Things to Bring in Your Car

When travelling especially in long distances, there are times we see stalled vehicles on road shoulders. Sometimes the driver is looking for something on the ground. Those are the situations when drivers wish they had something in the car that could get them going. It has happened to me more than a couple of times. There are regular or normal items that are with the car and driver that should never be without them. But sometimes odd situations come up and at the least time or place we expect them. Let’s tackle those that make us pull our hair and blurt out curses.

The “Things”

1. Tire Wrench, angled or cross type is always a must. But sometimes service shops over tighten the nuts on the wheels that regular physical strength can’t loosen. You will need a length of pipe that the handle of an angled tire wrench fits into it, or, a length of steel bar for a cross wrench. That will make un-doing the nuts easier and with less effort.

2. Spare tire. You had a flat and only to find out that it has gone way below normal pressure. Many rarely check a spare tire’s pressure! A portable electric pump is a must if not a foot pump. Foot pumps are more reliable for me.

3. Fuel Container. A mile or more before the next gas station your runs out of fuel. It is always handy to have an empty gallon container to help you get some gas. You could also use it in case radiator water level is low or when the car overheats.

4. Basic Tools: Mechanical and long-nose electrical pliers, flat-end and cross-end (Philips) screwdrivers, vise-grip, hammer, adjustable wrench, a complete set of combination box-and-open wrench, metal file, jumper cables, scissors, cutter, hacksaw blade and knife. If possible a set of Allen and star keys.

5. Tire chucks. This is very important especially when your handbrakes don’t hold well on steep roads. Also when you need to replace a flat tire.

6. Tow rope or chain. When you need to have your car towed and no tow service is available, a Good Samaritan will always be willing to tow your car as long as you have something to use.

7. Rags and hand cleaner. After doing some greasy or dirty job to make the car run, you hardly want to use your greasy or dirty hands to handle anything in the car.