Emergency Car Road Kit

[Drew99GT]

I keep one of these in my trunk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9tj3xnsqfY&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFmgsydpA_U&feature=related

 

[DakAttack]

Gee all I've got in my work van is a quart of oil, and my wifes car gets a Truck tire size can of Fix-a-flat. we both have AAA though. oh well...

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I haven't owned a vehicle in the last 35+ years that I felt I needed to carry tools with me.

In the winter months I have a set of insulated coveralls that go into each vehicle "just in case". But beyond the normal ice scraper and a full size spare, I simply keep my vehicles maintained to the point that I'm not worried about them breaking down on the highway. Everything I own I wouldn't hesitate to get in and drive it anywhere with only a moments notice.

If I had a vehicle that I wasn't comfortable taking on the highway without loading it down with tools and spare parts I wouldn't own it for long.

It's 186 miles to our lake house and this time of the year we make the round trip 2-3 times a month, so a long highway trip is a common event. We're 18 miles from the nearest town with any sort of amenities, and 30+ miles from the nearest "city".

 

[bepperb]

Well, I think there are two different schools of thought. It seems some people plan to fix problems on site. I've given up on that idea. I have things to change a tire, a blanket, and roadside assistance.

In the winter add a shovel and a come-a-long.

 

[CourierDriver]

U guys that live in Jersey, Long Island, Gary, Detroit, forget all those tools and shovels, just mount a 50 cal on the roof, u wont have any trouble with the locals, trust me.

 

[eljefino]

Even if your own cars are in top nick, a couple tools might let you show off to a damsel in distress. And isn't that even more important than making it home in time for "American Idol"?

 

[olddognewtrks]

One small, but very convenient item: Something to kneel and/or lie on, so you don't get nasty dirty. Plastic sheeting would do the trick. I've only got the rug-protectors from when my was serviced in the past. Sits very nicely on top of the spare.

 

[morris]

in the late 60s my dad and i had chryslers, 300L, new yorker, 413,440. we had a 50 cal ammo box. this is the short list that was in the box. starter, alt. water pump. and hoses volt reg, the list is to long. AND it saved our behind more than once.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: bepperb
Well, I think there are two different schools of thought. It seems some people plan to fix problems on site. I've given up on that idea. I have things to change a tire, a blanket, and roadside assistance.


I used to be in the former school but after hauling around replacement parts for years, I came to the same realization. Now I keep the full-size spare inflated properly & the car maintained well. Sure a couple flashlights, fuse assortment and that sort of thing. No alternators, belts, entrenching tools, etc...

 

[Hallmark]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
...a fire extinguisher is a good idea if you have a GM 3800 lol.


An interesting observation! The reason I suggested carrying a fire extinguisher (my above post) was an experience with a motor pool GM 3800 that caught fire in a remote desert locale when power steering fluid sprayed all over the exhaust manifold. Fortunately, a nearby snowbank provided the means to extinguish the fire.

I now carry a fire extinguisher in each of the vehicles in my stable.

 

[Quest]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I haven't owned a vehicle in the last 35+ years that I felt I needed to carry tools with me.


Different school of thoughts. I have the "scouts" mentality meaning that I always arrive prepared.

While most folks may rely on emergency roadside services such as AAA,etc. I, for one, had enough knowledge and knowhow about my vehicle to the point of doing roadside services (limited to tools on hand) is not a big deal. Afterall: I hate that vulnerable feeling of being robbed by small-town roadside (highway) repairman.

I also travel on stretches of highways where it would be hours in between towns, so small/minor repairs should be/can be resolved relatively quickly instead of waiting for hours to hitch a ride to the nearest town, etc.

Q.

 

[L_Sludger]

A couple of wrenches, full-size stock spare, spare jack, a bottle of water, and a gas can. That pretty much does it. My car is a Lexus though, and I keep it maintained, so I've got no reason to carry anything else.

 

[Rick in PA]

OK, first you need to get a truck to haul all that stuff around.

I'll admit I'm guilty of hauling around a bit too much stuff myself...

How about some rope and some bungee cords? They're more for securing loads, but can come in handy.

 

[tigrpal]

I carry a spare drive belt in the trunk.