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Car finance ›
Essential items for your car emergency kit
Updated: Tuesday, 5 September 2023
No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a breakdown or unexpected emergency, however, accidents happen and being prepared can make all the difference. Meet the car emergency kit – your trusty companion in times of trouble.
What is a car emergency kit?
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to build your car emergency kit, making sure that you’re armed with everything you need to handle any situation, from a punctured tyre and dead battery to extreme weather conditions. So, get ready to hit the road with peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected, at home or abroad. In short, here’s our essential items for your car emergency kit:
No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a breakdown or unexpected emergency, however, accidents happen and being prepared can make all the difference. Meet the car emergency kit – your trusty companion in times of trouble.
What is a car emergency kit?
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to build your car emergency kit, making sure that you’re armed with everything you need to handle any situation, from a punctured tyre and dead battery to extreme weather conditions. So, get ready to hit the road with peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected, at home or abroad. In short, here’s our essential items for your car emergency kit:
- Torch and spare batteries
- Power pack and charger cables
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- A fuel can
- Battery jump leads
- Hi-vis jacket and waterproof jacket
- Water and snacks
- Warning triangle
- Tyre inflator
- Tow rope
- Locking wheel nut key
- Spare tyre (if not, puncture repair kit)
A good start could be to purchase a breakdown and car emergency kit from a reputable supplier such as Halfords, and then add any missing bits you don’t already own to it yourself.
- Torch and spare batteries
- Power pack and charger cables
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- A fuel can
- Battery jump leads
- Hi-vis jacket and waterproof jacket
- Water and snacks
- Warning triangle
- Tyre inflator
- Tow rope
- Locking wheel nut key
- Spare tyre (if not, puncture repair kit)
A good start could be to purchase a breakdown and car emergency kit from a reputable supplier such as Halfords, and then add any missing bits you don’t already own to it yourself.
1. Torch and spare batteries
Breaking down in the dark can be a scary thought for some of us. Which is why we’d always recommend keeping a torch and some spare batteries in your car emergency kit, just in case. Let’s be honest, whether it’s summer or winter, a torch is handy to keep in your car emergency kit all year round. You could also look into a wind-up torch in case the batteries stop working.
2. Power pack and charger cables
Most of us already have one of these in our car as we often feel lost when our phones die. However, this is an absolute must for your car emergency kit. Not only is it a lifeline if you get stuck in poor weather conditions (such as ice, snow or rain), but you can also use your phone as a torch should your actual torch not work.
We would always advise keeping a spare torch in your emergency car kit in case though, as using the torch on your phone can use up your battery very quickly.
3. Sunglasses
We advise keeping sunglasses as part of your emergency car kit all year round to make sure your vision is never affected, even in the winter when the sun is low. But, rather than storing them in your emergency car kit, keep them in easy reach so that they can be grabbed quickly when needed.
4. First aid kit
A first aid kit is a must-have item for any car emergency kit. You can pick up a prepacked kit with all the essentials, or build your own, just ensure it has all the things you’d need to treat minor cuts, wounds and scrapes, such as sterile wipes, plasters, dressings and scissors. If you’re looking for a prepacked kit, we recommend St John Ambulance’s first aid kit.
5. A fuel can
A fuel can is great essential to your car emergency kit. A lot of vehicles often break down for running out of fuel, but if you have an empty fuel can then you’ll be able to sort the issue out for yourself. If you can’t find a petrol station nearby, or you think it might be too dangerous to find one, then call your breakdown cover providers and they’ll be able to help.
6. Battery jump leads
Sometimes your car just won’t start. This can happen to cars with an older battery, but also to cars with a lot of gadgets running off them. If a car has lots of gadgets on, i.e. heated seats, infotainment system and moving the electric seats, then the battery is going to run out quickly on shorter journeys where it’s not had a chance to charge. So, it’s essential your car emergency kit includes jump leads, just in case you get caught short.
