Car Emergency Kit Checklist: What Every Vehicle Should Have

Print this checklist and check your vehicle once per half year.

Legal Requirements

• Warning triangle (reflective)
• High-visibility vest (at least 1, recommended: for all passengers)
• First aid kit (check expiry dates on contents)

Safety and Breakdown Assistance

• Jumper cables (at least 2.5 m, 16 mm² cross-section)
• Tow rope or tow bar
• Tire repair kit or spare wheel (inflated!)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Spare bulbs set
• Spare fuses set
• Duct tape
• Work gloves

Lighting and Navigation

• LED flashlight (fresh batteries)
• Headlamp
• Warning lights / flashing beacons
• Paper road map for the region
• Compass

Energy and Communication

• 12V inverter (150-300 watt)
• Power bank (fully charged)
• Charging cables for phone
• PMR radio with spare batteries
• Car radio (FM for official broadcasts)

Water and Food

• 2x 1.5 liter mineral water
• Granola bars or emergency food (500 kcal minimum)
• Cup or water bottle

Warmth and Protection

• Emergency blanket (gold/silver, at least 2 pieces)
• Wool blanket or sleeping bag
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Gloves and beanie (winter)

Tools and Multi-Purpose

• Multitool (e.g., Victorinox)
• Safety hammer with window breaker and seatbelt cutter
• Rope (5 m, 100 kg load capacity)
• Large garbage bags

Hygiene

• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Toilet paper (1 roll)
• Wet or dry cleaning wipes

Documents (Copies in Car)

• Vehicle registration (copy)
• Driver's license (copy — never leave original in car)
• Insurance certificate
• Emergency contacts on paper

Seasonal Check (Spring / Autumn)

• Tire change (winter vs. summer tires)
• Coolant frost protection
• Windshield wipers
• Battery status check
• Ice scraper and de-icer (winter) / sun shade (summer)

Storage and Care

Temperature matters: Don't store water and food in direct sunlight at 60°C. A plastic box holds better than cardboard.

Quarterly check: Expiry dates on food and first aid materials, battery levels of flashlight and power bank.

This checklist covers all basic scenarios: breakdown, roadside emergency, short-term evacuation, and regional crisis situations.