Basic Tools To Have In Your Vehicle

Everyone should carry a basic set of tools in their vehicle. Even if you have no idea of how to use them, it is still a good idea to carry a few. The person who stops to help you may not have any tools with with him, but he can still help you if you have your own set.

Let's say you went to the mall and forgot to turn off your lights and when you returned to your car it would not start. If you had a set of jumper cables, you could ask almost anyone with a vehicle for a jump. Most people don't carry a set with them, so if you happen to have your own set, your chances of getting a jump from someone are greatly improved. Check out my blog on "Jump Starting A Dead Car Battery"

There are a wide variety of very good pre-made tool sets available on the market, but if you would like to build your own set, I have constructed the following list of basic tools:

• Tool box - large enough to hold all your tools, but small enough to fit in a space in your car
• Set of screwdrivers - both Phillips and standard, small and large
• Set of pliers and cutters - general purpose, wire cutter, adjustable and needle-nose pliers
• Locking pliers
• Small socket set - either metric or standard, depending on the make of your car ( foreign or domestic)
• Adjustable wench
• Box cutter knife
• Small hammer
• Gloves
• Flashlight with well charged batteries

Other items that need to be stored somewhere in your car:

• Set of jumper cables - at least 12 gauge and 20 feet long
• Jack - a small hydraulic jack is what I would recommend. Also, a piece or two of 2x6 board is handy to place under the jack.
• Lug wrench - to remove the lug bolts on your wheel
• Two cans of tire inflator and sealant
• Tow strap
• Roll of duct tape - always handy to have around, tons of uses

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