The fact is, you’ll probably never need a car emergency kit. But that doesn’t mean you should become complacent and drop the idea altogether. Because when the unexpected happens and it turns out you actually need an emergency kit, then you really WILL need one.

This leading New Zealand car rental company has long advised its clients, as well as anyone else who will listen, that while most car trips are uneventful, you just never know. While they maintain their vehicles to bring them up to the highest standards of safety and reliability, there are circumstances outside of their control that makes an emergency kit not so much a luxury but a necessity.

You might encounter an accident during your travels and may need to render assistance. Or, more likely in New Zealand conditions, inclement weather might lead to road closures which means you’re going nowhere for a while. What do you do then? With an emergency kit in your vehicle, you’ll be safer, more comfortable and, in some extreme cases, able to lend a hand to those who need it.

For all this, so many people pack up their vehicle and begin their road trip without putting together a few basic items that could make all the difference when (or if) the worst occurs. To stop you from making that same mistake, now is the perfect time to start assembling your emergency kit. It should include:

• A first aid kit. A quick Google search will show you where they’re available from. You’ll notice that many are designed especially for use in vehicles.
• Plenty of water
• A thick blanket and an umbrella
• Blade and a life hammer
• Multi-purpose utility tool
• Hi-Vis jacket
• Torch and spare batteries
• Reflective warning triangle
• Extra non-perishable food while waiting for assistance to arrive
• Jumper cables
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Rain poncho

These are just a few items you should put into your emergency kit. Local motoring organisations in your city, like the Automobile Association, will give you a more comprehensive list of what to include. They will even sell emergency kits that are already assembled, which is an easy and convenient way of doing things and will ensure you have exactly what you require. One final tip; whether you buy a kit already made for you, or if you decide to save a few dollars and do it yourself, make sure the kit is easily accessible. Don’t leave it in the boot under tonnes of luggage because, in an emergency, you may need that kit straight away.