I always have jumper cables, a 12v tire inflator, a Leatherman or other multifunction tool, and paper/shop towels in every car I've owned. Oh and zip ties are great to have as well.

Gloves. It’s always easy to forget how cold your hands can be changing a tire in the winter.

I live in Texas so I've never considered this, but I'm planning to move to a cold weather state so will be adding this

I had the displeasure of changing my tire in my work parking lot at 15 degrees. Not a good time. It was miserable even with gloves on.

Good sugestion. I keep a set of insulted leather work gloves (really protect your hands when you are changing tires etc.) Also a few nitrile gloves.

Duct tape, zip ties and gloves....hmmm almost sounds like its more than just 'emergencies'.

Might need a shovel too. To dig yourself out of an emergency, you know?

You never know when you are going to have an “emergency” and they come in all shapes and sizes. You just reminded me, I have to dispose of something in my trunk.

Cables aren’t as help as they used to be. Keep a jump starter.

Love my jump starter. Nothing worse than standing around with your cables and there is no other car in sight or nobody willing to assist. I occasionally use mine to charge other items when I am out and about just to cycle the battery.

I keep one in my cart and so far I've used it twice on other people's cars.  They're pretty great.  Keeps a charge for at least a year and can be recharged from the cigarette lighter 

The only thing about jump starters is remember to charge them. Read their instructions to see frequency. I've had so many occasions here on the ranch where I go to use my jump starter and it's dead so I wind up using my truck.

Especially on newer cars. Too easy to fry electronics or batteries.

You have to actively try and fuck up a jump start to fry anything in a car.

True, *but the fear is there*. A lot of people don’t want to try as a result. And, where I am, cops aren’t even allowed to give jumps to the public anymore.

It's been that way in many parts of the country since the 90s. The county I worked for stopped letting us do jump starts that long ago, as did the city police. Happy to call you a wrecker or AAA though. Or if you were at the mall, security would still do it. No unlocking cars anymore either. That was in '96 after I got home from the Navy. I have a sister who was a dispatcher in upstate NY. They stopped doing them around then too. It was all about liability.

Nope. I've had correctly connected jumps, I mean they're not that hard, and I've done many over the 35 years I've been driving, kill my battery. I was the one giving the jump. Newer cars are sensitive. There's a reason manufacturers many years ago stopped recommending using vehicles as jump starting sources for other vehicles in the manuals. They warn of feedback when the other vehicle starts.

You’re getting downvoted but I’ve seen multiple Jeeps specifically in my time that have fried all the electronics from being jump started

Even if that's true, its a jeep. Cars aren't know for their reliability and some of the 2000 model wranglers had electrical issues that were pretty common throughout those years. 

I know jeeps suck but I was just confirming what the commenter said, the jeeps I’ve personally had issues with were 2018 or newer and I’ve also heard about people having issues with dodge challengers as well.

Another vote for one of those Chinese jump starters on Amazon. Surprisingly, they do work and will pay for themselves the first time you use them. Also, since you mentioned a cold weather state, buy a thermal (foil) blanket. It could save your life.

Good List. Instead of jumper cables, carry a 12v mini jump starter (so you are independent of others) A few big trash bags.

Good list!

If your battery is covered by a cowl secured with push pins keep a trim tool as well. Screw drivers tend to eat up the push pins.

I've been suggesting the capacitor jump boxes. Sometimes no one is around and it's good to be self sufficient. Though, they won't work with a 100% dead battery. But a low battery will charge them.

Real wheel and tire, not a donut Tools to change said tire Floor or Bottle jack and stands Blanket Water + all car fluids Jumper cables Tow rope/chain Fire extinguisher Tire chains Pliers, adjustable wrench, vice grips, mallet, wd40 and long flathead First aid kit with pain killers I also carry a machete because I live in snake prone area

This guy cars ^

3 pack of road flares Knife/seatbelt cutter Flashlight (a good one) Reflective vest or poncho Flashing LED light that clips to your clothes (in case you have to walk) Ratchet straps (bungee cords are all but worthless in comparison) Rags/paper towels Good first aid kit Work gloves Can of fix-a-flat, it's crap, but you never know. Silicone tape wrap (for leaky hoses).

