Basic Tools You’ll Need For Emergency Car Repairs

Anything can happen when we are on the road. We can never tell if we are going to have a flat tire or have problems with a  leaking radiator in the middle of nowhere. Such happening is truly horrible and is certainly a recipe for disaster. However, we can always do something to prevent these from happening. With your basic knowledge in car repairing and a toolbox with you, you will be able to tinker a bit and fix your problems in no time. Before you ride your car off to an exotic vacation spot, prepare yourself first for the big ride.

Update your skills in fixing a car by reading beforehand a few guidelines about car repairing. Also, you can save few articles and videos in your phone or tab, so that you have something as a reference when you are left confused about something.

If you think your skills in fixing a car is already up to date, make you that you are brought the right tools with you. Having the right tools is definitely a sure ticket away from being stranded in a remote area.

Now that you are well informed, here is a tool checklist that you must complete in order to survive an emergency car repair on the road:

• Wrenches

A common tool used to tighten or loosen the bolts or nuts. It usually comes in a set and is offered in a wide variety of sizes and types. There are wrenches made as standard fasteners and there are also wrenches for metric purposes. When buying a wrench, you can always pick the ones that come in sets than the ones that come individually. Also, if you are hassled with bringing too many wrenches with you, a basic or an adjustable wrench will suffice, but to be safer, you can always bring the wrench that goes well with your car parts. In this way, you won’t have to worry about compatibility. You really don’t have to worry much about wrenches, though, usually, a standard one will go well with any type of car.

• Ratchets

Having these with you will help you with rotating a stubborn bolt. Ratchets come in 3 standard sizes. These include a small one with a 1/4” size, a medium one with a 3/8” size, and a huge one with a 1/2” size. All of these ratchets are useful, so don’t worry about bringing them all, for they come in handy.

• Sockets

Critical for repairing cars, these sockets must be seen in your tool kit for future purposes. Remember, these sockets come in different sizes and lengths, so don’t buy individually, there is a reason why they come in grouped. Usually, these sockets are made in the standard form, so you don’t have to worry about fitting in.

• Screwdrivers

For more versatility and savings, buying a screwdriver in a set will do you well. There are two types of screwdrivers that you must have in your kit. One is the flat tipped and the other is the cross tipped. When you buy the set, you will usually have the most commonly used equipment. You will get a variety of long and short ones, plastic or rubber handled ones, and blades with steel or other material. When choosing a good screwdriver to take with you, always pick the ones that are not prone to corrosion and the ones that give you a steady grip.

• Breaker Bar

When you are on a road trip, a handy breaker bar will always be welcomed. This will not only help you with loosening a tough bolt, but this will also save you lots of money because it is entirely affordable than getting power tools.

• Pliers

You must at least own a pair of regular and needle-nose pliers to bring with you once you set for a ride. When you pick for a pair of pliers, you have to choose the ones that are tempered and plated with steel. Also, avoid the ones that are easily damaged by corrosion because it will make your tool become useless. When checking the handles, pick the ones that give you a steady grip because when you fix the car, you have to achieve a tight grip. Asking friends for suggestions would really help, or you could pick the ones with a reliable brand.

• Hammer

Once in a while, we can never get away from whacking a stubborn car. A hammer is needed when things get stuck and a whacking is the only thing the takes it out. A hammer usually comes together with the other tools. Just make sure that its quality is top-notch; we don’t want it to get broken easily. You can choose a regular hammer or a rubber mallet; anything will do well.

• Flashlight

Nothing would make you see clearly under a car’s hood than a strong flashlight in hand. We can never always rely on the broad daylight alone because fixing a car requires a clear vision on what you are working at. When you have a reliable light with you, you will be able to determine the right bolts, handles, or wires to focus on. When buying a flashlight, make sure to bring extra batteries with it. Also, never pick the ones with a mild light. Emergencies might happen during the night wherein light is minimal, so have a huge and strong light with you.

• Multimeter

If you can’t afford an expensive multimeter, you can always pick a cheaper one. A commonly used multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance. Having this basic tool will be enough for your ride. Also, when you buy a multimeter, just make sure that it reads amperage because it is essential when fixing a broken car. With a multimeter with you, you can test the technical aspects of your car and locate its problem.

• Jack and Jack-Stands

You will have to bring this great duo with you. Without a jack and a jack-lift, you will not be able to lift your car when fixing it. Always keep in mind that when you are using a jack, use a supporting jack-stand to avoid further damage. We always have to ensure your safety, so never even think of using them separately.