Driving a vehicle comes with a fair amount of danger and a hefty load of responsibility. Accidents happen, and when they do, it is important to be prepared. From flares to blankets, flashlights and extra batteries, high-calorie foods to bottled water, it never hurts to be too prepared. That's what we love about building up an emergency kit for our vehicles — they can quite literally save a life. It can be pricey to piece out your own kit, not to mention time-consuming. Though most kits don't come with everything you need, they all are a great starting point. The ones we've featured below are all excellent roadside emergency kits in their own right, and with a few added must-haves, they'll all serve well when you need them most. Lianxin Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit Always PreparedWith this roadside emergency kit, you'll be prepared for virtually any roadside hazard you could encounter. Best OverallFind on Amazon Because you can never quite tell what you’re going to need for a roadside emergency, it’s best to cover all of your bases with a comprehensive tool kit. This one does just that, with a vast assortment of essential tools that’ll serve just about any roadside emergency imaginable. With a shovel, jumper cables, seat belt cutter, and more, this kit even includes the smallest details, like a compass, raincoat, and adhesive tape, among other small-but-mighty extras. Altogether, it fits in the backseat or trunk as a small, compact kit. Pros: Comes with a basic tool kit Also includes a sturdy jumper cable set Lightweight and compact, so it fits in small compartment areas Cons: The jumper cables could stand to be a few feet longer Packing the kit back up is a bit tricky — it’s designed to have a very snug fit Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit Premium Quality, Compact DesignWith premium-quality materials included, this compact kit fits under your seat. Most CompactFind on Amazon From one of the most trusted safety brands in travel, this premium road kit provides both peace of mind and a little bit of everything you’ll need to get yourself out of a bind. Including a durable poncho, heavy-duty booster cables, and 24 pieces of first-aid supplies, this kit is a solid choice for a standard kit that provides premium quality. When they’re not in use, all of the pieces fit safe and sound inside the included storage bag, which is small enough to fit tucked on your vehicle’s floor or in the trunk. This makes it one of the most compact kits on the market. Pros: Bag is roomy enough to add a few extra supplies Includes emergency light, road triangles, and more Includes 15 individual pieces of emergency supplies Cons: The included bag would benefit from a tougher construction This is a more basic car kit – add in some extra supplies to round it out Haiphaik Multipurpose Emergency Roadside Toolkit Safety First This kit has all of the essentials and more. Also GreatFind on Amazon One of the issues we keep coming across with emergency kits is the size of the jumper cables. Because of the logistics of jumping a dead battery from another vehicle, it’s important to find cables that are long enough. If they’re too short, you can end up not having enough length to reach. Although there are many other reasons why this kit is a great option, the nearly 12-foot-long jumper cables are a big point in this kit’s favor. We also love the shovel, sturdy axe, and durable tool kit as well, among other must-haves. Pros: Includes tire repair kit, traction ropes, an axe, tool kit, and more Lightweight and compact enough to fit in small storage spaces Includes a multifunctional shovel unit Cons: Does not include a first aid kit Does not include a hazard jacket First Secure Emergency Roadside Kit Defender Series All-Inclusive This all-inclusive, comprehensive roadside emergency kit has it all.Most Comprehensive Find on Amazon This comprehensive emergency car kit has all of the typical safety features — including flares, straps, and tools — as well as a tire repair kit. The latter includes both a tire pressure gauge and an air compressor, and since flat tires are a pretty common occurrence in terms of emergencies, this is a game-changer. Other must-have tools include a window-breaker, heavy-duty tow rope, and 10-foot-long jumper cables. Pros: Comes in a carrying bag with a convenient handle All included tools are compact in size Cons: Compressor gets power from a cigarette lighter (DC source), so if your vehicle doesn’t have one, you’re out of luck This kit does not include a flashlight Lifeline Severe Weather Emergency Road Safety Kit Ice Ice BabyWhen you're fully prepared, no weather is bad weather. Best for Cold WeatherFind on Amazon When colder weather hits, it’s important to stock your vehicle with a few essentials. Mainly, this means a snow shovel, an ice scraper, and warm gear. This kit has all of that and then some. Including hand warmers, a survival blanket, and candles, to name a few, this kit comes with enough gear to guide you through some harrowing cold-weather situations should you ever find yourself in need. While icy, severe weather driving does require a little extra equipment — even beyond what this kit includes — this is a fantastic start for peace of mind when you need it the most. Pros: Includes accident care tip sheet 66 safety components for optimal cold weather safety Includes bandages, gauze, and other first-aid essentials Cons: The ice scraper isn’t the toughest Doesn’t include flares Frequently Asked Questions What should I have as part of a roadside emergency kit? The more you include in your emergency kit, the better that you’ll be prepared, but even having just a few key pieces can save you in a bind. Jumper cables, coolant, a tire repair kit, a flashlight, a basic tool kit, and a warm blanket are all key. In addition to these items, a quality first-aid kit is important, as well. It’s a good idea to pack food, water, and multiple flares, too. What type of cold-weather items do I need to add to my emergency kit? In addition to all of the above, make sure you have dry mittens or gloves, a warm hat, an ice scraper, sand or litter, a durable shovel, and high-calorie foods. 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