Car Safety Kit Must Haves

Car Safety Kit

Updated March 2, 2016 . AmFam Team

Create a car safety kit and if you ever need it, you'll be happy to have it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

When your dreams take you on the road, you’ll feel prepared and even pampered if you’re carrying a top notch safety and first aid kit. Plus, you never know when someone needs a hero!

Here’s our list of remedies to help you travel in comfort.

Your Car Safety Kit Checklist

First aid kit. Pack aspirin or ibuprofen, adhesive and roller bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, aloe for burns, a breathing barrier, instant cold compress, nail clippers, scissors, tweezers and anti-allergy tablets.

Medical instructions. If you or a frequent passenger has specific medical conditions — such as severe allergies, heart conditions, diabetes or asthma — carry a spare dose or two of required medication, instructions and their doctors’ phone numbers.

Car breakdown kit. If you do have car troubles, a phone charger, flashlight, jumper cables, tire repair kit, duct tape, flares and emergency warning triangles can save the day.

Lip balm, hand sanitizer, moisture lotion, sunscreen. You never know where your adventure might take you or when you’ll want the comforts of home.

Blanket. Use it as a handy picnic seat or a snug pad for a cold bleacher — and it’s vital when treating a person in shock. Hint: Wool is handy because you can simply shake the dirt off from time to time.

Water and non-perishable food. Keep a gallon of water and snacks that you feel are car must-haves around to keep you comfortable while you wait for help.

A collapsible water bowl. Don’t forget your furry friends! Your pets will thank you if they’re stuck for even an hour, especially in the heat. Tucking a few healthy pet snacks in your kit can keep tails wagging, too.

Looking for other hints for a happier road trip? Discover our car emergency kit checklist to ready your car for any adventure. And don’t forget to contact your agent (Opens in a new tab) to make sure you have the right car coverage for your needs.

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