Roadside emergencies and car emergency kit

Plain guides for breakdowns, flat tires and the emergency kit every car should carry

A breakdown, a flat tire or a crash can happen to anyone, often at the worst time. This page brings together our guides on staying safe at the roadside, what to do right after a crash, fixing a flat or a dead battery, calling for help and building a car emergency kit.

Use the On this page menu to jump to a topic. If anyone is hurt or you are in danger, call 911.

If your car breaks down

Get off the road if you can, turn on your hazard lights and decide whether to stay in the car or get out. These guides also cover blowouts, skids, leaving the road and getting unstuck.

Start hereRoadside breakdown safety: what to do when your car breaks downHow to get out of traffic, stay visible, call for help and handle a flatRead the guideCar emergencies while driving: blowouts, brake failure and skidsHow to stay in control through blowouts, brake failure, a stuck gas pedal and skidsRead the guideRoadway departure safety: curves, drop offs and how to recover safelyHow to set your speed for curves and recover calmly when your wheels leave the pavementRead the guideSecondary crashes: why the danger grows every minute a wreck blocks the roadWhy blocked lanes breed more collisions and how to clear the road and stay safeRead the guideMove over laws by state: who's protected and what you must doWhich stopped vehicles are protected, when to move over or slow down and what penalties applyRead the guideTraction boards and sand: how to get unstuck from snow safely and avoid carbon monoxideCheck the scene, use boards and grit gently and know when to call for helpRead the guideTowing and labor coverage or a motor club: how to compare roadside helpCompare tow limits, payment, claim effects and safety before you are strandedRead the guide

Right after a crash

Follow a simple checklist to stay safe, help others and gather what you need for the police report and your claim.

If a crash just happened

Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Turn on your hazard lights. Move out of traffic only if it is safe, and get checked even if you feel fine.

Start hereWhat to do after a car accident: your free 12 step checklistSafety, injuries, photos, police reports and records after a crashSee the hubPost accident safety checklistWhat to do after a traffic accident? The simple steps that protect your safety, your health, and your future after a crashRead the guideAfter a crash: should you stay inside the car or get out?How to decide whether to stay buckled in or move to a safe spotRead the guideCan I drive home after a car accident? Two checks before you goHow to tell if you and your car are both fit to drive after a crashRead the guideWhat if the other driver refuses to cooperate after an accident?How to stay safe, stay calm and let the police handle a difficult driverRead the guideWhat to do after an accident involving several vehiclesHow to stay safe in a chain crash and record the impacts you rememberRead the guide

Flat tires and dead batteries

Know your spare, carry the right tools and learn what a repair kit or inflator can and can’t fix. A jump starter can get you going again.

Start hereSpare tire, jack and wheel tools: know your spare and change a flat safelyFind your tools, lift the car safely and know the limits of a compact spareRead the guideEmergency tire repair kits: which flats they fix and what to tell the tire shopUse a sealant or plug kit safely and protect your tire pressure sensorsRead the guidePortable tire inflators: when to use one, where to stop and what air can’t fixChoose the right inflator, add air safely and know when a tire needs real repairRead the guideTorque wrenches and lug nuts: tighten them right, recheck them and keep wheels onChoose the right tools, follow the tightening pattern and catch a loose wheel earlyRead the guideJump starters and jumper cables: choose and use them safely, even on hybrids and EVsWhere each clamp goes, why battery gas is dangerous and how to store a jump packRead the guideBattery testers and maintainers: how to test your battery and keep it ready for winterLearn to test a car battery, keep a parked car charged and jump start safelyRead the guide

Build your car emergency kit

A few well chosen items help you stay warm, be seen, treat injuries and get out of a damaged car. These guides explain what to buy and how to use it.

Start hereEmergency blankets, water and supplies: what to carry if you get stranded in your carChoose the right blankets, pack enough water and size your kit for every tripRead the guideCar first aid kit and gloves: what to pack, the training to match and scene safetyBuild a kit in layers, pick the right gloves and restock it on a scheduleRead the guideBleeding control kits and Stop the Bleed training: what is inside and when to actChoose a reliable kit, learn how tourniquets work and keep your skills readyRead the guideFlashlight or headlamp for your car kit: choose one, keep it working and aim it lowKeep batteries fresh, store the light in reach and use it safely after darkRead the guideReflective warning triangles: how to choose them, set them out and know when to skip themPick a triangle that meets the federal standard, set it out safely and care for itRead the guidePortable LED warning beacons: how they compare with flares and how to use them safelyPick a beacon set, place it without stepping into traffic and know the truck rulesRead the guideReflective vest for drivers: pick an ANSI class, keep it in reach and wear it rightWhat vest labels mean, where to store one and how to step out safelyRead the guideVehicle fire extinguishers: ratings, mounting and when to walk awayHow to read an extinguisher label, mount it securely and know when to get clearRead the guideSeat belt cutters and window escape tools: when they help and why some windows won’t breakHow to choose, mount and use an escape tool, and plan for water or fireRead the guideAutomated external defibrillators (AEDs): how they work, vehicle use, training and upkeepHow to use an AED, keep it ready in a vehicle and follow your state’s rulesRead the guide

Call for help

Set up your phone and car so help can find you, even with no cell signal. These guides cover crash detection, SOS buttons, satellite messengers and emergency ID.

Start hereSmartphone crash detection and medical ID: set them up before you need themHow to turn on emergency features, fill in a medical ID and prepare your contactsRead the guideAutomatic crash notification and SOS: how your car calls for help and how to check itLearn whether your car’s emergency call system is active and how to keep it workingRead the guideSatellite SOS for drivers: how to choose, set up and test an emergency deviceCompare phone SOS, messengers and beacons, then set one up and test it safelyRead the guideCar phone charger and power bank: keep your phone alive long enough to call for helpPick a tested power bank, store it safely and stretch your battery while you waitRead the guideEmergency ID tags for walkers, runners and riders: what responders look forWhich details belong on your tag, how to back it up and when to update itRead the guide

More to read

Want to read more? Browse every roadside emergency guide in our library, or check your car before a trip with our car care guides.

Browse roadside emergency guidesCar care and safety checks

These guides offer general education, not medical or mechanical advice. A first aid course helps you use your kit with confidence. In an emergency in the United States, call 911.

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Safe Driving Resource Center

Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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