Ah, the joys of being stranded on the side of the road due to the fact your idea of vehicle preservation turned into optional.
It’s not like your vehicle is an important gadget that requires care or anything, proper?
Luckily, in case you’re the kind who enjoys fending off highly-priced upkeep and potentially life-threatening situations, being prepared is key.
Here’s your guide to the crucial gear and components every motive force ought to have, so the following time your vehicle decides to throw a tantrum, you could be the hero of your own breakdown.
Essential Tools for DIY Maintenance and Emergencies
First, let us discuss the tools you absolutely cannot work without in emergency cases.
Jack and Jack Stands
Oh, you thought jacks were just for professional mechanics? Adorable. Every car owner needs a jack and stands because, surprise, tires don’t change themselves.
Whether it’s routine maintenance like oil changes (you know, if you’re feeling ambitious) or the inevitable flat tire, these bad boys are essential.
And don’t just get a jack, invest in jack stands too unless you enjoy the thrill of being crushed by your own vehicle.
If you do not know where to obtain the parts you need, you should learn more through reading online resources and the experiences of others.
Lug Wrench or Tire Iron
Lug nuts aren’t going to unscrew themselves when you get a flat. But hey, if you want to channel your inner superhero and try to do it with your bare hands, go for it.
For the rest of us, a lug wrench or tire iron is a must. This tool loosens and tightens lug nuts when your tire inevitably decides to betray you at the worst possible moment.
Screwdriver Set
When you need to remove panels or do a dozen other random tasks your car will throw at you, a basic screwdriver set is a lifesaver.
For instance, you should consider obtaining the following:
- Flathead
- Phillips
Otherwise, feel free to use that one butter knife you’ve got lying around the kitchen.
Socket Set
So you bought a car, and now you think you’re good to go forever? Think again. A comprehensive socket set, each metric and preferred, will be available handy while your car necessarily starts falling apart, piece through piece.
Having the proper socket will prevent the approaching rage of knowing your equipment is not healthy.
Pliers
Regular and needle-nostril pliers turn into your new excellent friends whilst your vehicle decides to throw a match.
It doesn’t matter if you’re gripping, cutting wires, or bending steel parts lower back into form, those versatile tools will make you seem like you recognize what you are doing, even when you don’t.
Jumper Cables or Jump-Starter Power Pack
Dead battery? Of course, it dies when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Jumper cables or, better yet, a jump-starter power pack, are essential.
Unless you want to wave at strangers, hoping someone will stop and not turn out to be a serial killer, you’ll want one of these handy.
Flashlight and Headlamp
Let me guess: your car will only break down at night, right? Keep a flashlight and a headlamp handy because, naturally, the sun doesn’t care about your convenience.
Extra batteries too, because when things go wrong, they go all wrong.
Additional Emergency Tools and Gear
After you know the basic parts you cannot work without, there’s the next line of tools and gear you need to make your vehicle work in these cases.
First Aid Kit
Oh, you scraped your hand on something while trying to fix your car? Of course, you did.
A basic first aid kit is crucial because band-aids and gauze are the bare minimum of what you’ll need to make it through your roadside disaster.
It won’t heal your ego, but at least it’ll stop the bleeding.
Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge guarantees your tires are in form, due to the fact jogging on the low strain method you’ll turn out to be stranded with flat tires faster than you can say, “I ought to check that.”
Portable Air Compressor
What’s higher than a tire gauge? A transportable air compressor, glaringly. Because after you understand your tires are underinflated, you’ll need to restore that ASAP.
Keep this kind of on your trunk, and also you’ll be an avenue journey hero, or as a minimum avoid sitting on the aspect of the road.
Tire Sealant or Plug Kit
Nothing says “I’m prepared” like a tire sealant or plug kit. When you get a puncture (because you will), this little kit can save the day, allowing you to limp your way to a mechanic instead of waiting hours for roadside assistance.
Temporary fix? Sure. Life-saving? Absolutely.
Duct Tape and Electrical Tape
Duct tape: the solution to everything, right? For once, that meme is actually true.
From securing loose parts to covering wires, duct tape, and electrical tape are the go-to for temporary fixes when your car is falling apart faster than your patience.
Gloves and Warm Clothing
Car maintenance isn’t glamorous, and it’s even worse when you’re freezing. Pack gloves and warm clothing in case you’re stranded in the cold.
Nothing says fun like changing a tire while shivering uncontrollably, right?
Other Crucial Parts and Items to Carry
Finally, we’ve arrived to the third line of the essential gear you would need.
Emergency Reflective Vest and Triangle
Stranded on the side of the road? What could be worse? Oh, getting hit by another car, that’s what.
Emergency reflective vests and triangles ensure that you, in all your roadside glory, are seen by other drivers. Plus, you’ll look like a real pro out there. Safety first, right?
Blanket and Non-Perishable Snacks
Stuck for hours? Of course, that would happen. Keep a blanket and some non-perishable snacks to stave off the cold and hunger.
Nothing says “I’ve got this” like munching on some stale granola bars while waiting for rescue.
Cell Phone Charger and Roadside Assistance Information
Your phone dies at the exact moment you need to call for help. Naturally. Having a cell phone charger and your roadside assistance info ready is essential.
That way, you can avoid the horror of realizing your phone’s dead just as you need to call for help.
Spare Tire and Tire Changing Kit
If you’re one of those people who “forgot” to check your spare tire, congratulations, you’re living dangerously.
Always have a fully inflated spare tire along with your trusty jack and lug wrench. The only thing worse than a flat tire is discovering your spare is flat too.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, the essential tools and parts you should absolutely have.
Of course, if you’re the type to ignore this advice, just remember to enjoy those long, cold waits for roadside assistance.
Be smart, check your tools regularly, and maybe you won’t end up being the star of your very own breakdown saga.