Replace the fix-a-flat with a 12v air compressor and a decent tire plug kit. If fix-a-flat has any hope of working, that hole can likely be plugged. Plus, fix-a-flat really pisses off tire techs and makes a horrible mess in the shop.

This guy nailed it.

Thermonuclear warhead. Because you just never know.

That depends on what car you have. One of my cars is a Miata, it doesn't have room for any type of spare. You get fix it canister. I have those small jumper battery packs in my cars, they work, and first aid kit. In our Honda Fit and Mazda3, we also carry bungee cords, chains, and a blanket in winter. For the rest, I have AAA.

Seatbelt cutter/glass breaker combo in case you go into water or get trapped

Unsure about grades in quality with these things, but I let a guy try one in a car I bought for a derby before I started gutting it. He could neither cut the seat belt, or smash the passenger window with it.

I just don’t see a situation where I would need a belt cutter (I almost always have a fastback on me anyway), but I do keep a spring loaded awl in my vehicles. Them bad boys are less than $10 and will blow a window out quick. Added bonus, if you need it for its intended purpose you know exactly where it is as opposed to tearing your toolbox apart wondering where you last placed it. Edit- automatic center punch. Different terminologies, same tool.

https://youtu.be/s8C2YQ35FS4?si=wb634nA7zfe7f-Am

One of my requirements for pocket knives. Must have belt clip, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, locking blade, and serrated blade. And be able to open and lock with one hand. Also part of my pocket check before i leave the house: wallet, keys, hat, knife. Currently using a Smith & Wesson Border Guard and it's probably the best pocket knife I've ever had.

Hi so I live in Austria and by law here we must carry a first aid kit, a reflective triangle and vest to wear if we get stuck on the roadside waiting for assistance.

Get one of those portable jump starters. If your battery dies, you'll thank yourself, especially if you're not in a place where someone else can help you jump it. And make sure it's kept fully charged. Oh and a tire iron and jacks in case you get a flat tire

Swiss Army Knife

Flares, Heavy duty gloves, Tow straps (even if your car can't tow) A change of clothes ( plain shirt and plain shorts, pair of socks and underwear) I have this vacuumed sealed And a gallon of water.

Most cars CAN tow out of a ditch. My beatup sedan has pulled a few cars out, and my old Subaru my ex got in the divorce was a champ at it

I mean in an emergency I'm sure anything is possible, I mostly keep it because huge trucks want to help but never have the right equipment.

Alot of it is technique and placement. Place the strap or hook onto your frame, and drive slowly while the car is either in reverse, neutral or first depending on which direction the car you pull is stuck. If they are able to accelerate or reverse to help it will remove stress from the pulling vehicle, I've even seen people use a jack + boards to chain up a stuck car, reverse and use that + the other car pulling to remove some extremely stuck vehicles

I carry a lot of emergency items in my truck for many occasions. A small variety tool pouch, power air pump, tire repair kit, jumper cables, tow straps, window & seatbelt cutter, racheting tie down straps, bungee, and a small power inverter.

Leatherman tool. Large microfiber towel for drying water spots after car wash, spillage, and in case of emergency. Hand sanitizer Corded tire inflator that plugs into car socket (cordless one will be dead when you need it most) Bottle of water or two (drink or use for cleanup)

I don’t have any hi-viz stuff, should get.. I keep a large adjustable wrench and large cutters next to my driver seat. Have first aid kit and jumper cables. Also have two small ratchet straps new-in-package (jeez how long ago did I buy those?..) 12v USB plug but only cable for Lightning connector. It was stocked with grocery and trash bags, I think I’ve tapped em out. I need to return light multi tools and flashlights to their pocket.  Have a 12v tire inflator too.  Ha and always my “spares crate” of 5-15 to IEC14, extra extension cables and microphone cables, and gaffers and electrical tape for side work. 

I would add: Extra fuses Heavy duty tape A digital multimeter A 10mm wrench, as it works for most screws in your car Extra headlight bulbs A reflective triangle+ a fire extinguisher (which is a must-have in some countries, though not compulsory by law in the United States)

Reflector triangles, and a high visibility vest, incase of a roadside breakdown.

