What to keep in your car for emergencies (and everyday driving)

Whether you’ve recently brought your first car or have been driving for decades, some preparation goes a long way. Having the right things in your car, whether for a genuine emergency or just everyday convenience, means you can handle whatever comes up calmly and confidently. Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves dealing with a flat tyre on a wet afternoon, a flat battery in a remote car park or an unexpected detour that stretches a short trip into a long one.  

This guide covers everything worth keeping on board, from the safety essentials every driver needs to some practical extras that make a real difference – especially on longer trips or in more remote parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Your car emergency kit: the must-haves 

These are the items every car should have, regardless of where you drive or how often. Keep them in a small bag or box in the boot so they’re easy to find when you need them. 

First aid kit 

A basic kit covers cuts, grazes, minor burns and headaches, and gives you supplies to manage a more serious situation while you wait for help to arrive. Look for a kit that includes bandages, plasters in a range of sizes, antiseptic wipes, gauze and pain relief. Compact kits designed for vehicles are available from Hato Hone St John, the NZ Red Cross and the AA Shop. 

If you take regular prescription medication, it’s also worth keeping a small emergency supply in the car – a pill organiser with a couple of days’ worth is a sensible precaution if you’re ever delayed or stuck unexpectedly. It’s something many of us discover the hard way on a longer trip away from home, so good to prepare ahead of time. 

Jumper cables or a jump starter pack 

A flat battery is the most common reason New Zealand drivers call for roadside assistance. Traditional jumper cables work well if another vehicle is nearby, but a portable jump starter pack is even more useful because it doesn’t require a second car. Good quality packs are available from retailers like Repco, Supercheap Auto and Jaycar. They sit easily in a boot bag and will also charge your phone in a pinch. If you do use jumper cables, make sure you know how to connect them safely before you need to. Our guide to what to do when your car breaks down has step-by-step instructions for jump-starting safely. 

Warning triangle and hi-vis vest 

If you need to stop on or near a road (especially in poor visibility or at night) a reflective warning triangle placed behind your vehicle alerts other drivers to your presence. A hi-vis vest makes you visible if you need to get out. Both are inexpensive and take up almost no space. Remember to turn on your hazard lights too, that’s your first line of visibility in any unplanned stop. 

Torch 

Useful for everything from checking a tyre in the dark to signalling for help. A rechargeable LED torch (one you can top up via USB when you think of it) is more reliable than one dependent on batteries that may have drained over time. Keep it somewhere easy to reach, like under the driver’s seat or in the door pocket rather than buried in the boot. 

Spare tyre and the tools to use it 

Check that your car has a spare tyre in the boot (not all newer vehicles do) and that it’s properly inflated. Also confirm you have a jack and a wheel brace. A spare tyre that’s flat when you need it isn’t much use. Check its pressure every few months when you check your other tyres. If your car has a space-saver spare (the narrower and temporary type), it’s designed for short-term use only and should be replaced with a full-size tyre as soon as possible. For a complete walkthrough on changing a tyre safely, see our breakdown guide. 

Tyre repair kit 

If your car doesn’t have a spare – or as a backup option – a tyre repair kit (sealant and a compressor) can temporarily fix a small puncture and get you moving to the nearest garage. These are compact and inexpensive, and worth having even if you also carry a spare, since they’re quicker to use for minor punctures on the roadside. 

Portable phone charger/power bank 

Your phone is your most important tool in an emergency – for calling roadside assistance, sharing your location or looking up what to do. A charged power bank in the glovebox means a low battery never leaves you without contact. Top it up every month or two so it’s always ready when you need it. 

Water 

Keep at least a litre of water in the car. It’s useful if you need to top up coolant in a pinch, if you’re stuck somewhere longer than expected or simply to stay hydrated while you wait for assistance. Refresh stored water every six months. 

Practical extras worth having 

These aren’t strictly emergency items, but they make a real difference on longer trips or in unexpected situations. Plus, most take up almost no space in the boot. 

• Warm layer or waterproof jacket. New Zealand weather changes quickly, especially in alpine areas, the South Island and along exposed coastlines. A compact waterproof jacket or a fleece kept in the boot means you’re covered if you need to get out of the car in the rain or cold. 

• Non-perishable snacks. Muesli bars, nuts or dried fruit are worth having if a trip takes longer than expected or you end up waiting somewhere. Low blood sugar doesn’t help anyone deal with a stressful situation calmly. 

