This checklist is for drivers who want practical supplies for roadside trouble, severe weather, or a vehicle emergency. The picks cover a few different needs, from restoring power to getting unstuck, so consider what fits your vehicle and the routes you travel. Vehicle-specific fit matters throughout.
Get emergency and outdoor gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The sections move from powered equipment to traction and signaling, then to escape and recovery gear. Some entries name a product; traction boards and tow straps are advice-only slots without a specific pick. Check the listed model and intended use before buying.
Use the checklist to identify gaps, then confirm each item’s compatibility with your vehicle and the way you plan to use it. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure the equipment is accessible when packed. Practice safe handling before an emergency if the instructions call for it.
Portable Jump Starter
A portable jump starter can be useful when a vehicle battery leaves you unable to start the engine. The listed pick is the NOCO Boost GB150 3000A UltraSafe Jump Starter, Power Bank & LED Flash. Before choosing it, check that the unit is intended for your vehicle and that you understand its connection and charging instructions. A product name alone does not establish compatibility with every vehicle or battery setup.
A common mistake is treating a jump starter as a substitute for routine vehicle maintenance or assuming it will be ready whenever needed. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for charging, storage, and operating conditions, and keep the unit where it can be reached. Confirm that the included cables and connections suit your intended use. Review the instructions before an emergency, and follow their precautions when connecting or disconnecting the device.
What to look for:
- Compatibility with your vehicle and battery setup
- Clear connection and disconnection instructions
- Charging and storage guidance
- Accessible placement in the vehicle
- Included cables and connections for intended use
NOCO Boost GB150 3000A UltraSafe Jump Starter, Power Bank & LED Flashlight
The NOCO Boost GB150 is a compact, powerful lithium jump starter capable of delivering 3000 amps to start dead batteries in vehicles up to 9.0L gas and 7.0L diesel engines. It features UltraSafe technology for spark-proof and reverse polarity protection, along with a built-in power bank and LED flashlight, making it versatile for emergency and roadside use.
Pros:
- Powerful 3000A jump starting capability for large engines
- Includes a built-in power bank for charging devices
- Rugged, water and dust resistant IP65-rated housing
- Integrated LED flashlight with multiple modes
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at 7.5 pounds for portable use
- Price not specified in the data
- Requires 7 hours to fully recharge
Best for: Drivers seeking a dedicated jump starter
Not ideal for: Anyone who has not confirmed vehicle compatibility
Bottom line: Check the GB150’s instructions and vehicle compatibility before adding it to your emergency kit.
Tire Inflator
A tire inflator can help address low tire pressure while traveling, making it a practical roadside checklist item. The named pick is the DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Tire Inflator and Air Compressor (DCC020IB). Check the manufacturer’s specifications against your vehicle’s tire requirements and the way you expect to power the inflator. The product name does not establish which accessories or power source your particular setup will need.
Do not assume an inflator will fit every valve or that it can be used without checking the tire’s recommended pressure. Read the operating instructions, identify the pressure information for your vehicle, and confirm that the supplied or separately needed connections suit your tires. Consider where you will store the unit and how readily you can reach it. Verify power compatibility and practice using the controls in a safe setting before relying on it during a roadside stop.
What to look for:
- Compatibility with your vehicle’s tire requirements
- Power source and battery compatibility
- Suitable valve connection and accessories
- Clear pressure reading and operating instructions
- Storage space and access in your vehicle
DEWALT 20V MAX Portable Tire Inflator and Air Compressor (DCC020IB)
This portable inflator runs on a 20V MAX battery, 12V DC, or 110V AC power and supports both high-pressure inflation and high-volume inflation or deflation. It has a digital pressure gauge, automatic shutoff, an LED light, onboard accessory storage, and a threaded chuck; the battery, charger, and AC adapter are sold separately.
Pros:
- Supports three power sources
- Automatic shutoff and digital pressure gauge
- Inflates and deflates larger inflatables
- Includes LED light and onboard accessory storage
Cons:
- Battery, charger, and AC adapter are sold separately
Best for: Drivers adding an inflator to their kit
Not ideal for: Anyone who has not checked power and valve fit
Bottom line: Confirm the DCC020IB’s power setup, connections, and instructions match your needs.
Traction Boards
Traction boards are an advice-only entry in this checklist, with no specific product named. They are worth considering if getting a vehicle moving on a low-traction surface is part of the situation you are preparing for. The right choice depends on your vehicle and likely terrain, so compare board dimensions, rated use, and storage requirements with your setup.
A frequent buying mistake is choosing boards without considering whether they can be accessed and positioned safely when needed. Check the manufacturer’s directions for placement and recovery, and make sure the boards can be secured in your vehicle. Avoid relying on a board as a reason to attempt a recovery that exceeds the product guidance or your ability to do it safely. Read the use limits and consider practicing placement in a safe, controlled setting.
