Being proactive with regular car maintenance like checking tire pressure and oil levels is smart, but unexpected issues like flat tires or dead batteries can still happen. Having a well-equipped car emergency kit can significantly reduce stress and get you back on the road faster than waiting for roadside assistance. As car repair experts at carscanner.store, we’ve reviewed essential roadside emergency tools, focusing on reliability and effectiveness, to help you build the ultimate kit.
Tire-Pressure Gauge
Maintaining proper tire inflation is crucial for fuel efficiency and safe handling. Professionals recommend the Accu-Gauge 60 PSI for consistent accuracy. Photo: Caleigh Waldman
Accu-Gage RRA60X
Our Pick
The top choice of tire professionals for its accuracy and durability.
Buying Options
$20 from Amazon
Underinflated tires are a silent danger, gradually impacting fuel economy, accelerating tire wear, and compromising vehicle handling, especially in emergency maneuvers. Regular tire pressure checks, ideally monthly, are essential for safety and vehicle longevity. A quality tire-pressure gauge makes this task quick and straightforward.
Based on recommendations from multiple tire shops, the Accu-Gage RRA60X stands out as a top performer. Our tests confirm its accuracy and robustness. Unlike digital gauges, the Accu-Gauge relies on mechanical precision, eliminating battery dependency. While various configurations are available, we favor the version with a hose and straight chuck for user-friendliness during pressure checks. The inclusion of a rubber bumper on our preferred model adds extra durability against drops.
Scissor Jack
Torin T10152 Scissor Jack
Our Pick
A robust and stable upgrade from standard car jacks.
Buying Options
$22 from Amazon
$26 from Walmart
Factory-supplied car jacks are often designed for minimal space and weight, sacrificing ease of use and reliability. In challenging situations like soft ground, uneven surfaces, or low-light conditions, a more dependable jack is crucial. A high-quality scissor jack offers enhanced stability and reduces the risk of bending or collapsing, ensuring safer tire changes.
After evaluating numerous scissor jacks, the Torin T10152 Scissor Jack emerges as the superior choice. As a best-selling Amazon option, it weighs a solid 7.7 pounds, significantly more substantial than competitors. Its 1.5-ton lift capacity exceeds many alternatives and easily handles lifting a corner of most vehicles for tire changes. The broad 4.5-by-6-inch base significantly enhances stability, particularly on softer surfaces. Despite a maximum height of 15.4 inches, it collapses to a compact 3.7 inches for storage and features a long handle for improved leverage.
Always consult your car’s owner’s manual for proper jack point locations. Incorrect placement can damage your vehicle and create safety hazards. Engage the parking brake and ensure the car is in Park (automatic) or in gear (manual) to prevent rolling. Verify the jack base is on level ground and remains vertical throughout lifting to avoid slippage.
Lug Wrench
Gorilla Automotive 1721 Telescoping Power Wrench
Our Pick
A powerful wrench with an extendable handle for increased leverage.
Buying Options
$23 from Amazon
$24 from Walmart
Dealing with a flat tire is compounded by struggling with stubborn lug nuts, especially when using the flimsy wrench often provided with vehicles. Rust or overtightening by mechanics can make removal nearly impossible. The Gorilla Automotive 1721 Telescoping Power Wrench simplifies this task. Constructed from hardened steel, it distinguishes itself with a telescoping handle extending to 22 inches, providing exceptional leverage to loosen even the most resistant nuts. This added leverage can be the difference between a quick fix and being stranded. It retracts to 14 inches for convenient storage. Equipped with two double-sided, ½-inch-drive sockets, it fits all common lug nut sizes and includes a storage bag for organization. For vehicles with hubcaps, remember to include a flathead screwdriver for removal.
Foam Tire Sealant
Fix-A-Flat
Our Pick
A rapid emergency solution for flat tires.
Buying Options
$9 from Amazon(16 ounces)
$33 from Walmart(24 ounces)
$6 from The Home Depot(16 ounces)
While not a permanent fix for all flat tires, aerosol tire sealants are invaluable for temporary repairs caused by punctures like nails. They offer a quicker, easier alternative to changing a tire, particularly in hazardous locations. Fix-A-Flat is a widely recognized and effective option. Simply attach the hose to the tire valve stem, activate the trigger, and it dispenses sealant and air to partially inflate the tire. Remember to inflate the tire to the correct pressure with an inflator as soon as possible and seek a permanent repair or tire replacement within 100 miles. Choose the 16-ounce can for most cars and the 24-ounce for larger vehicles.
Tire Inflator
Viair 84P
The best tire inflator for all tire sizes
A fast, accurate, and durable portable air compressor.
