Owning a car comes with numerous advantages, but it also entails responsibility. Drivers should be prepared for each trip and own a car first aid kit. Even though it isn’t compulsory by law, you will probably pay a certain fine if you don’t have one. But, most importantly, it can save lives.
Shopping for first aid kits can prove problematic since each kit comes with a long list of items. Of course, medications, cleansing wipes, and bandages are a must in every first aid kit, but what else should we have at hand in emergencies? Let’s take a closer look.
Top 3 Recommendations
Best First Aid Kits for Cars
First Aid Only 299-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
Pros
- Plenty of items
- Clear pockets
- Easy to store
Cons
- Too many items for a small case
First Aid Only 299-piece is one of the best first aid kits on the market. It contains 299 items that you can use to treat various minor injuries.
Items Included in the Kit
- Gauze roll
- Trauma pads
- Adhesive bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Burn cream
- First aid tape rolls
- Cotton-tipped applicators
- Antiseptics
- Alcohol wipes
- Cold pack
- Disposable thermometer
- Pain medications
Dimensions
9.25 x 2.88 x 7 inches
It comes in a soft-sided, compact case that will easily fit in the glove compartment, making it one of the best emergency kits for your car. It also includes a first aid guide, vinyl gloves, and an aluminized rescue blanket. The pockets inside are clear and can save precious time in emergencies.
Swiss Safe 120-Piece Professional First Aid Kit
Pros
- Fits anywhere
- Contains all essentials
- Outdoor survival items included
Cons
- No jumper cables and flares
You can use this car first aid kit at home, on a boat, and in your car. The kit’s case is sturdy, lightweight, and easily fits inside a backpack. Moreover, an 18-page first aid booklet will help you administer first aid during emergencies.
Items Included in the Kit
- Sting relief and alcohol prep pads
- Bandages
- Elastic bandage rolls
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- Face mask
- Gauze pads
- Cotton balls and tips
- First aid tape
- PVC gloves
- Metal tweezers
Items Included in the Survival Kit
- Sewing kit
- Fishing kit
- Hand saw
- Signaling mirror
- Safety pins
- Firestarter with a compass
Dimensions
9 x 3 x 6 inches
Unfortunately, this first aid car kit doesn’t include any burn cream or oil, and the survival items don’t include jumper cables and flares. If you don’t want to leave on a trip without these, you can always buy them separately. The manufacturer also has a refund policy, so you can always apply for one if you are unsatisfied with the product.
First Secure 90-Piece Emergency Roadside Kit
Pros
- Essential first aid kit items
- Includes roadside emergency items
- Long jumper and tow cables
Cons
- The air compressor could be better
This top-quality roadside emergency kit comes with a 90-piece set for your car and a 48-piece first aid kit. It’s the best car first aid kit to cover your automotive needs in any weather conditions. The car set comes in a blue nylon bag that can easily fit below your seat.
Items Included in the Kit
- Portable air compressor
- Aluminum jumper cables
- Reflective warning triangle
- Tire repair kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tow rope
- Glass breaker
- LED Headlamp with batteries
- Bungee cords
- Electrical tape
- Cable ties
- Work gloves
Items Included in the First Aid Kit
- Adhesive bandages
- Iodine prep pads
- Alcohol pads
- Gauze pads
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- PBT bandages
- Triangular bandage
- Elastic tourniquet
- Medical tape roll
- Cotton swabs
- Scissors
- Gloves
- Safety pins
Dimensions
14.25 x 4.75 x 11 inches
Another remarkable fact that adds this kit to the best car first aid kit list is that the jumper cables are 10 feet long. Moreover, the tow cable measures almost 12 feet and is rated at a break strength of 10,000 pounds. Even though there are better air compressors out there, the one from this kit can still help you repair your tire whether you are at home or on the road.
The first aid kit is packed in a compact red bag and can handle all kinds of minor injuries. It also includes an accident report and a warranty on its items. Like most car first aid kits, it has great value for money since it’s cheaper than buying everything individually.
Protect Life 200-Piece First Aid Kit
Pros
- For roadside and medical emergencies
- Guaranteed quality
- Well-organized items
Cons
- Lack of extra pockets
Protect Life offers another kit that isn’t restricted to roadside usage only. A team with an emergency safety background designed it in a modern FDA registered facility, so you can be sure the items are of the utmost quality.
Another great thing about this kit is that many items come with instructions or illustrations. In addition, there is plenty of space to store additional medication, so it’s a partly car first aid kit DIY.
Items Included in the Kit
- Adhesive bandages of different sizes and shapes
- Cotton tip applicators
- Abdominal pad
- Triangular bandages
- Disposable raincoat
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Whistle
- CPR face mask
- Emergency blanket
- Lightstick
- Carabiner
- Compass
Dimensions
7.8 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches
The best first aid kit consumer reports adore this kit’s item assortment. The instruments inside are well-organized to help you provide medical help when necessary. Additional empty pockets would be a great addition, though. Although not 100% waterproof, the case is made of durable and water-resistant material and can easily fit in a bag or a glove compartment.
