Car Emergency Kit Checklist
By Fire Safety BD · Last updated
What to carry for a breakdown, a small fire or an injury on the road — and where in the car each item should be kept.
A breakdown on a highway at night is dangerous mainly because other drivers cannot see you. A small kit lets you be seen, deal with the common problems and look after an injury until help arrives.
Be seen
- Warning triangle — placed well behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
- Reflective vest — put it on before you step out.
- Torch — with working batteries; a headlamp leaves both hands free.
Fire
- Car fire extinguisher — a small dry powder unit, fixed in a bracket within the driver's reach.
Breakdown
- Jumper cables — for a flat battery.
- Tow rope — rated for your vehicle's weight.
- Wheel chock — stops the car rolling while you change a wheel on a slope.
- Spare wheel, jack and wheel spanner — check the spare's pressure when you check the others.
First aid
- First aid kit — dressings, bandages, antiseptic, gloves and scissors.
- Drinking water.
Where to keep it
| Item | Place |
|---|---|
| Extinguisher | Bracket near the driver's seat |
| Vest and torch | Door pocket or glovebox |
| First aid kit | Cabin, where passengers can reach it |
| Triangle, cables, rope, chock | Boot, on top of the luggage |
Check it twice a year
Look at the extinguisher gauge, replace used or expired first aid items, test the torch, and make sure everything is still in the car — kits have a habit of being borrowed.
If you break down
Move as far off the road as you can, switch on the hazard lights, put on the vest, place the triangle, and wait away from the traffic side of the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a fire extinguisher be kept in a car?
Within reach of the driver and fixed in a bracket — under or beside the front seat is common. A loose cylinder can become dangerous in a crash, and one buried in the boot cannot be reached in time.
How far behind the car should a warning triangle be placed?
Far enough that approaching drivers have time to slow down and move over — further back on a fast road, and before a bend or the crest of a hill rather than after it. Follow the distance required by local traffic rules.