Buying Options
$70 from Amazon
Tires naturally lose air pressure over time due to leaks, temperature changes, and permeation. Underinflation compromises handling, increases fuel consumption, and can lead to tire failure from overheating. A portable tire inflator provides a convenient and rapid solution for maintaining correct tire pressure.
Although previous top picks are discontinued, the Viair 84P remains a highly recommended, versatile inflator suitable for various tire sizes. Powered via a 12-volt car outlet, it’s ideal for roadside use. Its carrying case ensures easy storage. The robust motor delivers quicker inflation compared to many models, especially for larger tires. Long-term testing confirms Viair’s consistent performance and speed, crucial for addressing slow leaks promptly.
Portable Jump Starter: A Car Battery Diagnostic Tool for Emergencies
A portable jump starter is an essential car battery diagnostic tool in your emergency kit. It functions as a compact battery with jumper cables, offering a safer and simpler jump-start process than traditional jumper cables and another vehicle. Crucially, it empowers you to resolve a dead battery situation independently, without waiting for external assistance. Before jumping, consider using a car battery diagnostic tool to confirm the battery is indeed the issue and not a more complex electrical problem. While this article focuses on roadside emergency tools and not dedicated Car Battery Diagnostic Tool Review Wirecutter, understanding your battery’s health is paramount to preventing breakdowns.
Weego Jump Starter 44s
Staff-favorite jump starter
Compact, safe, and powerful enough for most cars and SUVs.
Buying Options
$70 from Amazon
$70 from Walmart
Wirecutter has consistently recommended Weego jump starters since their initial review guide in 2017. The Weego 44s is a favored updated model, offering comparable affordability to its predecessor, the 22s.
The Weego 44s is remarkably compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing under 12 ounces. Safety features, including reverse-polarity protection, prevent damage from incorrect battery connection, indicated by a red light and alarm.
Rated for gasoline engines up to 7 liters and diesel engines up to 3.5 liters, the Weego 44s can jump-start a broad spectrum of passenger vehicles. It charges from empty in about 2.5 hours via USB and retains charge for over a year in storage, though topping off every 3-6 months is recommended. With a lifespan of 3-5 years or 1,000 recharge cycles, it can provide multiple jump starts per charge, with battery life indicated by side lights.
While designed with safety features, lithium-ion batteries have temperature sensitivities. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures to prevent battery damage. Colder temperatures also demand more battery power for engine starts, emphasizing the importance of keeping jump starters fully charged in cold climates. For deeper car battery diagnostics, especially for recurring issues, consider consulting specialized car battery diagnostic tool reviews wirecutter and potentially investing in a dedicated battery tester for routine checks.
Jumper Cables
For those preferring traditional jumper cables, prioritize sufficient length and gauge for effective vehicle jump-starts.
Lifeline AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables
Our Pick
Long, durable, and high-current capacity for various vehicles, including SUVs.
Buying Options
$36 from Lowe’s
A dead battery, often caused by leaving lights on, is a common roadside issue. Jumper cables provide a quick solution when a Good Samaritan is available to assist. The Lifeline AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables are our top recommendation after analyzing numerous sets.
Thicker cables ensure efficient current transfer, and the AAA 6-gauge cables offer both ample length and thickness for most jump-start scenarios. Their 400-amp rating is suitable even for larger vehicles. A durable mesh storage bag is included for convenience.
The AAA Booster Cables feature user-friendly clamps that securely attach to various battery terminals, facilitating easy and powerful jump-starts. Photo: Caleigh Waldman
The standout feature of the AAA jumper cables is their clamp design – exceptionally user-friendly and robust. They easily connect to both standard top-mount and smaller side-terminal battery posts. For those unfamiliar with jump-starting, AAA provides a helpful diagram in the storage bag, and numerous online resources are available to guide you.
Duct Tape
Duck Brand Max Strength Duct Tape
Our Pick
Exceptionally strong, adhesive, flexible, and easy to tear cleanly.
Buying Options
$7 from Amazon
As popularized by MacGyver, duct tape is an incredibly versatile tool. Extensive testing of duct tapes led us to recommend Duck Max Strength as superior due to its optimal balance of strength, adhesion, and flexibility. It conforms well to irregular shapes, tears straight, and is ideal for temporary roadside repairs on both vehicle components and gear.
We’ve utilized duct tape for emergency radiator hose patches, securing loose wiring, and temporarily fixing trim. While not a permanent solution, it can provide enough of a fix to reach help or a safer repair location. Duct tape can even serve as a makeshift first-aid material in emergencies.
Having these essential items in your car emergency kit, including jump-starting capability which also acts as a basic car battery diagnostic tool in an emergency, can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re well-prepared for common roadside issues. Remember to regularly review and maintain your kit to ensure all items are in good working order.
