AAA rescued 32 million drivers from roadside emergencies in the year 2015 alone. Breakdowns are more common now than ever before.
But with the rise of automation, more and more people are clueless about how to repair their vehicle.
That’s why we’re guiding you through all the items you should have on hand in your car for emergencies.
Want to know the tools you’ll need handy to repair your vehicle? Keep reading for my top 10.
1. Fix a Flat
Flat tires are the most common reason for a roadside breakdown. That’s why the first 3 items on this list are flat tire-related.
Fix-a-flat is the tried and true method for temporarily sealing up a puncture. You connect the can to your tire’s valve stem and the tool fills your tile with sealants. While this solution is temporary, it’ll get you back on the road quicker than a tire change will.
2. Spare Tire
So fix-a-flat didn’t work. Now what? When you can’t fix a flat tire, your best bet is to change it out.
You need a spare tire for that. New vehicles all come with spare tires. But if you’ve already used yours or bought a used car without one, a spare is an excellent investment to get you back on the road after an emergency.
3. Car Jack
How are you going to change your flat without a car jack? Like spare tires, jacks usually come with a new car. You’ll find it in the trunk or located near the spare tire.
If your car doesn’t have a jack or you’ve lost it throughout the years, make sure you pick up a jack that can handle the full weight of your car.
4. Jumper Cables
Another common cause of a breakdown is a dead battery. After all, who hasn’t come outside after dinner and a movie to find their light blazing and their battery dead. Jumper cables are an inexpensive way to get your car back on the road quickly.
5. Car Battery Charger
An even better solution to the dead car battery problem is an emergency charger. Emergency car battery chargers will cost you. But it’s a worthy investment for drivers who run the risk of breaking down in a rural space where there’s no one around to jump you off.
6. Cordless Angle Grinder
The next 3 on the list are auto body repair tools for more serious repair needs. A cordless angle grinder is a lightweight but high power grinder for cutting hard materials.
7. Small Tool Kit
Every home and car needs a small tool kit for emergencies. Tools should include a hammer, a wrench, and work gloves. You may also benefit from keeping a multi-tool to repair your vehicle to save space in smaller vehicles.
8. A Pocket Knife
If you get into an accident, one of the best things you can have on you is a tool to help you get out of the seatbelt. A sharp knife can be perfect for cutting seatbelts or even an airbag if you need to get out of a wrecked car quickly.
9. A Headlamp
A breakdown is just as likely to happen at night as during the daylight hours. That’s why you should make sure you have a good headlamp handy. You can keep your hands free while you’re working in the dark.
10. Reusable Flares
Similar to a headlamp, reusable flares can provide much-needed light for nighttime repairs. But if you breakdown on the side of a busy highway, flares will signal passing drivers and keep you safe from further accidents.
Repair Your Vehicle Anytime Anywhere
By now you should know the tools you need to repair your vehicle anytime, anywhere. But what happens when you don’t know how to make the repairs you need?
YouFixCars.com has all the auto repair advice and resources you need to fix your car at home or on the side of the road. Check out our Car Repair Manuals specific for thousands of different makes and models and learn how to fix your car yourself.