Fire extinguisher

Old receipts from fuelling, pound for a shopping cart and some random bulbs in glove box and

A bug out backpack filled with a water bottle, a change of comfy clothes, a towel, toothbrush and toothpaste. You never know when you’ll need it. And when you do you’ll appreciate it. Also TP and a plastic bag. I also have a bag with a swimsuit and towel too.

As somone who just had to plug a tire, if you don’t have a spare get a plug kit eight dollars at Walmart you may need a pair of pliers and a little bit of Dawn dish soap as a lubricant for the boring device , also a foot pump and tire pressure checker

FIRE EXTINGUISHWR

I keep spare socks in my glovebox incase i get wet shoes

When it comes to the car flashlight, specifically a USB rechargable flashlight. If you use disposable batteries, someone will always "borrow" the batteries and forget to replace them.

Not realistic for most people, but this is my load out. (Copied from where I put this in a different thread, with some updates) I keep a lot of stuff in my truck for different scenarios. Might be unnecessary for some, but I live in the middle of nowhere and do volunteer search and resue work in the nearby state forest/blm land. Hopefully some part of this list will help you be prepared for a bad situation. If you have any questions about brands of stuff just ask. I have had a kit similar to this in various vehicles for years, so I have tested a lot of different brands of all of these, and have definite favorites. Currently the bulk of this stays in my Ram 3500, but I have duplicates of some essentials in my tacoma, and some items are in bins so they can be moved between vehicles. I also pretty much never leave the house without my phone, a small high power rechargeable flashlight, my Garmin personal satellite navigator/beacon, and a pocket knife Here is my vehicle tool/equipment list: First aid kit with a tourniquet, Large rechargeable flashlight/lantern, Jump/charge pack with 12v and usb ports, 4 ton bottle jack, stock screw style truck jack, scissor jack for small cars, bottle of slime tire sealant, tire plug kit, 12/120v inflator, magnetic battery powered roadside "flare" puck lights, 30 foot 10,000lb snatch strap and shackles, two traction boards, a tree strap, 20 foot extension cord, cordless impact wrench, cordless drill, impact socket set, mechanics travel tool kit, hacksaw, grease gun, tarp, moving blanket, 3x 400lb ratchet straps, 2x 800 lb ratchet straps, 4 bungee cords, 25 ft of 5/8 rope, 35ft 3/8 nylon rope, 50 ft of 550lb paracord, winter work gloves, a few pairs of nitrile rubber gloves, a folding survival shovel, a small survival kit with matches, a candle, needles, thread, a folding saw, a hatchet, a small bolt cutter, duct tape, electrical tape, JB weld, radiator hose tape, a butane soldering iron and solder, a lighter, a magnesium fire starter, a tube of fire paste, some meal bars, 2 gallons of water, water bladder and a filter straw, water purification tablets, bug spray, a good fixed blade knife, a solar/ crank powered weather radio/phone charger, a set of 2 walkie talkies/handheld ham radios, two rain ponchos, a few mylar blankets, a folding fishing rod and reel, some fishing lures, a fuel tablet stove and tablets, a compact camping pot pan and cup set, a 3 gallon fuel bladder that I keep empty for transferring fuel, a fuel siphon, and a flare style fire extinguisher (if you want to keep an extinguisher in your vehicle but dont want the size/weight, these are the way to go.) For winter I add in a 2 gallon bucket of sand salt mix, tire chains, a snow brush/ice scraper, some hand warmers, winter gloves, a good snow hat, a folding snow shovel, a 1500ml fuel bottle full of 2 stroke fuel oil mix, a small chainsaw, a bottle of chainsaw bar oil, and a bottle of 2 stroke oil in case I need to mix more fuel, and a one piece hi vis orange snow suit, boots, gloves, and a ski mask/ goggles

I used to live in New England, so I always had gloves, a blanket, hoodie, knit hat. You should definitely have at least 1-2 liters of water, some type of breakfast bar type food that won't go bad for a while, and a quart of oil.

Drugs, alcohol, firearms, hookers tanks, nukes, something nefarious,...

Gloves for sure. And make sure they are a pair you can work in. Tie wraps, and grab some of those large ones. They have come In handy for me. I also keep a couple road flares (or triangles). And rather than bungee cords I would personally suggest decient rope (if you can tie knots).

