# Car emergency kit checklist — be prepared on the road

When your car breaks down, a missing piece of equipment can turn a small problem into a long night. This list gathers what every car should carry, and shared through a room code everyone in the household sees what is missing from the trunk. No sign-up needed.

**In short:** A car emergency kit should hold a warning triangle, reflective vest, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow rope and jumper cables. For a flat tyre add a spare tyre, jack, lug wrench, repair kit and tyre inflator. A flashlight, spare batteries, a power bank, a basic tool kit, water and your vehicle documents complete it.

## What's on the list

### General

- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire
- Car jack
- Lug wrench
- Tire repair kit
- Tire inflator
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Power bank
- Car phone charger
- Spare fuses
- Basic tool kit
- Work gloves
- Duct tape
- Registration and insurance

### Drinks

- Water

## Tips

- Every three months, check that the spare tyre is inflated and the jack and wheel wrench are in place, so they work when you need them.
- When you swap tyres for the season, go through the whole kit: check the batteries, expiry dates and anything missing.
- If you break down, pull off the road if you can, switch on the hazard lights and have passengers wait behind the guardrail.
- Secure the kit in the boot so it doesn't fly around under hard braking, and make sure everyone in the family knows where things are.

## Frequently asked questions

### What equipment is a car required to carry?

Required equipment varies by country: many require a warning triangle and a first aid kit, and some also require a reflective vest and a fire extinguisher. Check the current traffic rules of the country where you'll be driving with an official source.

### What should you do first if your car breaks down?

If possible, move the car off the road to a safe place, switch on the hazard lights and put on the reflective vest. Have passengers wait somewhere safe, such as behind the guardrail, place the warning triangle at the distance the local rules require, and call roadside assistance, or the local emergency number if there's any danger.

### How long do the items in a car emergency kit last?

Some items, such as the fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, batteries and water, have an expiry or service date. Check everything every six months and replace what has expired; for the extinguisher, follow the pressure gauge and the manufacturer's instructions.

### Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

### Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

### How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

### Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.

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[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/car-emergency-kit-checklist) — 21 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.