After 15 years of towing in Brisbane, I've seen what happens when drivers are prepared — and when they're not. Here's exactly what should be in your boot.
1Safety Essentials (Non-Negotiable)
These items are the difference between a manageable breakdown and a dangerous one. Warning triangles (at least 2): Place 45–100m behind your vehicle to alert approaching traffic. High-visibility vest: Legally required for some vehicles in Queensland; always smart to have. Torch with spare batteries or a hand-crank torch: Breakdowns happen at night more than you'd think. Reflective tape: Cheap, lightweight, and can make your vehicle far more visible in low light.
Pro tip: Store your high-vis vest in the cabin, not the boot — you'll need it before you can safely access the boot.
2Vehicle Recovery Items
Jumper cables (at least 3m): Dead batteries are the #1 cause of breakdowns in Australia. Get heavy-duty cables rated for your engine size. Tow rope or recovery strap: For getting unstuck from soft ground or being towed short distances. Spare tyre (properly inflated): Check the pressure every 3 months — a flat spare is useless. Tyre inflator/compressor: A 12V compressor can reinflate a slow puncture enough to reach a tyre shop. Tyre repair kit: Plug kits can temporarily seal small punctures in tubeless tyres.
3First Aid and Medical
A comprehensive first aid kit is essential — not just for vehicle incidents but for any roadside emergency. Your kit should include: adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, triangular bandage and sling, disposable gloves, CPR face shield, and a first aid manual. Replace expired items annually.
Pro tip: Consider doing a basic first aid course. St John Ambulance Queensland runs affordable half-day courses across Brisbane.
4Tools and Practical Items
Wheel brace and jack: Even if you won't change a tyre on a motorway, you might need to on a quiet road. Duct tape: Fixes more things than you'd believe in an emergency. Cable ties: Useful for securing loose components temporarily. Spare fuses: A blown fuse can disable critical systems. Carry a fuse assortment matching your vehicle's fuse box. Pen and notepad: For recording details after an incident.
5Comfort and Communication
Water (2L minimum): Especially important in Queensland's heat. Dehydration sets in fast when you're stressed and waiting roadside. Snack bars: Energy bars or muesli bars keep well in heat and provide energy during a long wait. Phone charger/power bank: Your phone is your lifeline — keep it charged. Emergency contact list: Written down, not just in your phone. Blanket: For cold nights or to use as a ground cover when changing a tyre.
6Queensland-Specific Additions
Given Brisbane's subtropical climate and the distances involved in regional Queensland driving, add: sunscreen and a hat (for daytime breakdowns), insect repellent (for rural areas), and a snake bite bandage if you're travelling outside metro areas. If you regularly drive the Bruce Highway or inland routes, a satellite communicator (like a Garmin inReach) is worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave Nguyen
Owner & Lead Operator, Car Towing Services Brisbane
Dave has been towing vehicles across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast for over 15 years. He founded Car Towing Services Brisbane with one rule: treat every customer's car like it's your own.