What to look for:
- Board dimensions that suit your vehicle
- Manufacturer-stated use limits
- Storage space and secure mounting
- Clear placement and recovery instructions
- A surface and use case that match your preparation needs
Emergency Road Flares
Emergency road flares are meant to help make a stopped vehicle more visible, but the supplied pick is Hooke Road Viper Flat Fender Flares for 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator JT, F. That product name identifies fender flares, not emergency road flares. It therefore does not fill the signaling slot in this checklist, and the listed vehicle fit should not be treated as evidence that it serves an emergency-lighting purpose.
For this slot, look for a signaling product expressly described for roadside emergency use and check its operating instructions, visibility guidance, and storage requirements. Consider how you would access and use it while stopped, following applicable safety guidance for your location. Do not assume that a similarly named or vehicle-specific accessory provides emergency signaling. Verify the product category and intended function before adding any item to this part of the kit.
What to look for:
- A product expressly intended for emergency roadside signaling
- Clear operating and placement instructions
- Visibility guidance for the intended use
- Storage that keeps the item accessible
- Instructions appropriate to your local road-safety guidance
Hooke Road Viper Flat Fender Flares for 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator JT, Front & Rea
This fender flare kit is designed for 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator JT models, providing wider, high-clearance coverage with a rugged steel construction. It features integrated LED turn signals and DRL lights, enhancing visibility and off-road durability.
Pros:
- Provides wider, high-clearance coverage for off-road tires
- Integrated LED lighting enhances safety and appearance
- Heavy-duty steel construction offers excellent durability
- Rust-resistant finish suitable for all weather conditions
Cons:
- Requires removal of factory rear flares for installation
- Installation may be complex for some users
- Designed specifically for certain Jeep Gladiator models
Best for: Drivers sourcing a dedicated signal
Not ideal for: Anyone expecting fender flares to act as flares
Bottom line: The named Hooke Road product is a fender flare, so choose a separate roadside signaling item.
Car Escape Tool
A car escape tool is intended to provide an option for specific vehicle escape situations. The listed pick is resqme The Original Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool, 2-in-1 Seatbel. The product name describes a keychain-style tool, but confirm the exact model, included functions, and manufacturer’s directions before purchase. Do not assume its fit or operation is the same across vehicle interiors or emergency scenarios.
A common mistake is buying a tool and then storing it somewhere difficult to reach. Consider how it will be secured within reach of the driver while avoiding placement that could interfere with normal driving or become a hazard. Read the instructions for intended use and limitations; do not improvise with the tool or assume it addresses every kind of entrapment. Accessible placement and familiarity with the directions are central to making this checklist item useful.
What to look for:
- Exact model and included functions
- Manufacturer’s use instructions and limitations
- Secure placement within reach of the driver
- Placement that does not interfere with driving
- A storage location all intended users can identify
resqme The Original Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool, 2-in-1 Seatbelt Cutter a
This compact emergency tool combines a razor-sharp seatbelt cutter and a stainless steel window breaker, designed for quick rescue in emergencies. Made in the USA, it is trusted by first responders and can be easily attached to a vehicle’s sun visor for immediate access.
Pros:
- Dual functionality as a seatbelt cutter and window breaker
- Made in the USA and trusted by emergency professionals
- Reusable and easy to attach to vehicle visor
Cons:
- Requires hand wash only
- Accessory clips sold separately
Best for: Drivers adding a compact escape tool
Not ideal for: Anyone who cannot secure it within reach
Bottom line: Confirm the exact resqme model and store it accessibly according to its instructions.
Tow Strap
A tow strap is an advice-only recovery item here, with no specific product named. If you consider carrying one, first confirm that the strap is intended for the recovery situation and vehicle you have in mind. Check the manufacturer’s stated limits and the attachment points on your vehicle. Vehicle recovery has real hazards, so a strap should not be treated as a general-purpose accessory.
A common mistake is choosing a strap without checking how it connects, what loads it is designed for, or whether the vehicle has suitable recovery points. Read all instructions and warnings, and do not attach a strap to an unapproved point. Consider whether you have the knowledge and safe conditions to use it; when in doubt, seek qualified roadside assistance. Fit and rated use should guide selection, along with storage that keeps the strap protected and available.
What to look for:
- Manufacturer-stated rated use and limits
- Compatibility with approved vehicle recovery points
- Suitable connections for the intended setup
- Clear recovery instructions and warnings
- Protected, accessible storage in the vehicle
Build the kit in an order that addresses your most immediate needs: first confirm the vehicle compatibility and readiness of any jump starter or inflator, then add recovery and signaling items suited to your routes. The road-flare slot needs a separate product because the listed Hooke Road item is a fender flare. Prioritize fit and function as you fill each gap.
You do not need to assemble everything at once. Check what you already carry, read the instructions for each item, and add supplies that make sense for your vehicle and travel. Keep the kit accessible and review it periodically so you know what is there and how to use it. A thoughtful checklist is a solid start.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
