What to Keep in Your Vehicle

First Aid Kit

If you put your own emergency car kit together, make sure none of the items are in glass bottles or vials—put them in plastic containers with tight lids instead.

Use the suggested items below to build your own first-aid kit:

• Absorbent compress dressings
• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Adhesive cloth tape
• Antibiotic ointment packets
• Antiseptic wipe packets
• Packets of aspirin
• Blanket (space blanket)
• Breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• Instant cold compress
• Pair of non-latex gloves
• Hydrocortisone ointment packets
• Scissors
• Roller bandage
• Sterile gauze pads
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First-aid instruction booklet

Vehicle Tool Kit

A good vehicle tool kit includes:

• Screwdrivers—Phillips and flat head
• Pliers
• Set of good socket wrenches
• Duct tape
• Electrical wire tape
• Electrical wire spray
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Small fire extinguisher
• Jumper cables

Make sure there's a jack and a lug wrench in the vehicle and that the spare tire (if equipped with spare) is inflated to its proper pressure. See owner's manual for recommended tire pressure numbers.