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Safety and breakdowns , On the road , Travel and everyday · Updated 2026-10-18

Car emergency kit checklist

You hope never to use an emergency kit, and that is exactly why it is easy to forget. A small, well-organised set of items in the boot can turn a long, risky wait into a minor delay. Some countries require certain items, such as a warning triangle, a reflective vest or a first-aid kit, and the exact rules differ by country, so check them with the competent authority and make sure yours are in date.

The essentials

These items are useful in almost every situation and for almost every car.

• Warning triangle and reflective vest: to make you and the car visible. Keep a vest within reach inside the cabin, not in the boot, so you can put it on before you get out.
• First-aid kit: check the contents and expiry dates once a year. Replace anything used.
• Torch with spare batteries: or a head torch that leaves both hands free.
• Fire extinguisher: a small one that suits vehicles, fixed where you can reach it, and checked according to its label. Only use it if it is safe, and never risk your life to save a car.
• Phone charger or power bank: a charged phone is the most important tool in a breakdown.
• Printed or saved contacts: assistance, insurer and family. Phones run out of charge or signal.

Tools and spares

• Spare wheel or repair kit: check the pressure of the spare regularly. See flat tyre and spare wheel.
• Jack and wheel brace: make sure they are in the car and that you know how to use them. A wheel lock key, if you have locking bolts, should be easy to find.
• Jump leads: good quality cables with thick wire. Learn the right order of connection; see how to jump-start safely.
• Tow rope or strap: a proper one, and know where your towing eye is.
• Spare bulbs and fuses: where it makes sense for your car. See wipers, lights and bulbs.
• Gloves and a rag: to keep hands clean and protected.
• Basic tools and cable ties: for small temporary fixes.

For brakes, airbags, the fuel system and high-voltage parts, the kit is not a substitute for a workshop. Call for help instead.

Fluids

• A small bottle of the correct engine oil for top-ups. See engine oil explained.
• Coolant or premixed coolant, in line with your manual.
• Washer fluid.
• Drinking water for the people in the car.

Comfort and survival

A breakdown can last hours, in the heat or the cold, and at night. A few cheap items make a big difference:

• A blanket or a warm layer, and a rain poncho.
• Some non-perishable food such as energy bars, replaced from time to time.
• Wet wipes and tissues.
• A small bag for rubbish.
• Sun protection and a hat for summer trips.

Seasonal extras

Winter needs an ice scraper, a snow brush, a small shovel, gloves and a hat, and de-icer for locks and windows. Depending on where you drive, snow chains or other traction aids may be required or useful; check the rules for your route. For more ideas, see winter driving tips and winter preparation. In summer, add extra water, a sun shade and a way to keep children and pets cool; see the summer heat checklist.

If you travel with children or pets

Add a few snacks, a change of clothes, wipes, any medicines they need, a toy or a book for the wait, and water for the animal with a bowl. Keep a spare child-restraint item, such as a belt guide, if your seat needs one. See child seat basics for tips.

Documents to carry

Rules differ by country, so check what you must carry at all times. In general, keep the car and insurance documents and your licence with you, and copies of key papers on your phone. For a trip abroad, ask your insurer what proof you need. Our guide to documents explains which papers belong to a car.

Where to keep the kit

• Use a small box or bag with a lid so items do not rattle around or fly forward in a crash.
• Do not put heavy tools loose in the cabin.
• Put items you need first, such as the vest and the torch, where you can reach them quickly.
• Set a yearly reminder to check expiry dates, batteries and tyre pressure of the spare. Keep the date in your logbook in My Garage.

What to remember

• Visibility first: vest, triangle and torch.
• Keep a charged phone, a power bank and key phone numbers.
• Check expiry dates and batteries once a year.
• Add seasonal items for winter and summer.
• A kit helps, but call a professional for anything dangerous.

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