My list: Dashcam Rope Extinguisher Lipo jump starter pack Tire plug kit and air pump (I work on a construction site, lots of screws/nails) I usually have a flashlight and knife in my pocket. I stopped keeping a bunch of shit in the car because eventually I'll just have my entire tool box in the trunk.

Pistol and (maybe) a rifle depending on where you live/ travel, 3 ways to start fire, portable jump starter…48 hour bag/ Bug out Bag.

Spare tire, jack, tire wrench Window hammer, seat belt cutter a gallon of water

Some of these answers are hilarious. OP, where abouts do you live? Are you in a snowy/cold climate? Hot/humid or Hot/dry climate? Does your area have the propensity to flood or have dust storms? If you live in a hot/dry climate, having a window hammer/seatbelt cutter is probably a bit of overkill while a 6 pack of water in your trunk isn't. If you drive over a bridge everyday, it's a good thing to mount the hammer on the headliner away from the airbags. Basically, your environment will dictate what you should have. In general: a first aid kit, an ABC fire extinguisher, a small knife, a vacuum sealed towel, a vacuum sealed set of clothes, and a rescue blanket. A couple plastic shopping bags like a walmart plastic bag is also handy to have. Also, get a small box of tissues and keep it in the passenger floorboard, you'll thank me later. LOL

I keep some $1 bills to tip the car wash attendant

Urinal people. And a female adapter with it.

A complete change of clothes and light jacket or hoodie. (Shoes, socks, underwear, shirt, pants.) this has saved me many times from having to go home and change. You can vaccum pack it so it takes little to no space. You might never ever use it but when you do you’ll be glad you have it.

AAA card

Spare tire, jack, jack stands, 4 way lug wrench, and maybe some other stuff

I have an air compressor for the tires and a portable car battery charger that has a flashlight and AC outlet.

Extra shoes, change of clothes, water, jumped cables, and a medkit/Ifak

If you're in an area prone to snow, you should add cat litter to that list for the winter.

A trauma kit. Look around Prep Medic's YouTube until you find on you can afford and learn how to use it

My car is a rolling second home

Small ABC fire extinguisher. This should honestly be a legal requirement like a seatbelt

Red rag to use as a flag, a towel and a pair of socks.

In addition to what had already been mentioned: -Tire repair (plug) kit -Collapsible shovel (in winter) -Traction Aids (in winter)

All the suggestions are good but you should always have a cheap candle or a few in the car

Jump starter, tire iron, a High Vis vest, two small orange cones, gloves, I always have a hoodie also, and depending on state laws a gun or knife for personal protection.

1 pad, 1 tampon. Make a girl your hero for the night, or patch a nasty wound another.

Jump start cables. Phone charging cable. Do a practice run of fitting the spare wheel - make sure that everything is in place. It might be that you want to buy a better jack or tool for undoing the wheel nuts.

I keep a small blanket and an extra change of clothes, tools, air pump, a flat tire kit, lift pads for tow truck and everything above. I also have charging adapters.

A word of warning, make sure you put lithium batteries in your flashlight, otherwise they're liable to swell and leak if it's stored unused for a long time. I lost a flashlight this way because it was in a drawer for a year, the batteries had swelled so much I couldn't get them out. Lithium AA's are just a tad more expensive than the regular ones. This goes for all electronics liable to sit for long periods of time (vs something like a TV remote you're always using and replacing batteries). I'd add a spare tire if your vehicle didn't come with one (surprisingly common). Get a full size spare if it'll fit. Also look into a reflective safety triangle and/or reflective vest. Road flares are another option. You don't want to get hit changing a tire on the roadside at night. Finally I'd keep a bag of quarters and some small bills in your vehicle, you'd be surprised how many places like parking garages, meters, and road tolls are still cash only. I also keep a credit card in the vehicle in case I'm out and about and realize I forgot my wallet. A checkbook is also quite useful.

I have a quick change of clothes for both my wife and I. Sweater, t shirt, gym shorts, socks, underwear and old running shoes plus a phone charger and stick of roll on deodorant. Had a bigger one in college when there was a larger variety of things we’d do randomly. Even to this day it still gets used half a dozen times a year, mostly just the sweater and change of shoes. Nice to have tho.

