Car emergency kit: what’s required and what helps
A car kit covers two things: what the law requires in the countries you drive in, and what keeps you safe if you are stuck for hours. Requirements differ by country.
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The checklist
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Required in most EU countries; Spain now requires a connected V-16 beacon.
Required in many countries, kept inside the cabin.
Required in Germany, Austria, Czechia and others.
Restarts a flat battery without another car.
For long waits in jams or snow.
Engines can’t idle for hours safely.
Wind-up or with lithium batteries that tolerate cold.
Keep your phone charged for calls.
Winter essentials.
Dig out of snow or mud.
Tips
- Check the rules for every country on your route before you travel.
- Keep the tank above a quarter full in winter.
- If stuck in snow, keep the exhaust clear before running the engine.
Questions people ask
Is a first-aid kit mandatory in the car?
In several countries, including Germany, Austria and Czechia, yes. Rules change, so check the official transport authority for each country you drive in.
What changed in Spain in 2026?
Since 1 January 2026, Spain requires a connected V-16 warning beacon to signal a breakdown instead of warning triangles.