Tips for Buying a Vehicle Repair Kit
When stranded in the middle of nowhere, it is a good idea to have a vehicle repair kit along. A repair kit for a car cannot fix every problem, but it can be invaluable for minor problems that will slow down any motorist. Make sure that the vehicle repair kit you buy has all the required tools and products.
Flat Tires
Tires can go flat for many reasons, but most can be fixed easily with a few tools and materials.
- Fix-a-Flat. This spray can of foam will temporarily seal minor slashes and punctures in a tire as well as reinflate most tires.
- Puncture seal. Sold in a kit, this product will repair a hole in a tire from a nail. The hole must be small, but the seal will last as long as the tire.
- Spare tire, car jack, hand crank and lug wrench. This set is included in most cars, usually in various compartments in the trunk. Make sure that all four pieces stay in the vehicle and that you know how to use them in the event you must change you tire.
- Air pump with a car valve connector. It is a good idea to have your own air supply if your tires need more pressure or your spare tire is flat.
- Tire gauge. Overinflating tires is about as dangerous as tires that are low on air. A tire gauge is very inexpensive, and it can be bought anywhere that sells automotive products.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs can fail at any given time, making your car’s engine sputter and skip.
- Spark plugs. It is a good idea to have a spark plug or two handy on a long drive. Make sure you buy spark plugs that meet your vehicle’s specifications. A spark plug that has gone bad usually looks burned, melted or is covered with corrosion. If you need to change one on the road, change the rest as soon as possible.
- Spark plug puller. You will need this tool to remove the bad spark plug.
- Spark plug gapping tool. The small wires at the end of the spark plug need to have the correct distance between them so the plug will fire correctly. A gapping tool is very inexpensive and can be bought at auto repair stores and most gas stations.
Belts
A broken belt could be as inconveniencing as losing air conditioning or as problematic as losing power steering. Having a set of replacement belts is a good idea.
Battery
Dead batteries are probably as common a car issue as flat tires. Having tools to deal with a dead battery are a must.
- Jumper cables. These cables will allow another vehicle to supply enough power to your battery to get the car running. Make sure you know how to safely use jumper cables as there is the danger of electrocution, fire or damaging an engine if used incorrectly.
- Battery charger. If no other vehicles are around to jump start your car with jumper cables, then a battery charger would be a smart thing to have. Available in an AC-powered model or models with a built-in battery, battery chargers will give your battery enough power to start your car. While more expensive than jumper cables, they allow you to jump your own car when no one else is around.
Basic Tools
It is a good idea to have a few general tools in your repair kit to help with any problems.
- Scissors
- Flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Flashlight