Every driver hopes they'll never need an emergency
kit. But the ones who don't have one always wish
they did.
A flat tyre on a dark road. A dead battery in a
supermarket car park. A minor accident on the
motorway. These aren't rare events — they happen
to ordinary drivers every single day.
The good news? Being prepared costs less than one
callout fee and takes five minutes to set up.
Here's exactly what every driver should keep in
their car in 2026.
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## 1. Portable Tyre Inflator
A flat tyre doesn't always mean a blowout. Most
of the time it's a slow leak — a nail, a damaged
valve, or natural pressure loss over time.
A portable tyre inflator lets you reinflate on
the spot and drive to a garage safely instead of
waiting hours for breakdown recovery.
Look for one that connects directly to your car's
12V socket and has a built-in pressure gauge.
Compact models fit easily in your boot without
taking up space.
---
## 2. Jump Start Cables or a Jump Starter Pack
Car batteries fail without warning — especially
in cold weather. Jump leads require another car
to help you. A portable jump starter pack means
you can restart your engine completely alone.
Modern jump starter packs are small enough to
fit in a glovebox and powerful enough to start
most petrol and diesel engines.
---
## 3. Warning Triangle or LED Road Flares
If your car breaks down on a road or motorway,
other drivers need to see you — especially at
night or in bad weather.
A warning triangle is a legal requirement in many
European countries. LED road flares are a modern
alternative that are more visible and safer to
use in high-traffic situations.
---
## 4. First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should include plasters,
bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief.
Minor accidents and injuries happen — having
supplies on hand can make a significant difference
while waiting for emergency services.
---
## 5. Torch with Spare Batteries
Breakdowns don't wait for daylight. A good
torch helps you inspect a tyre, check under
the bonnet, or signal for help in the dark.
A head torch is even better — it keeps your
hands free while you work.
---
## 6. High-Visibility Vest
In many countries it is a legal requirement to
wear a high-visibility vest if you exit your
vehicle on a motorway or major road. Keep one
in the glovebox rather than the boot — so you
can put it on before you get out of the car.
---
## 7. Blanket and Water
If you're stranded in winter — especially in
rural areas — temperatures can drop quickly.
A compact emergency blanket and a bottle of
water are lightweight additions that could
genuinely matter in a long wait.
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## 8. Dash Cam
A dash cam doesn't help you in a breakdown —
but it protects you in an accident. Footage
from a dash cam has resolved thousands of
insurance disputes in favour of the driver
who had one.
In an era of insurance fraud and disputed
liability, a dash cam is no longer optional
for serious drivers.
---
## Build Your Kit Today
You don't need to buy everything at once.
Start with the three most critical items:
→ Portable tyre inflator
→ Jump starter pack
→ Warning triangle or road flares
Add the rest over time and keep everything
in a small bag in your boot so it's always
together and easy to find.
The best time to build your emergency kit
was before you needed it. The second best
time is today.
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*Browse VELOX's range of car accessories
to start building your kit.*
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