On the road, unexpected situations can happen at any time, so it’s important to keep certain essential items in your car. What should you always have with you?
Items required by law
- First aid kit: bandages, cotton, medical wipes, adhesive plaster, blunt-tip scissors, pain relievers, hydrogen peroxide. It should be stored inside the cabin.
- Warning triangle: used to mark an accident or emergency stop, especially at night.
- Documents: registration certificate, driver’s license, vehicle passport.
- Inspection sticker: usually placed on the inside of the windshield.
- Fire extinguisher: powder or CO₂ type, at least 2 liters.
- Reflective vest: must be worn when exiting the vehicle in low visibility conditions.
Important for safety
- Spare wheel: essential for long trips or rural roads.
- Tool kit: jack, compressor, lug wrench, tow strap. Additional tools: multitool, wrench set, voltmeter.
- Jump starter: very useful in winter for a dead battery.
If you are traveling with a child
- Infant carrier — up to 1 year.
- Child seat — 1 to 7 years.
- Booster or appropriate seat — 7 to 12 years.
Choose the seat based on the child’s height and weight.
For beginner drivers
- “New Driver” sign: placed on the rear window.
Additional useful items:
- Road atlas: helpful when GPS signal is unavailable.
- Water and snacks: necessary for long-distance travel.
Useful accessories to keep in your car
- Navigator or radar detector: helps plan routes and alerts you about speed cameras.
- Phone charger or cigarette-lighter adapter.
- Folding knife.
- Work gloves: handy when changing a wheel or doing repairs.
- Cash: in rural areas, card terminals may be unavailable.
- Flashlight: important during night-time breakdowns.
- Spare fuses and bulbs: small but essential.
- WD-40: useful for loosening rusty or stuck bolts.
You can also carry tape, electrical insulation, a spare fuel can, and extra clothes — they can be helpful in unexpected situations.