1. Torch and spare batteries
Breaking down in the dark can be a scary thought for some of us. Which is why we’d always recommend keeping a torch and some spare batteries in your car emergency kit, just in case. Let’s be honest, whether it’s summer or winter, a torch is handy to keep in your car emergency kit all year round. You could also look into a wind-up torch in case the batteries stop working.
2. Power pack and charger cables
Most of us already have one of these in our car as we often feel lost when our phones die. However, this is an absolute must for your car emergency kit. Not only is it a lifeline if you get stuck in poor weather conditions (such as ice, snow or rain), but you can also use your phone as a torch should your actual torch not work.
We would always advise keeping a spare torch in your emergency car kit in case though, as using the torch on your phone can use up your battery very quickly.
3. Sunglasses
We advise keeping sunglasses as part of your emergency car kit all year round to make sure your vision is never affected, even in the winter when the sun is low. But, rather than storing them in your emergency car kit, keep them in easy reach so that they can be grabbed quickly when needed.
4. First aid kit
A first aid kit is a must-have item for any car emergency kit. You can pick up a prepacked kit with all the essentials, or build your own, just ensure it has all the things you’d need to treat minor cuts, wounds and scrapes, such as sterile wipes, plasters, dressings and scissors. If you’re looking for a prepacked kit, we recommend St John Ambulance’s first aid kit.
5. A fuel can
A fuel can is great essential to your car emergency kit. A lot of vehicles often break down for running out of fuel, but if you have an empty fuel can then you’ll be able to sort the issue out for yourself. If you can’t find a petrol station nearby, or you think it might be too dangerous to find one, then call your breakdown cover providers and they’ll be able to help.
6. Battery jump leads
Sometimes your car just won’t start. This can happen to cars with an older battery, but also to cars with a lot of gadgets running off them. If a car has lots of gadgets on, i.e. heated seats, infotainment system and moving the electric seats, then the battery is going to run out quickly on shorter journeys where it’s not had a chance to charge. So, it’s essential your car emergency kit includes jump leads, just in case you get caught short.
7. Hi-vis jacket and waterproof jacket
A must for the car emergency kit. If you break down or need to change a tyre in the dark, then a hi-vis jacket is vital. It will keep you seen and most importantly safe, whilst a waterproof jacket will keep you dry in poor weather conditions.
8. Water and snacks
Make sure you always have a few bottles of water and some long-lasting snacks in your breakdown emergency kit. If you get stuck out in the dark and cold at least you can remain hydrated and not too hungry.
9. Warning triangle
7. Hi-vis jacket and waterproof jacket
A must for the car emergency kit. If you break down or need to change a tyre in the dark, then a hi-vis jacket is vital. It will keep you seen and most importantly safe, whilst a waterproof jacket will keep you dry in poor weather conditions.
8. Water and snacks
Make sure you always have a few bottles of water and some long-lasting snacks in your breakdown emergency kit. If you get stuck out in the dark and cold at least you can remain hydrated and not too hungry.
9. Warning triangle
Designed to warn road users of a breakdown or hazard, a warning triangle is an essential part of your breakdown emergency kit. Not only does this vital car kit essential keep other road users safe, but any of your passengers who may be standing on the side of the road. It’s also important to understand what to do if you do breakdown.
10. Tyre inflator
Having properly inflated tyres is crucial to road safety. By adding a tyre inflator to your car emergency kit, you can check your tyre pressure and top up on the go. Not only does keeping your tyre pressure at recommended levels save you fuel, it also aids in reducing emissions, prevents you from further damaging your tyres, and ensures your car handles and stops as it should.
Designed to warn road users of a breakdown or hazard, a warning triangle is an essential part of your breakdown emergency kit. Not only does this vital car kit essential keep other road users safe, but any of your passengers who may be standing on the side of the road. It’s also important to understand what to do if you do breakdown.
10. Tyre inflator
Having properly inflated tyres is crucial to road safety. By adding a tyre inflator to your car emergency kit, you can check your tyre pressure and top up on the go. Not only does keeping your tyre pressure at recommended levels save you fuel, it also aids in reducing emissions, prevents you from further damaging your tyres, and ensures your car handles and stops as it should.
