutter can be life-saving in accidents.
- Roadside assistance plan: For breakdowns beyond DIY fixes, a roadside assistance plan is invaluable. Some kits include this, which can be a worthwhile feature if you don’t already have coverage.
How We Test Roadside Emergency Kits
To rigorously evaluate roadside emergency kits, separating effective kits from inadequate ones, our testing process begins with examining the kit’s bag itself. This involves measuring and weighing the fully packed bag, assessing its durability and features like reflective strips for visibility.
We then evaluate the bag’s capacity for additional items and the presence of internal dividers for organization. A practical test is whether the bag fits under the seat of a standard car—we use a 2014 Audi A4 AllRoad for this purpose.
The contents of each kit are meticulously checked against our essential checklist. Rather than just counting individual items as manufacturers often do, we categorize contents into major groups and assess each category’s completeness and quality.
Lifeline Premium Excursion Road Kit flashlight in test setup
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Key aspects we scrutinize include polarity markings on jumper cables, the presence and type of hooks on tow straps, and the quality of nighttime visibility equipment. For kits with hand-crank flashlights, we test battery life by cranking them 20 times and measuring the duration of light output.
Performance testing of tire inflators involves timing how long it takes to inflate a tire from 20 to 35 PSI, and then comparing the inflator’s built-in pressure gauge accuracy against a standalone, calibrated gauge.
Lifeline Premium Excursion Road Kit air pump in action
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
For kits including a fire extinguisher, we note the size, type, and the rated spray duration. First aid kits, being critically important, are evaluated for contents relevant to roadside emergencies: gauze pads, bandages, antiseptic wipes, tape, gloves, and medical tools like scissors and tweezers.
Toolkits are assessed based on the variety and quality of tools included, along with any supplementary items like tape, fuses, or gloves. Similarly, multi-tools are evaluated for their functionality and robustness. If a kit includes roadside assistance coverage, we investigate the provider and the specifics of the service plan offered.
While you’re preparing your vehicle with the best automotive emergency kits, consider enhancing your car with other essential accessories. Explore the best OBD-II scanners for quick diagnostics, the best dash cams for recording your drives, and the best car heads-up displays to keep important information in your line of sight.
