Car emergency kit checklist

Breakdowns, snow and closed roads can leave you stuck in your car for hours. A small car emergency kit in the boot keeps you warm, visible and able to call for help while you wait.

Car emergency kit essentials

• Torch with spare batteries, or a wind-up torch
• In-car phone charger or a charged power bank
• High-visibility vest or jacket for everyone who travels regularly
• Jump leads
• First aid kit
• Bottled water and snacks that keep, such as cereal bars
• Important numbers on paper, including your breakdown cover

Winter car kit

In cold weather, add:

• Warm clothes and blankets – if you’re stuck, you can’t rely on running the engine for heat
• A shovel for snow
• An ice scraper and de-icer
• Sturdy boots in case you need to walk

If you break down

• Get your vehicle off the road if you can, and switch on your hazard warning lights.
• On a motorway, leave by the left-hand doors if it’s safe, wait behind the barrier away from traffic, and call for help.
• Wear your high-visibility clothing.
• Only use a warning triangle where it’s safe – never on a motorway.
• If anyone is in danger, call 999.

Follow the Highway Code for full guidance on breakdowns.

Keep it ready

• Check food and water dates and recharge power banks every six months.
• Keep everything together in a bag or box so it doesn’t roll around the boot.
• Before long winter journeys, check the weather and keep your fuel topped up.