We never know when we are
going to breakdown and a few simple tools
in the car will often mean we can get the
car going again. You certainly don't want
to be carrying a full set of tools so we have
thrown out all the non essential and come
up with a list of the most useful tools and
repair items to carry in your car.
Bottle of engine oil - 1 liter of oil can
be enough to top up if you get dangerously
low and the oil warning light goes on. Running
out of oil WILL cause the engine to seize
up. You can also use the engine oil to help
lubricate seized nuts and screws and can make
the difference between undoing something and
fixing it or being stuck at the side of the
road.
Screwdrivers
- A Phillips cross head and flat
screwdriver that will fit most of the screws
in the car. When choosing a screwdriver make
sure it is good quality - the last thing you
want is for the screwdrivers end to burr off
the screw or worse just break on you.
A
Swiss Army knife - is also a helpful
addition to a tool kit especially if it has
a saw and few good sharp blades.
Socket
set - Each car probably only has
2 or 3 main bolt sizes so make sure that you
have the correct sizes with you, carrying
smaller and larger socket sizes is just a
waste of space and adds to the cars weight.
Metallic
tape - This is great for fixing exhausts
and a double wrap over a hole can enable you
to limp home without filling the car with
dangerous exhaust fumes. Metallic tape is
also good for sealing leaking water hoses
and air hoses - again use a double wrap around
the area. Gaffer, or elephant tape are also
good to carry with you at all times but will
not stand up to much heat especially if applied
to the exhaust making metallic tape the object
of choice. The strengths of gaffer tape lie
in its ability to bond to wet surfaces making
it ideal for fixing water related leaks.
A good sturdy piece of rope which can double
up as a tow rope when doubled up or can replace
a broken alternator belt.
Rubber
bands - These are great for bogging
all manner of repairs and can be used to give
grip on components which may be covered with
oil.
Small
torch - Yes you nearly always break
down at night and often in the rain. A small
torch will enable you to see better and can
highlight leaks of water, oil and exhaust
gases easily.
Clear
Plastic sheet - This can repair a
broken window with the use of the tape you
carry and can provide a dry surface to work
on if the ground is wet.
Length
of household electrical wire - You
can use this to repair a broken alternator
belt, or tie on a loose component or body
panel. Also if you have electrical problems
you can sometimes use the wire to carry the
voltage needed to or from the battery. IF
replacing a HT lead with household wire please
use all 3 wires to help cope with the high
voltages. A single wire would quickly burn
out and become a fire hazard. Run the engine
and just touch the wire lightly to see if
it is getting warm - if it is exercise extreme
caution as an engine fire is the last thing
you need.
A
set of good quality (long) jump leads - Sometimes
the battery is just about to give up on you
and a jump start will get things moving. Getting
another motorist to jump you is fairly easy
when you have the leads, hold them up and
wait for someone to take pity on you.
A
Jack and wheel brace - Most cars
have these and if you get a flat tire which
is probably one of the most common causes
of roadside problems you will be thankful
that you have these along. The jack can also
be used if you need to push out a dented panel
following a minor accident or you can use
it to pull or push something that is stiff.
For example I had to bodge a clutch cable
repair where the plastic retainer had broken
and I needed to use the jack to force the
clutch pedal up as it was too stiff to do
this by hand.
A
pair of latex or rubber gloves - Kitchen
gloves is ok for this as are disposable plastic
gloves. You just want to keep the much off
your hands as there is rarely a place to clean
up afterwards and messy hands will get all
over the cars interior and muck up your clothes.
A
mobile phone - if all else fails
ring for help!
