A car emergency kit covers four things: staying warm and visible if you are stranded, getting moving again, basic first aid, and a way to call for help. In winter the priority is warmth; year round it is water, light and a charged phone. Keep it small and in the boot. Sweden's Agency for Civil Defence (MCF, formerly MSB) recommends being able to manage on your own, and that starts where you are, including in the car. Here is the short list.
Reviewed by Oskar Bjork, defence engineer (Swedish Armed Forces) and adviser to Kapsel. Last updated 2026-06-23.
Warmth and visibility
- A warm blanket or a sleeping bag per regular passenger. A stranded car cools fast.
- Hat, gloves and an extra layer kept in the car, not just on you.
- A reflective warning triangle and a hi-vis vest, required and life-saving by a roadside.
Light and power
- A head-torch or torch with spare batteries.
- A charged power bank and a car charger, so your phone can always call for help.
Getting moving again
- Jump leads or a jump-starter pack.
- A scraper and a small shovel in winter, and a tow strap if you drive rural roads.
- Washer fluid rated for the cold, and check your spare or tyre repair kit.
Water, food and first aid
- Water and a few long-life snacks, more on long or remote drives.
- A small first-aid kit and any personal medicine.
Winter changes the priorities
In cold weather, warmth comes first. If you are stranded, stay with the car, run the engine only briefly to warm up, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide, and keep a window slightly open when the engine runs. Tell someone your route before a long winter drive.
Where this fits
The car kit is a smaller cousin of your home kit. Build the home side from our complete emergency-kit checklist, and keep warmth front of mind with how to stay warm without power. The Kapsel Core is built for the home for a full week, and the car kit is the on-the-road version of the same idea. See the Kapsel Core.
Frequently asked questions
What should I keep in my car in winter?
Warmth first: a blanket or sleeping bag, hat and gloves, plus a scraper, small shovel, torch, power bank, jump leads, water and snacks. A warning triangle and hi-vis vest are essential.
What is the most important car emergency item?
A way to stay warm and a charged phone. A blanket and a power bank cover the two things that matter most if you are stranded.
Should I stay with my car if I break down in winter?
Usually yes. Stay visible, keep warm, and only run the engine briefly. Keep the exhaust clear of snow and a window slightly open to avoid carbon monoxide.
How much water should I keep in the car?
A bottle or two for everyday driving, and more for long or remote journeys. Rotate it so it stays fresh.
Sources: MCF (mcf.se), krisinformation.se, Transportstyrelsen.
The car is a natural part of preparedness on holiday, where you take the essentials with you wherever you are.
For longer trips, pack a way to do water purification.