Mandatory and recommended car equipment: what should never be missing

Regardless of your driving experience or the daily distance you cover, there are essential pieces of equipment that should never be missing from your car. Some are legally mandatory in Romania and can lead to hefty fines if absent, while others, though not legally required, can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a real danger.

This guide outlines the mandatory and recommended gear, with practical tips for storage, maintenance, and safe use.

Legally required equipment

First aid kit – essential for any medical emergency

The first aid kit is the most important medical equipment you must have in your vehicle. Under Romanian law, this is mandatory for all vehicles and can make the difference in the event of an accident or a medical emergency.

Important points to remember:

• The kit must not be older than two years from the date of manufacture
• Otherwise, you risk fines between 435 and 725 lei
• Periodically check the contents and replace expired materials
• Place it in an accessible but temperature-protected location

Car fire extinguisher – your protection against fires

The car extinguisher is mandatory and represents the first line of defense against a fire on board. Auto fires can occur for various reasons: engine overheating, electrical short circuits, or even external factors.

Key technical specifications:

• Minimum capacity: 1 kg ABC powder or 2 liters foam
• Must not be older than 2 years
• Must be homologated according to European standards
• Place it in the trunk or under the driver’s seat for quick access

Reflective warning triangle – visibility that saves lives

The reflective triangle is mandatory and must be used to signal the presence of a stopped vehicle on the roadway in case of a breakdown or accident. It must be placed at a minimum distance of 30 meters in built-up areas and 100 meters on national roads.

Recommended equipment for increased safety

Spare wheel and jack – the solution for breakdowns

Although not required by law, the spare tire along with the jack represents equipment that can get you out of a very unpleasant situation. A breakdown can occur at any time, and towing services may take hours.

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Practical tips:

• Check the spare wheel pressure monthly
• Make sure you also have a suitable wrench for the wheel bolts
• Learn to change a tire before you need to
• Some modern cars come with a temporary repair kit instead of a spare wheel

Jump-start cables – saving a discharged battery

Auto jump cables are extremely useful when the battery is discharged, a very common problem, especially in cold seasons. Choosing the right cables can make the difference between a quick start and a frustrating experience.

Important characteristics of quality cables:

• Minimum length of 3-4 meters for maximum flexibility
• Minimum cross-section of 25 mm² for cars with large engines
• Clamps must be well secured and with strong teeth for a secure grip
• Insulation must withstand low temperatures
• Avoid very cheap cables – clamps can detach in critical moments

Dynamo-powered flashlight – light without batteries

A quality flashlight is essential for situations where you need to check something under the hood at night or change a tire in the dark. Dynamo models are preferred because they do not rely on batteries that can discharge.

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Advantages of a dynamo-powered flashlight:

• No batteries or prior charging required
• Works in any temperature conditions
• Very long lifespan
• Many models also feature an emergency radio function
• Some have a USB port to charge your phone

Additional equipment for comfort and safety

Winter kit

In the cold season, a few extra items can make a real difference:

• Window de-icer sprays – more effective than scraping
• Frozen lock spray – prevents door locks from freezing
• Thermal blanket – in case you get stuck in snow
• Snow chains – mandatory on certain mountain routes

Basic toolkit

A small set of tools can fix minor problems:

• Screwdriver with interchangeable bits
• Multifunction pliers
• Electrical tape
• Spare fuses for the car
• Spare bulbs for headlights

Organization and maintenance of equipment

Recommended periodic checks

To ensure your equipment will work when you need it:

1. Monthly: Check the spare tire pressure
2. Every 3 months: Test the flashlight and check the jump cables
3. Every 6 months: Check the expiration dates of the first aid kit and the extinguisher
4. Annually: Replace damaged or expired equipment

Optimal placement in the vehicle

Organizing the equipment in the car is as important as having it:

• In the trunk: Spare tire, jack, jump cables, extinguisher
• In the glove compartment: First aid kit, flashlight, documents
• Under the seats: Reflective triangle for quick access

These equipments represent small investments that can have a huge impact on your safety and that of other road users. Compliance with Romanian law is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility for your own safety and that of your family.