Let’s face it: few of us are skilled mechanics, and even fewer of us are prepared for the inevitable “Oh no!” moments that occur when we’re out on the road. In fact, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stranded on the side of the road because of a flat tire or a dead battery—or worse, had to call someone to come and help me in those situations. Most of us, simply don’t have the space or budget for heavy-duty equipment; but even with just a few simple tools and a little know-how, you can be prepared to handle minor emergencies, so don’t wait to buy an automotive tool kit online with Sydney Tools. Here are 5 simple tools that every car owner should keep in their car:
1. A Good Pair of Jumper Cables
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons cars break down, and it’s also one of the simplest to deal with if you have a set of jumper cables on hand. Get a set that’s at least 10 feet long and make sure they’re clearly labeled for polarity (positive and negative), which will make them easier to use in an emergency situation. Your car battery will eventually die, and every time that happens you need jumper cables to help jump start your car. You may get lucky enough to find someone with jumper cables who are willing to help you out, but having them yourself will save you a lot of hassle and give you more peace of mind when driving.
2. Duct Tape
The many uses for duct tape are well-known, but a couple of the best ways it can help you out on the road are taping up broken windows until you can get them replaced or mending torn hoses until you can get your car to an auto repair shop.
3. Tire Inflator
Flat tires happen all the time, even if the tire just has a small leak from a nail puncture it can still be an emergency if it leads to a flat tire. Carrying around your own tire inflator can save you from having to call for roadside assistance or other help. Most tire inflators cost less than $30, which is very inexpensive when compared to the cost of roadside assistance (which could be as much as $100).
4. A Multipurpose Tool
You never know what you’ll need on the side of the road, so a tool with multiple functions will help you address any range of issues, from a dead battery to a broken fan belt. A lot of them have screwdrivers, openers, and pliers at the very least; some even include built-in flashlights and USB chargers (which also makes them ideal for camping trips!).
5. A Good Jack and Jack Stands
One of the most important things you can do maintenance-wise is to check your tires regularly. You’ll need a jack if you want to change a tire, or even just to check the tire pressure or wear it regularly. If you don’t have a spare tire, you’ll still need a jack if you get a flat tire on the road. Many newer cars come with jacks, but some don’t—so make sure you have one before you need to use it.