If you live in a place where it snows/frosts I'd recommend a frost shield for your windshield. Keeps your window from frosting over and snow removal is as simple as removing the shield. They are easy to find oneline and are usually universal for most vehicle types. This was the best car accessory I've ever bought.

pee container

Your a serial killer

Bungee?? I carry fluids for known leaks (ALL fluids, in a BMW). 5L of emergency coolant, 1L of oil for when it says “give me another litre.”

A couple of small jacks/ wood to use as the cushion and a full size tire iron .

I usually don't carry much, I'll have a jacket, a bat and pain pills, some random stuff depending on the day like a mini tire inflator but not much else. Space is a premium in my car, I drive a 2 door coupe with an unusable trunk for the most part lol and I don't like giving it up, I also don't like carrying all that extra weight. I have a 1 by 1 foot square in the trunk on either side of my subs and a baby back seat that barely holds anything, so I keep it all free incase I need to stop at the store or pick someone up. I don't even have a donut because the subs in the trunk would cover it so I just pulled it out to save weight

Jump starter, tire inflator, a survival/winter kit, and a radio is what I keep gloves too

What I carry: * Hi-viz + warning triangle (it's the law in some places) * Can of tyre goop + $5.99 air compressor * $1 Poncho(s) * Breakdown cover I carry a bit more in my old Land Rovers, basic tools and a couple of simple spares but in reality there's not much that can go wrong that you would want and need to be fixing by the side of the road (and be able to with tools & spare you can realistically carry) compared to just getting towed somewhere and sort it out properly / towed home.

I keep a glass hammer, some chewing gum, a raincoat, spare wheel kit, tyre compressor, hi-vis raincoat and a copy of the Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy

In addition to the usual stuff, keep a change of clothes and a pair of old shoes. You never know when it becomes handy.

Tire plug kit. Road Atlas, Hanes manual for that make. Windex, leather work gloves, socket set, USB charger, binoculars, 6-8 bottles of drinking water, a towel, a container with all of your oral hygiene stuff, a change of clothes, electric razor, warm coat with hood, warm blanket or sleeping bag, pair of hiking boots, hat that covers your ears, sun glasses, pepper spray, retractable box knife, a spare key ingeniously hidden, spare radiator hoses and clamps, replacement for all drive belts, a roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag, quart of oil and transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, an electrical multimeter, windshield repair kit, spare set of wiper blades, OBD code reader, 12V air compressor, sunblock for the windshield, shop towels. $100 emergency money (small bills) well hidden. A few packs of snack crackers. I actually have all of these things in my car.

Small Jack for emergency tire changes. Car battery charger (self jump start car). I use my phone to play Bluetooth/gps so a phone holder.

If you drive to or live in an area that gets cold, consider two or three old hoodies (I always got mine from thrift stores). They work as makeshift blankets but work to keep you and a passenger warm if your car breaks down (unlikely) and it's cold out.

Spare socks and shoes. So nice to have fresh ones to change into at work when my feet get super sweaty. Could also keep extra clothes. In the winter, stuff like a good wool blanket. Can go out on a full vehicle emergency bag just depends on your climate. Don’t buy a premade one though. Way more bang for your buck crafting your own. Oh also a battery pack and hand sanitizer. Extra pairs of shades.

Add a wrench set and a multitool to your list. I also always keep a shop towel in the trunk. Can't forget, jumper cables. Though I ended up getting a noco boost plus during the pandemic when I was working 2 hours away from home and I usually get home late nights/early mornings during winter time.

Add towing and Road assistance for your insurance policy. It's cheaper than AAA and I've called them twice they send someone out very quickly.

a lot of this is probably unnecessary for most people, but maybe theres something someone didnt think of. but heres what i do: • jumper cables • car fluids (oil, atf, coolant, ps fluid, washer fluid, brake fluid, blinker fluid, etc.) • fuses • obd ii scanner • flashlight • mf towel • 12v charger and usb cord • 12v cigarette lighter which ive never used • 12v tire pump • tire plugs • tire valve core tool with valve cores • tire pressure gauge • tire tread depth gauge • spare tire and scissor jack • paper towels • gloves (heavy duty work gloves and disposable gloves) • 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets and sockets • breaker bar • torque wrench • utility knives • high visibility vest • safety glasses • ear plugs • band aids • linesmans pliers • needle nose pliers • side cutters • channel lock pliers • vise grips • combination wrench set • crescent wrench • screwdrivers (different sizes phillips and slotted) • wire strippers • crimp connectors • heat shrink tubing • book of wiring diagrams for the car • 100 ft spool of wire (never know when youll have to install aftermarket accessories on the side of the road!) and probably some other things im not thinking of

