After spending seven years working as a technician and more than 15 years wrenching on my own cars, I’ve learned that problems rarely happen at a convenient time. They show up on road trips, late at night, or miles away from the nearest parts store. That’s why I’ve always kept a small collection of tools and essentials in the trunk of my car or under the backseat of my truck. It’s not about preparing for worst-case scenarios, but about having just enough on hand to handle the most common issues without getting stranded.
In addition to the mechanic must-haves I think everyone should have, there are a handful of items that always make the cut for road trips. The items on this list are all available at Amazon and are some of what I bring with me to this day. They’re practical, compact, and capable of solving a surprising number of real-world problems, from dead batteries to flat tires and minor repairs. The goal is simple. Be prepared without overpacking. Hopefully, you never need any of it, but if you do, you’ll be very glad it’s there. Here are my five road trip essentials.
A solid flashlight is something I never leave behind, and these flashlights are perfect for tossing in the trunk. Whether you’re checking under the hood at night or dealing with a roadside issue, having multiple light modes and long battery life makes a huge difference. I’ve used lights like this countless times when visibility is the biggest challenge.
48% OffTire pressure issues are one of the most common road trip problems, which is why a tire inflator is a must. It’s compact, fast, and easy to use, so you can top off a low tire in minutes without hunting down a gas station. That alone can save you a ton of stress when you’re miles from anywhere.
If you do pick up a nail or screw, this tire repair kit can be a trip-saver. I’ve used plug kits like this to get back on the road without needing a tow, and when you pair it with the inflator above, you’ve got a complete roadside tire solution that fits in a small bag. Note that technically these repair kits are not considered a permanent repair, so if you have a puncture, this can get you back on the road, but it’s always a good idea to head to a tire shop for a full repair.
Top SellerA dead battery can end a trip fast, which is why I always carry a car battery jump starter. It’s compact but powerful enough to fire up most vehicles without needing another car. I’ve relied on jump starters like this more times than I can count, especially in cold weather or after leaving the lights on.
Audience FavoriteFor quick fixes and small repairs, this 46-piece socket set earns its spot in my trunk. It’s compact but versatile enough to handle loose battery terminals, small bolts, or minor adjustments on the road. You don’t need a full toolbox, just something reliable that covers the basics when something works itself loose. For some makes and models, it’s nearly impossible to get a socket wrench onto a battery terminal or other small areas, so you might want to throw a small set of ratcheting wrenches in your trunk too just to be safe!
Top SellerFinally, an OBD2 diagnostic scan tool is one of the easiest ways to take the guesswork out of a check engine light. Instead of panicking, you can plug it in and see what’s going on in seconds. Even if it’s something minor, having that info on a road trip gives you a lot more confidence about whether to keep driving or not.
Shop More Deals on Road Trip Gear
- Horusdy 12-Piece Wrench Set, $18 (was $20) at Amazon
- MaxxHaul Rubber Wheel Chocks, $23 (was $30) at Amazon
- Lisen Retractable Car Charger, $16 (was $25) at Amazon
Deals We're Loving Right Now
Shop these editor-approved discounts.
About the author
Andrew Koopman
Commerce Writer, Autoblog