We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. There are few feelings worse than being stuck on the side of the road. If you have one of these car emergency kits tucked away in your trunk or back seat, though, you’ll be prepared for anything, including performing rudimentary first aid after an accident. Hopefully, you’ll have no need for this equipment, but it could prove to be a literal lifesaver if things take an unfortunate turn. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
10. Be Smart Get Prepared
The Be Smart Get Prepared can slide under your seats or into a pouch behind one, so you’ll be ready to deal with an emergency without it being in your way in the meantime. There’s a wall-mountable bracket for hanging it, too, if you want to stash one in the garage.
- Pieces are all neatly organized
- Rugged plastic case can handle abuse
- Bandages don’t stick to skin well
| Brand | Be Smart Get Prepared |
|---|---|
| Model | 10HBC01113 |
| Weight | 2.5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
9. TRScind SOS
Campers should stash the TRScind SOS in their trunks, as it could prove to be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded out in the boonies. There’s no medical gear or auto parts, but it has everything you need for starting a fire and staying warm when the sun goes down.
- Tactical pen can smash windows
- Quality survival knife
- Compass is unreliable
| Brand | TRSCIND |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 |
8. GetReadyNow Personal
The waterproof bag that the GetReadyNow Personal comes in is stuffed to the gills with emergency gear, such as multiple LED lights, a dust mask, and toilet paper. Even better, the sack is made of clear plastic, so you can find what you need quickly when speed is critical.
- Doubles as earthquake prep bag
- Includes food rations
- More expensive than other options
| Brand | GetReadyNow |
|---|---|
| Model | VEP101A-1 |
| Weight | 7.1 pounds |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
7. Secureguard Roadside
The Secureguard Roadside is a versatile selection, with an fair amount of both medical supplies and auto parts. The variety of tools is impressive, and this bag could even replace a basic toolbox, saving you some cash, not to mention trunk space.
- Comes with spare fuses and pliers
- Durable neon bag
- Pieces are all awkwardly small
| Brand | Secureguard |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 5.1 pounds |
| Rating | 3.6 / 5.0 |
6. Cartman Roadside
While the name may bring up associations with “South Park,” there’s nothing funny about the Cartman Roadside. There’s a seriously-thick tow rope, durable gloves, and a warning triangle, so you’ll survive a breakdown, which is more than can be said for Kenny.
- Coated booster cables prevent sparks
- Pieces are all high-quality
- Hard to put items back in box
| Brand | CARTMAN |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
5. Always Prepared Light & Small
You can pop the Always Prepared Light ; Small in your glove compartment and rest assured that you’ll be ready for any situation you encounter. It boasts a variety of bandages, alcohol pads, and butterfly strips, as well as a sewing kit and a safety whistle.
- Includes seatbelt cutter
- Good for stopping bleeding
- Doesn’t contain antibiotic ointment
| Brand | Always Prepared® |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
4. Protect Life
You won’t get any repair or maintenance gear in this one from Protect Life, but if you need medical assistance, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option. All the essentials are here, plus things you might not have thought about, like a CPR mask.
- Comfortable blanket
- Versatile ice pack
- Can be restocked easily
| Brand | Protect Life |
|---|---|
| Model | PLFAK |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
3. GearTop Premium
There’s a reflective vest in the 66-piece GearTop Premium, so you’ll be less likely to get hit by a car while you’re fixing a flat. The flashlight is hand-charged, ensuring you never have to worry about changing that tire in the dark due to dead batteries.
- Handy multi-tool
- One-size-fits-most gloves
- Good value for the price
| Brand | GearTOP |
|---|---|
| Model | 1006 |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
2. AAA Lifeline
Backed by one of the most trusted names in roadside assistance, the AAA Lifeline comes packed with heavy-duty gear, including jumper cables, a flashlight, and an emergency poncho, so if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road, you won’t be there for long.
- Convenient 2-in-1 screwdriver
- Room in case to add more items
- Includes accident forms
| Brand | Lifeline |
|---|---|
| Model | 4003508 |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
1. AutoClubHero Roadside
You get the essentials in the AutoClubHero Roadside, such as gauze, tape and ointment, but there’s lots of other goodies inside as well. You’ll find everything from a tow rope to a snow scraper, ensuring you’re as prepared for auto emergencies as bodily ones.
- Bright led headlamp
- Comes with a survival guide
- Pieces are logically organized
| Brand | AutoClubHero |
|---|---|
| Model | VESK0216 |
| Weight | 15 pounds |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 |