• Paper map or printed directions. GPS and mobile data are reliable most of the time, but in some rural parts of New Zealand it might be patchy. A road atlas or printed directions for unfamiliar routes means you’re not left without navigation if coverage drops – something that catches out plenty of drivers heading into more remote areas for the first time. 

• Duct tape and a multi-tool. A multi-tool (pliers, screwdriver, knife) and a roll of duct tape are the practical ‘just in case’ essentials. Useful for temporary repairs and a surprising number of small problems on the road. 

• Pen and notepad. For exchanging details after an accident, writing down an address or leaving a note. Low-tech but genuinely useful when your phone battery is flat. 

• Spare glasses. If you wear prescription or reading glasses, a spare pair in the glovebox is a small thing that can matter a lot – whether you’re reading a tyre pressure label at the roadside, filling in paperwork after an incident or simply need a backup if your regular pair gets damaged. 

• Hand sanitiser and tissues. Barely takes up any space. Always useful. 

What to keep in your glovebox 

Your glovebox should be organised and easy to access quickly. Keep it clear of clutter and make sure these essentials are always in there. 

• Vehicle registration documents. Your registration certificate should always be in the car. Some drivers keep a photocopy and leave the original at home to reduce the risk of loss if the car is stolen. 

• Insurance details. Keep a note of your policy number and the claims contact number. If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll want these on hand without needing to search your phone. 

• Your vehicle registration number written down. You’ll be asked for it the moment you call for roadside assistance or report an incident. It sounds simple, but plenty of people blank on it under pressure. 

• Emergency contact list. A small card with key numbers (a family member, your GP if relevant and your roadside assistance number) is far more reliable than a phone with a flat battery.  

• Your owner’s manual. Most people never open it, but it’s the definitive reference for tyre pressures, fluid locations and warning lights. If your car didn’t come with one, most manufacturers offer a free PDF download on their website. 

Seasonal and regional tips for Aotearoa New Zealand 

New Zealand’s geography and climate mean your kit may need a little extra thought depending on where and when you’re travelling. 

Summer driving 

New Zealand has one of the highest UV indexes in the world. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are worth keeping in the car year-round but are especially important in summer. Check your coolant level before long summer trips, overheating is more common in hot weather and in slow motorway traffic. For help identifying the signs of an overheating engine and what to do next, see our breakdown guide. 

Winter and alpine driving 

If you’re travelling through mountain passes or alpine areas between May and October, check whether snow chains are required before you go. Waka Kotahi NZTA posts chain requirements on its website and at entry points to key routes. Keep an ice scraper in the car if you live or regularly travel in colder regions and make sure your windscreen washer fluid is rated for cold temperatures. In winter, extra warm clothing and a blanket in the boot are worth carrying – particularly if you’re travelling through remote areas where a breakdown means a longer wait. 

Rural and remote travel 

Mobile coverage is patchy in many rural parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. If you’re heading off the main routes (to a bach, a national park or a remote area) tell someone your route and expected arrival time before you leave. For very remote travel, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is worth considering. PLBs can be hired from many DOC visitor centres and outdoor retailers like Macpac and Bivouac. Fill up with fuel before leaving any town, rural petrol stations are fewer and further between than they used to be. 

MAS Roadside Assistance: your backup when things go wrong 

Even the most prepared driver can’t plan for everything. That’s where MAS Roadside Assistance comes in. 

From 1 April 2026, MAS Motor Vehicle Insurance policyholders with eligible vehicle insured under a comprehensive cover automatically have MAS Roadside Assistance, provided by AA Roadservice built into their policy. At no extra cost, with nothing to sign up for. 

MAS Roadside Assistance gives you access to: 

• Battery jump-starts and battery replacement 

• Tyre changes and tyre assistance 

• Fuel delivery if you run out 

• Lockout assistance if your keys are locked inside 

• Towing to the nearest repairer 

• EV charging assistance and towing to the nearest charging station 

• Wrong fuel recovery 

Save 0800 800 627 in your phone now, before you need it. Because when life happens, it helps to be in good hands. 

Eligibility criteria apply to MAS Roadside Assistance provided by AA Roadservice, see terms and conditions for more information. There is no applicable excess to use any standard AA Services. However, some of the services that require additional support or technical assistance outside of the standard AA Services may require an up-front cost to be covered by the Driver. 

This article provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. Before taking out any insurance product, you should carefully consider the terms and specific policy wording. Underwriting criteria will apply.