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After some really nice advice from Kuslingen I just wanted to update with some advices about the emergency car-kit. Especially for you northern dwellers that are supposed to get yet another long and cold winter. (the original post can be seen here)


Currently, I link to Swedish suppliers - but you will probably find the equivalent in any other country.

Depending how much space you have in your boot, adding larger and even sharp tools in your boot might invoke the need to buy some storage in hard plastic (normally last long without making marks) - sometimes easier with a lockible lid so you can store things on top or if you i.e. have oily rags in the storage. Remember - the original thread was about a smaller kit. One can reason and add a lot of "usable things" - which can end with you having a BIB in or for your car. I myself draw the line where I can store these things around the spare-tire and/or storage compartments. I want my boot neat and clean from stuff when not in use!

Shovel/snow-shovel - to get your car out if stuck in the snow or maybe even in the ditch. Depending on how much space you have in your boot for this.

Swedish military foldable shovel + the extra snowblade (two links)
Y? Well, it is quite sturdy and does not take too much space AND you can use it without the snow-blade for "ice-pecking" by fixing the blade in a 90° angle and chop away.
or
The show shovel "Lavin"
Y? Very light and small - even though just for shoveling snow and/or loose soil.

Glass-breaker w. seatbelt-cutter - for your own safety to quickly get out if your car has had an impact or circumstances that obstructs your doors or seatbelt to malfunction. In addition to help

Hamron emergency hammer - comes with a simple cutter
Y? Well, part from fulfilling the function - this particular one comes with a "velcro-kit" - where one side is attached to the hammer, and the other side comes with an adhesive-side so you can place it conveniently where it stays in place and you easily  can grab it - even if your car has been turned upside down.
Me, I placed it just next to the drivers side in the door compartment. I placed it quite high up, so I still can use the compartment for whatever I want to have there.

Warm, large blanket - especially during wintertime.
Y? Well, you can get stuck during snowstorm in your car where it might be better to stay IN the car than defying the storm outside. Having a warm blanket - preferably enough for two people huddling together - might then save your life - even if you get stuck in a suburb. There are so many out there - so no link provided

Small axe/machete or simular
Y? As Kuslingen stated, it can be used in survival situations to cut down trees for shelter, shop up wood - or even for a larger road-hit if needed. I think it is on the fringe of a true need for citydrivers. But if you have a place for it without showing it every time you open your boot, it might be worth the space.

A set of tire snowchains
Y? Well, for the people WAY up north - they normally have this already - knowing just how much easier it is to get unstuck with a set of these. But maybe mostly for people that get stuck continuously due to the regions weather and just not occasionally.

*** Update 26th Oct 2011 ***
Reflex west(s)
Just as Survla states - having one or more (for your co-drivers/children/dogs) reflex-wests in your car would also be a good idea. Not only for extra protection and visibility if wandering off - but also when you need to change a tire or fix your car during breakdown on the highway or simular. In Sweden there are several accidents of people being hit by passing cars when they are walking around their broken-down vehicle. So, stay safe!

Take care out there on the roads!
- Roquen