Coleman Camping All-Purpose 205-PIece First Aid Kit
Pros
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Guaranteed quality
- Well-organized items
Cons
- Small case
While marketed as a camping first aid kit, it’s still an excellent set to keep in a car since it has all the essentials. It’s one of the automobile first aid kits mainly designed for longer trips and larger groups. Apart from camping, you should have it with you during heavier outdoor activities, such as hiking or travel.
Items Included in the Kit
- Plenty of latex-free bandages
- Antibiotic ointment packets
- Sting relief wipes
- Gauze
- Tweezers
- Razorblade
- Antiseptic wipes
- Instant cold pack
- Adhesive tape
- Gloves
- Safety pins
Dimensions
2.75 x 7.5 x 5.75 inches
Like other car first aid kits, the contents come with a semi-hard case that offers easy access. The items can cover various injuries and include plenty of bandages, which is helpful if you need to treat multiple cuts or bites. Unfortunately, it lacks roadside emergency tools since it isn’t designed primarily for cars.
Ready America 72-hour, 2-person Emergency Kit
Pros
- Emergency food and water
- Essential first aid items
- Well-organized items
Cons
- Average-quality backpack and contents
This vehicle first aid kit comes as a backpack. It’s designed for disaster preparedness and can sustain people for three days. The pack contains a first aid kit with 33 items, such as bandages, antiseptics, medications, butterfly wound closure, and more. In addition, there are food bars and water pouches to provide sustenance in any emergency.
Items Included in the Kit
- 33-piece first aid kit
- Two 2,400 calorie food bars
- Water pouches
- Emergency blankets
- Emergency ponchos
- Dust masks
- Pocket tissue
- Two pairs of Nitrile gloves
- Emergency whistle
- 12-hour lightsticks
Dimensions
20 x 12 x 12 inches
You can store the first aid kit in your car, office, or home, so it’s always within a hand’s reach. It includes 12 water pouches which have a five-year shelf life. The food bars won’t spoil in temperatures between -22ºF and 149ºF and also last for a long time. Moreover, they are Coast Guard-approved and cholesterol-free.
However, the kit has some disadvantages, too. The backpack is a little bulky and doesn’t seem very durable. Moreover, some items could be of better quality. If you need tools for roadside emergencies or packs with more items, you might consider other first aid kits for vehicles.
Be Smart Get Prepared 255-Piece First Aid Kit
Pros
- Perfect for trips to forests
- Plenty of first aid items in addition to essentials
- Items stored in labeled bags
Cons
- Low-quality band-aids
This kit meets the FDA Regulatory Standards as a Medical Device, and it’s perfect for outdoor activities and family travel. The items within the durable case are adequately organized to provide quick access. What’s more, it’s an ideal first aid kit for your car as it’s portable and fits easily below your seat. It also sports Easy Slide Latches that keep the contents safe. Moreover, finding it in the dark won’t be a problem due to its hi-visibility glow label.
Items Included in the Kit
- SILVEXTM Wound Gel
- Antiseptic and alcohol wipes
- Sting relief wipes
- Insect repellents
- Antibiotic ointments
- Antacid, Aspirin, and other tablets
- Burn creams
- Poison ivy wipe
- Instant cold compresses
- Bandages, pads, wraps
- Wood splints
- Safety pins
- Splinter removers
- Nitrile gloves
- Tweezers
Dimensions
9.5 x 10 x 3 inches
This 255-Piece set is the best first aid kit for hiking and woodland activities since it includes insect repellents, wood splints, and more. The contents are inside smaller plastic bags with labels on them. The set’s only disadvantage is that the band-aids might not stick well to the skin.
Thrive Auto Emergency Kit + First Aid Kit
Pros
- Lots of roadside emergency tools
- Grip gloves
- Sturdy carrying bag
Cons
- Not very compact
Thrive Auto Emergency Kit is the best car emergency kit to provide you with roadside assistance and survival accessories. It includes 42 auto emergency supplies and 62 first aid kit items. It also has a utility cutter and an ice scraper, tools that are rarely found in these types of kits. Another great feature is the grip gloves; you will be thanking the manufacturer for this car first aid kit if you ever catch yourself changing tires in cold and wet weather.
Items Included in the Car Kit
- 8-feet jumper cables
- Foldable triangle
- Distress help sign
- Safety hammer
- Ice scraper
- Screwdriver with seven bits
- Screwdriver with nine sockets
- Hand-powered flashlight
- Reflective safety vest
- Electric tape
- Bungee cords
- 16-yard yellow rope
- Zip ties
- Utility cutter
- Rain poncho
- Whistle
- Accident form
Items Included in the First Aid Kit
- Alcohol pads
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- Adhesive bandages
- Cotton buds
- Non-woven tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
Dimensions
12.6 x 6.8 x 5 inches
This vehicle first aid kit isn’t the most compact solution available, but it comes in a sturdy carrying bag made from 600D nylon. Its bulkiness is unavoidable since the set comes with plenty of roadside emergency tools.
