The 14 Safety Products Every Driver Should Have in Their Car — Starting at Just $8

I’m on the road often — in fact, one year my parents gifted me a AAA membership. They knew I was about to take my 2006 Honda CRV, which had 200,000 miles on it, on a 2,000-mile round-trip journey to check out a new dog-friendly hotel for Travel + Leisure. Why didn’t I fly? My assistant, necessary for this assignment, was a 120-pound St. Bernard mix. Fortunately, I never had to call AAA, but it got me thinking about how I can be better prepared for road trips (and just driving in general).

I couldn’t afford to buy a new car, but I could definitely afford to invest in a car safety kit. Most pre-made kits cost less than $100, and they come with everything you need for most common car-related emergencies. Dead batteries, flat tires, and a busted fuel gauge: I’ve experienced all of these in the last six months alone! And while I did have to call a tow truck during an August getaway to Red Lodge, Montana (one of T+L’s candidates for America’s Best Small Towns), the items I had in my car kept me comfortable and safe as I waited. 

Of course, you can also shop a la carte, which is what I like to do. I find the quality of products in pre-made kits to be slightly inferior. That said, a pre-made kit is still much better than nothing. Whether you drive a beater like me or you drive a BMW, here are the best car safety kits and devices, including this travel writer-recommended safety tool, which you can find at Amazon.

Car Battery Jump Starter

If I had a dollar for every time I accidentally left my lights on and my battery died, I’d be able to buy a BMW. Super lightweight, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter isn’t cheap, but it’s a real lifesaver. Unlike jumper cables, which require another running car to be close by, this little guy (it weighs just eight ounces) can bring a dead battery back to life all on its own. With nearly 78,000 five-star ratings, it’s a No. 1 best-seller. More than 40,000 were sold in the last month alone! Unlike the prehistoric portable jump starter my parents have, this one can also charge your handheld devices, and it has a built-in LED flashlight. That checks off another thing you’ll need in your car safety kit. 

Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper

If you’re driving in a cold, wet climate, don’t forget to pack a handy ice scraper. As a teen running late for school, I foolishly didn’t take the time to fully clear my windshield of ice and snow. Not only is that super dangerous, but it’s also illegal. Fortunately, the Astro AI 27-inch Snow Brush and Detachable Ice Scraper combo is easy to use, and it detaches, unlike most brushes, for compact storage. It has more than 20,000 five-star ratings, and more than 30,000 were sold last month. It’s also ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Car Care. “I like that the brush does not have the scraper extended on the end, as some scraper/brushes do, as it allows me to brush snow under the rear wing and side view mirrors without the scraper getting in the way,” wrote one shopper who says it survived a winter in Tahoe. 

Retractable 4-in-1 Car Charger

In the case of an emergency, a dead phone may seem worse than having no phone. Fortunately, If your car still has a cigarette lighter, you’ll love this Glilavox four-in-one charger that includes two built-in retractable cables for both iPhone and Android as well as two USB ports. Unlike other chargers, it also pivots so you can point it in any direction within 180 degrees. While it has under 50 ratings (it debuted in November), more than 500 were sold in the last month. “Exactly what I needed in a car charging device,” wrote a driver who had grown tired of constantly swapping out cables and not being able to charge multiple devices at once.

Rechargeable Headlamp

When it’s winter and the sun sets early, you want to be prepared if a flat tire strikes in the dark. And in times like these, your camera phone flashlight just won’t cut it. That’s where a rechargeable headlamp like this one from Lighting Ever comes in handy — especially since it keeps your hands free in emergencies. It provides up to 30 hours of LED light and can project 500 feet into the distance, not to mention it’s waterproof and has an adjustable strap for a secure fit.

Emergency Blankets

Growing up in Montana, where subzero temperatures don’t keep us from going to church, work, or school, I was taught to always keep blankets in the car. On icy days, I ended up in the ditch on more than one occasion and had to wait, in the cold, for help. These Mart Cobra Emergency 4-pack Mylar Blankets are great because they’re super compact and weigh just two ounces. Most importantly, they’re designed to retain 90 percent of your body heat. They’re also tear-resistant and can be used to build a shelter, make an SOS signal, and even cook food (here’s how). “Even in 'comfortable' temperatures, these are a good way to fend off shock,” said one reviewer who explains how accident victims often go into shock, which can be deadly.

Keychain Car Escape Tool

The tiny Resqme Original Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool that’s small enough to fit in your shirt pocket was originally designed for first responders. Not only can it be used to cut your seatbelt (important if you get in an accident and can’t unbuckle), but it’s also capable of breaking your car windows. That’s essential if your doors won’t open. It has nearly 7,000 five-star ratings, and 10,000 were sold in the last month alone. In fact, more than 10 million people, in more than 45 countries, carry it. “For the price and for what you get, I would recommend this product,” wrote one shopper who spent three decades working as a first responder. Another shopper who used theirs to break into their house when they were locked out noted, “This little gadget helped me break the glass in a way that was quiet and neat so that I didn't have to make a mess.” 

Waterproof Duct Tape 

From bandaging wounds to reattaching torn-off tail lights, there’s not much duct tape can’t do. According to (probably) every dad and the National Safety Council, it should always be kept in the car. This best-selling (more than 7,000 rolls were sold in the last month) Gorilla All-weather Waterproof Duct Tape is great because it’s waterproof and weatherproof. It has more than 15,500 five-star ratings, and many shoppers rave about how well it works for car-tastrophes. “I put the tape on there once almost two months ago and haven't had to re-tape it as of yet,” wrote one driver who used it to hold their broken bumper in place while waiting to get it repaired. Another driver has been using it for two years to fix their leaky sunroof.