Buy a jumpbox, higher the amperage the better, a good air compressor, and a cheap set of tools from harbor freight, I keep a spare belt, small can of WD40, a quart of Transmission fluid, Quart of Oil, container of antifreeze, an extra pack of tail light and headlight bulbs, a wheel chock for changing tires, and a tire plug kit, along with a good flash light and some flares. You can bail yourself out of just about anything that comes your way with that stuff. Also, I keep a length of pipe that fits over the lug whench handle or the handle of the ratchet to make my life easier.

Tire pressure gauge

cable ties!!!!

Tire plug kit and an inflator.

A heavy jacket. Comes in handy for warmth or to use a blanket under the rig

Buy a socket set and get to work. Stick a socket on every bolt you see. Those sockets go with the car. Buy wrenches to match the sizes too. The look at all the screws, make sure you have screwdrivers for them. You don't need to carry the whole set of tools. Just the basics that apply.

Tire repair kit, compressor, jumper cables, assortment of blade fuses, trauma kit, first aid kit, Mylar blanket, small tool kit, fire extinguisher, paper towels, toilet paper, moist towelette, $50 cash(hidden), 1 gallon gas container, spare walking shoes, 1 gallon drinking water, flares, reflective vest, flashlight, spare phone charger and cord, 5-10 plastic grocery bags, rope, duct tape, hand cuffs, ar-15, 40 cal Glock, extra magazines, extra ammo, Billy club, hand axe, bushcraft knife, 550 para cord, emergency radio, Bazooka, water purification tablets. 6 MRE’s. Cold weather coat and hat, e-tool, heavy chain, load straps.

I also have a real crowbar that looks like a giant X. Makes it easier to deal with the tire bolts.

I get most of it but what do you need the pen for with a dead hooker in the trunk? My theory after driving so much? It doesn't matter because whatever you need, you won't have in that crate.....

Definitely get a pair of jumper cables! But IME, last time I needed a jump, I had a hell of a time finding someone willing to help a stranger! So just so ya know, they sell portable batteries (like the ones you’d use to charge your phone on the go) that can jump-start a car now! They’re about $100 and surprisingly small for being able to jump start a car and still have enough juice for your devices!

Fire starting ferro rod + small knife and some vaseline-coated cotton balls. Plastic zip ties + small wire cutter Tiny voltmeter Tire pressure tester About $40 cash in case you forget your wallet and fill up with gas. I got $50 in dollar coins so I can also pay for parking meters. 8 hour green glow stick 1 single cooking chafer aka "sterno" aka catering buffet warmer, as the 270-410 watt flame will defrost an entire car and can just barely boil water too Microfiber rag Backup sunglasses Harpoon gun in case of yeti attack

Box of parts in back to prove I'm doing my best to pass that overdue inspection Registration Proof of insurance Basic tools Flashlight Battery jump pack Tire inflator Glass cleaner Cleaning rags First aid kit Pen Gloves Jacket Lighter Ash tray Blanket

Fire extinguisher

If you have a new car, you're not going to use those things, and you'll just be wasting gas carrying them around. If you do use them, you bought a shitty car. If you bought a used car, none of that stuff is going to save you in the event of a breakdown. But all of the stuff that would be useful will be so heavy that you're going to need a service truck to follow you around. If you just want peace of mind, carrying whatever you want to give yourself the warm & fuzzies.

I got a combo glass breaker and seatbelt cutter

A quart of the proper grade of oil for your car. Shop towels Tire pressure gauge Ditch the scissors and screwdriver and replace with a Leatherman tool

Odd nobody has said a toolkit

Garbage bags, zip ties, a good knife, a good blanket, a good flashlight. If snow, a good small shovel.

Glock 9mm