Whether you’re a DIY expert or first-time car owner, it’s always a good idea to keep some automotive essentials on hand for any situation. Prepared, you may find it easier to navigate an emergency on the road or complete that last-minute oil change without having to make a trip to the service station.
Tools for an Emergency Kit
No one expects to be in an emergency. If you do find yourself in a tricky situation on the road, one or more of these tools may be the ticket to helping you get back on your way.
- Tire pressure gauge
- Portable tire inflator
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Analog navigation tools (e.g., compass, road map, in case your technology fails)
- Swiss Army knife
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher (certified for Class B and C fires)
It’s also not a bad idea to store some other supplies such as snacks and blankets to give you some extra comfort during an unexpected stop.
We recommend keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to pack it. During the winter season, consider adding these tools to your kit:
- Jumper cables and tow rope
- Antifreeze
- Ice scraper
- Small snow shovel
Check out getprepared.ca and this blog post for more information on safe winter driving.
Tools to Keep in Every Car
In addition to your emergency kit, you can put together a small toolbox for minor adjustments while on the road. These automotive essentials are useful to store in any car, no matter the weather:
- Socket set
- Screwdrivers
- Impact wrench and charged battery
- Rubber mallet
- Spanner
Top Tools for Car Maintenance
Learning how to perform car maintenance on your own can be a really rewarding experience. Not to mention, it can save you a lot of money. You should, of course, seek an expert’s opinion if you run into a tricky problem with your vehicle, but some projects, such as general upkeep, can be learned from how-to articles and YouTube videos. Your local community college might also offer classes through their continuing education department.
If you do want to take a DIY approach to car maintenance, add these tools for whenever and wherever you decide to roll up your sleeves:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Pliers, socket set, and screwdrivers
- Zip ties
- Cordless lamp
- Multimeter
- Duct tape and electrical tape
- Safety glasses
- Insulated work gloves
Keep in mind, if you plan to work on any live electrical circuit in your vehicle, you’ll need to use insulated tools. An insulated tool may protect you from up to 1000V of electricity.
Tools for Car Detailing
Cleaning your car cannot only improve its performance, but it’ll show that you really value your vehicle. If you’re looking to do some detailing on your car, these tools can help you achieve a nice finish:
- Portable hand vacuum
- Steam cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Buffer/polisher
- Applicators/brushes
Keep It in Check
The best way to limit how often you might need to use any invasive tools is to complete regular check-ups on your vehicle to keep it in top shape. If you have an electric vehicle, check out this post for specific maintenance tips. Now’s a great time to follow through with some New Year’s resolutions to show your appreciation for your vehicle!
Before purchasing any kind of tool, make sure to research the options available. Remember, you don’t need to break the bank to have quality automotive tools at your disposal.
Happy tool shopping!