M2 Basics 300-piece First Aid Kit
Pros
- First aid kit essentials
- Plenty of tools for outdoor activities
- Compact and lightweight case
Cons
- Low-quality band-aids
This outstanding 300-piece first aid kit has sterilization items that usually come with automotive first aid kits, such as alcohol and povidone-iodine prep wipes. It has 40 unique items, including a carabiner, a compass, a whistle, and an emergency blanket.
Items Included in the Kit
- Adhesive bandages of all sizes
- Triangular bandage
- Sponges and pads
- Medical tape and gauze rolls
- Prep and wound cleansing wipes
- Povidone-Iodine prep and sting relief pads
- Cotton tips
- CPR protective device
- Gloves
- Instant cold compress
- Mouth and nose protection
- Tourniquet
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Wood splints
- Carabiner
- Compass
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
Dimensions
9 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches
You can fit the M2 Basics first aid kit anywhere in your car since it’s packed in a compact and lightweight bag. Unfortunately, the bandages are not as adhesive as users might assume, which is a common issue with first aid kits. If you opt for this set, you may consider buying bandages separately.
Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit
Pros
- High-quality shears
- Detachable CPR kit
- MOLLE strapping system
Cons
- Lack of medication
This kit ranks among the top-quality first aid kits for trucks, cars, and other vehicles. The case is solid, durable, and has a MOLLE strapping system. You can remove the back panel and stick it to your vehicle carpeting to keep it from moving around. You can also use the bag’s strap or metal D rings to strap it elsewhere.
The organization inside the kit is excellent — all the items are divided into different panels. Upon opening, you will notice a mesh pocket labeled “personal.” Here you can place extra medication and other things.
Every other panel and pocket in this car first aid kit has colored labels. Black tags are for survival gear, the red ones are for first aid and medical items, and the blue and green ones are for hygiene and skin aid items.
Items Included in the First Aid Kit
- Bandages
- Triangular bandage
- Alcohol and antiseptic wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Cotton balls
- Personal laminate pouches
- CPR kit with nitrile gloves
- Splinter removal probes
- Safety pins
- 6-inch shears
- Tweezers
Items Included in the Survival Kit
- Multi-tool
- Signaling mirror
- Wire hand saw
- Premium knife
- Penlight
- Paracord survival bracelet
- Lightsticks
- Poncho
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
All the items are inside laminate pouches, which provide even better protection from water, making this one of the safest vehicle first aid kits. The pack also closes using a heavy-duty, two-way zipper. The CPR kit is detachable, so you don’t need to spend extra time accessing it in emergencies. The first aid kit has many items but lacks sterile dressings and other medication. Fortunately, there is extra space in the bag for additional items.
Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for Emergency Kits for Your Car
Whether you are looking for a general-purpose first aid kit or a specialized one for outdoor activities, each comes with essential first aid items. These include bandages, alcohol and cleansing wipes, tape rolls, pain tablets, antiseptics, and quality scissors. This top 10 list of medical kits should help you decide the best car first aid kit for your traveling purposes.
If you are planning a trek in the wilderness, consider buying a first aid kit that comes together with survival items such as emergency whistles and lightsticks. On the other hand, if you’re planning a long trip, you should check out those that include roadside emergency tools, such as tow ropes, jumper cables, and tire repair kits.
Always check whether the kit you buy doesn’t contain expired products. You can add extra items to reinforce your first aid kit for the road since you never know what you might need.
People Also Ask
What should go in a car first aid kit?
Every first aid kit’s first group of essentials would be bandages, cotton swabs, gauze, and adhesive tape. Next, you will need some antiseptics and pain-relieving medication, as well as tweezers, scissors, needles, and safety pins. Your kit should also have some face masks and synthetic gloves. Other items that can come in handy are emergency blankets, flashlights (and spare batteries), and drinkable water.
What is the best car emergency kit?
There is no straight answer to this question. However, you can judge which is the best for you by looking at the item list. For example, if you often travel long-distance to places that GPS doesn’t cover or go into the woods, you might want to equip yourself with a compass and an emergency blanket. You can also consider the sets that come with roadside emergency tools, including items such as jumper cables, tow rope, and tire repair kits.
Which first aid kit is the best?
In general, the best kits would include items for all kinds of situations. Each should contain essentials, such as bandages, gauzes, antiseptics, and alcohol wipes. However, the perfect first aid kit depends on your needs. If you can’t find one that suits you best, you can always assemble a first aid kit yourself or reinforce the one you bought with extra items.
Is it cheaper to buy a first aid kit or make your own?
This depends on your requirements and how much money you are willing to spend. Buying a pre-assembled kit is always a more affordable option since it will cost you more to buy all the items separately. However, keep in mind that the combined kits (with auto emergency and first aid kits) are always more costly than the standard ones. In the end, buying a car first aid kit and equipping it with additional items might be the most affordable solution.