Car emergency kit checklist: what to keep in your vehicle

Year-round vehicle essentials

Secure supplies in the trunk, but keep legally required warning equipment and reflective clothing reachable. Check your local rules before travel; required equipment differs by country and can change.

• Phone car charger, power bank, flashlight and jumper cables.
• Water, shelf-stable snacks, blanket and a compact first aid kit.
• Reflective clothing and locally approved warning equipment.
• Gloves, scraper, paper map and assistance numbers.

If the vehicle becomes disabled

Stop in the safest available place, switch on hazard lights and call road assistance. Follow instructions from emergency services and the road operator; do not stand in traffic or attempt an unsafe repair.

Adapt it to weather and route

For winter travel add dry layers, gloves, a hat, extra blankets, an ice scraper and traction material. Carry additional water in heat, but do not store heat-sensitive medication or batteries in the vehicle. Review the kit each season.