Yeti Roadie Cooler

My dad is a type 1 diabetic, so it’s always an emergency when he has low blood sugar. But even non-diabetic folks can make rash decisions while hangry. That’s why I always have my Yeti Roadie Cooler stocked with snacks and water. At $250, it’s an investment, but it’s a lot cheaper than the $800 I once had to pay a mechanic to clean a mouse nest out of my car when I left my snacks in a tote bag they could eat their way into. (Don’t ask me how the mice got in the car, but they did!) Plus, it’s designed for vehicles, so it can easily fit between the seats. It also has a quick latch, so you can open it with just one hand. “Far beyond my expectations” is the title of one review left by a driver who used theirs to keep raw pet food frozen during a 12-hour road trip.

Digital Air Compressor 

If you just need the air compressor, consider this Carsun digital model which uses your car’s 12V power outlet. It also has a 12-foot-long power cord and a built-in tire pressure gauge. With the auto shut-off feature, you don’t need to worry about over-inflating. While it’s not suitable for trucks or large SUVs, you can also use it to inflate air mattresses, inflatable watercraft, and even balls. It has nearly 7,300 five-star ratings including one left by an 80-year-old woman who says she finds comfort in knowing she can use it all by herself. 

First Aid Kit

If you just need a first aid kit as opposed to an all-in-one road side assistance kit stocked with first aid and safety products, you can’t go wrong with this compact best-seller (it has a 4.7-star average rating from nearly 10,000 ratings) that includes 273 pieces, including an instant ice pack which requires no ice. Despite all its contents packed in a sturdy waterproof case, it weighs less than a pound. “It fits perfectly in the trunk of my car without taking up much space, and the durable zipper ensures that the contents remain secure and protected,” commented one shopper who called it a “must-have companion for every road trip.”  

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Forget what you see in the movies. According to the National Fire Protection Association, car fires are rare. Still, more than 100,000 occur every year, and it’s smart to keep this portable fire extinguisher in your glove box. Despite weighing just two pounds and only being 11 inches long, it has 32 seconds of continuous spraying, and it works on all types of fires. “I was amazed at how quickly it put out the flames,” wrote one shopper who had to use theirs on a grease fire. Note: it does have a shelf life of four years, so make sure to check the expiration date periodically. It also can’t be stored in extreme temperatures. 

Cell Phone Signal Booster

Cell phone coverage is a lot better than it was in 1973 when the first mobile phone was used. But there are still plenty of dead spots, including national parks, across the country. If you’re worried about not having service in the event of an emergency, consider investing in the WeBoost Drive Reach Cell Phone Signal Booster, which is compatible with all U.S. cell phone service carriers. It uses small antennas, which you mount inside and outside of your car, to reach the nearest towers and provide you 5G service in even the most remote areas. Sure, it’s expensive, and your car has to be on for it to work, but it’s easy to install and one shopper who used it on two cross-country trips wrote, “Really helped to keep me connected…I could remote work, fast enough for VPN and zoom calls.” 

Wireless Baby Car Mirror  

Parents swear by the Shynerk Baby Car Mirror that lets them see their kids, especially babies in back-facing car seats, while they’re driving. It even has night vision, so you can see what they’re up to in the dark. Simply attach the camera to the backseat (or the back of your driver’s seat), and mount the 4.3-inch LCD display on your dashboard. It has more than 16,200 five-star ratings, and one titled “Not sure how I lived without it” reads: “I can see our baby so much more clearly, which has drastically improved car rides for both of us. We use baby signs and now I can actually see when he’s asking for something and can respond back to him which has drastically improved his behavior in the car.”

All-in-one Car Safety Kits

If you’re not into the idea of buying individual items, why not purchase a comprehensive kit that includes most safety products you’ll need in one go? All of the items in the 108-piece Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit were handpicked by experts. Most notably, it comes with a digital tire inflator that can bring a deflated tire back to life (or at least to drivable) in seconds. Its 12-foot-long jumper cables are also longer than the standard six-foot jumper cables, which comes in handy when you’re in a tight parking spot and your jumper has to jockey for position. More than 4,000 were sold in the last month, and it’s currently ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers: Automotive Safety Kits.

Want to compare options? While the First Secure 90-Piece Car Emergency Roadside & First Aid Kit is slightly more expensive than other all-in-one car emergency kits, it does have one of the most robust first aid kits. And unlike other kits that include flashlights, this one includes a headlamp which is a lot more useful since it frees up your hands. It also includes an air compressor, nine-piece multitool tire repair kit, and a tow rope capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs. That’s enough to tow a Ford F150. “Best investment ever,” exclaimed one shopper who had to use it to fix a flat tire within weeks of buying it. 

If you’re searching for something a bit more affordable, don’t underestimate the Lianxin Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit just because it costs less than $50. It comes with a whopping 142 pieces including a rain poncho, toolbox, snow shovel, gloves, and jumper cables. And unlike more basic kits, it comes with a towing rope. That said, it doesn’t have medical supplies, so you’ll still need to source a travel-friendly first-aid kit — but you’ve got a great start.

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