Emergency Items Every Driver in Pakistan Should Keep in Their Car

Pakistan's roads can be unpredictable. Potholes, sudden weather changes, heavy traffic, and long stretches between towns all create situations where being prepared makes a real difference. Whether you are doing the school run in Bahria Town, commuting through Saddar, or driving back late at night from Murree, a proper emergency kit in your boot could save you a great deal of stress — or worse. Here is what every driver should carry.

1. A Properly Inflated Spare Tyre

This should be the first thing you check. A spare tyre that has been sitting in the boot for two years without being inspected is unlikely to be inflated. Check your spare's pressure every month alongside your other tyres. Also confirm that the tyre jack and lug wrench that came with your car are present and in working order — they are typically stored with the spare and easy to forget about until you need them.

2. Jumper Cables

A set of good-quality jumper cables is one of the most useful things you can carry. Battery failures are extremely common, especially during Pakistan's intense summer heat. A cable set that is at least 4 metres long is ideal so you can reach a second vehicle parked alongside you without having to reposition both cars. If you would rather not attempt a jump start yourself, save our number so we can come to you with a professional-grade jump starter.

3. Warning Triangles or Reflective Flares

If you break down at night or in poor visibility, warning triangles placed behind your vehicle give oncoming traffic vital extra seconds to react and slow down. Outside of Islamabad and Rawalpindi city centres, road lighting can be very poor, making these triangles genuinely life-saving. Place them at least 30 to 50 metres behind your car and if possible, put one further back on a slope or bend.

4. A Basic First Aid Kit

Road accidents happen, and a basic first aid kit — bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and adhesive plasters — should be part of every car's permanent equipment. These are available at most pharmacies in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for a few hundred rupees and take up almost no space in the boot.

5. A Torch and a Power Bank

Changing a tyre or looking under the bonnet at night is nearly impossible without a light source. A small LED torch in the glovebox costs very little and can make an enormous practical difference. A power bank is equally worth carrying — if you are stranded and your phone battery is low, it could be the difference between calling for help or being stuck with no communication at all.

6. Bottled Water

On long drives or during Islamabad's hot summer months, being stranded without water can quickly become a health issue, particularly for children or elderly passengers. Keep at least one or two small bottles in the car at all times. Water can also help in an overheating situation — though never open a hot radiator cap without waiting for the engine to cool down completely first.

7. A Tyre Pressure Gauge

A basic tyre pressure gauge costs very little and lets you check your tyre pressure without relying on petrol station equipment, which is often poorly calibrated. Check all four tyres — including the spare — once a month. Correct tyre pressure improves fuel economy, reduces the risk of a blowout, and extends tyre life significantly.

8. Important Phone Numbers Saved in Your Phone

Save the numbers you might need in an emergency before you actually need them: a trusted family member, your mechanic, your insurance company, and a reliable 24/7 roadside assistance service. Save our number — 0326 9751717 — so that if your battery dies, your tyre goes flat, or you run out of fuel anywhere in Islamabad or Rawalpindi, you can call for help immediately without having to search for a number on a phone that may be running low on battery.

A Small Effort, a Big Difference

None of these items are expensive or difficult to find, but most drivers in Pakistan do not carry them until after they have needed them once. Spend an afternoon putting this kit together — it may sit unused for months, but when you need it, you will be very glad it is there.