11. Tow rope
A tow rope is a great addition to your breakdown emergency kit, and can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident as it can be used to lift or pull your vehicle (or others) out of a sticky situation.
12. Locking wheel nut key
Your car’s locking wheel nut key is an important part of your car emergency kit, and it’s vital it’s kept safe and secure in your car. Without your specific locking wheel nut key, you would be unable to change your tyres; this is because locking wheel nut keys are unique to each manufacturer and model.
13. Spare tyre (if not, puncture repair kit)
A more standard item to keep in your car emergency kit is a spare tyre. You never know when you’ll get a flat or puncture and be stranded in a potentially dangerous situation. Alternatively, you could swap out your spare tyre for a tyre repair kit; a typically easier, safer and quicker method compared to changing your tyre on the side of the road. Ensure your tyres and the rest of your car is in good working order with our car servicing checklist.
11. Tow rope
A tow rope is a great addition to your breakdown emergency kit, and can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident as it can be used to lift or pull your vehicle (or others) out of a sticky situation.
12. Locking wheel nut key
Your car’s locking wheel nut key is an important part of your car emergency kit, and it’s vital it’s kept safe and secure in your car. Without your specific locking wheel nut key, you would be unable to change your tyres; this is because locking wheel nut keys are unique to each manufacturer and model.
13. Spare tyre (if not, puncture repair kit)
A more standard item to keep in your car emergency kit is a spare tyre. You never know when you’ll get a flat or puncture and be stranded in a potentially dangerous situation. Alternatively, you could swap out your spare tyre for a tyre repair kit; a typically easier, safer and quicker method compared to changing your tyre on the side of the road. Ensure your tyres and the rest of your car is in good working order with our car servicing checklist.
Car emergency kit checklist
Car emergency kit checklist
Essentials for your winter emergency car kit
We understand that sometimes you cannot get out of driving, even when there are weather warnings. So, here are a handful of extra things we would advise taking on that trip during the colder months:
- Warm clothing
- Sturdy footwear
- Shovel
- Snow chains
- Spare car bulbs
- Instant hand warmers
- Ice scraper and de-icer
If you do ever need to take a trip against guidance, then drive as slowly as possible and take your time. Your safety is the most important thing. It’s also worth reading up on how to drive in the snow and how to prepare your car for winter should this ever happen.
Is it a legal requirement to have a first aid kit in my car?
While it’s not a legal requirement in the UK for you to carry a first aid kit in your car, it is highly recommended as part of your car kit essentials. If you’re driving abroad, always check government guidance for the country you’re travelling to, as some European countries require you to have a first aid kit as part of your car emergency kit.
Should I keep spare documents in my car?
It’s not a legal requirement to keep anything in your car, however, there are certain documents that you may find useful to keep close by. These include your driver’s licence, breakdown information and insurance details. We highly advise keeping your V5 in a secure place but not in your car. If someone stole your vehicle, they could change the registered keeper.
Essentials for your winter emergency car kit
We understand that sometimes you cannot get out of driving, even when there are weather warnings. So, here are a handful of extra things we would advise taking on that trip during the colder months:
- Warm clothing
- Sturdy footwear
- Shovel
- Snow chains
- Spare car bulbs
- Instant hand warmers
- Ice scraper and de-icer
If you do ever need to take a trip against guidance, then drive as slowly as possible and take your time. Your safety is the most important thing. It’s also worth reading up on how to drive in the snow and how to prepare your car for winter should this ever happen.
Is it a legal requirement to have a first aid kit in my car?
While it’s not a legal requirement in the UK for you to carry a first aid kit in your car, it is highly recommended as part of your car kit essentials. If you’re driving abroad, always check government guidance for the country you’re travelling to, as some European countries require you to have a first aid kit as part of your car emergency kit.
Should I keep spare documents in my car?
It’s not a legal requirement to keep anything in your car, however, there are certain documents that you may find useful to keep close by. These include your driver’s licence, breakdown information and insurance details. We highly advise keeping your V5 in a secure place but not in your car. If someone stole your vehicle, they could change the registered keeper.
For a better road ahead
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
