Skip advert
Advertisement

Emergency tool kits tested

Nobody wants to be stranded at the roadside after a breakdown, so a ‘get-you-home’ kit is absolutely essential. We test the best...

Emergency Services

As drivers hang on to their cars longer in these financially challenged times, the chances of an unexpected breakdown increase. Consequently, it pays to keep an emergency get-you-home toolkit in the boot.

One of these can mean the difference between hours stuck on the roadside, or making it to the nearest expert help – and all without having to remove your regular gear from the workshop. Producers have adapted the usual tool collections, and added special packs to help survive the kind of weather extremes we have been experiencing in the UK.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There is no standard list of what a good emergency kit should contain, so we scoured the accessory shop shelves and the Internet to find the winning combination.

The test

As no toolkits are the same, we came up with a list of breakdown essentials. Must-haves included a tyre inflator, basic hand tools, jump leads, a torch and tow rope, plus a good storage bag. We also looked for emergency kit such as a warning triangle, hi-viz vest and fire extinguisher, plus survival gear. We examined build quality and, finally, factored in price.

Contacts
Argos 0845 640 3030, www.argos.co.uk
Blackspur 01902 353636, www.blackspur.com
Car Parts Direct (Rossini) 0904 194 8899, www.carparts-direct.co.uk
EvaQ8 020 7486 8888, www.evaq8.co.uk
Halfords (AA) 0845 762 6625, www.halfords.com
John Lewis 0845 604 9049, www.johnlewis.com
Maplin (Rolson) 0844 557 6000, www.maplin.co.uk
Pink Toolbox 01983 248678, www.pinktoolbox.co.uk
Sealey 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk

Verdict

As a get-you-going kit, the Blackspur is hard to beat, because it covers most of the bases. If nearly £50 is too much, look at Rolson’s similar but much cheaper set. And if getting stranded is a real possibility, the EvaQ8 is the ideal companion, thanks to its emergency blankets, rations and warning triangle.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,930
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,571
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025