Whether you are headed out on a road trip or just tooling around town, things can go wrong when you least expect it. Especially if your car breaks down or in the event of an accident or another emergency. More than likely, you are not a mechanic. So, what can you do to increase your chances of getting home or at least to the nearest dealership for repairs? Having certain tools in your car can help out a lot in the event of trouble. Here are 7 tools every driver should keep in their car.
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1. LifeHammer or Another Window/Seatbelt Escape Device
This small, compact device could literally wind up saving your life. Kept near the driver’s seat using double-sided tape or velcro, this inexpensive tool can enable you to easily break a window if you end up underwater or otherwise trapped in your car. It can also be used to cut the seatbelt easily and quickly.
2. Multi-Tool
Another small yet powerful device, a multitool can be used to strip and bend wires, cut through different materials, tighten loose connections and more. Most of these tools include different kinds of pliers, wire cutters, knives, a saw, scissors, files, and even a multi-bit screwdriver.
3. Tow Strap
A tow strap is another important tool every driver should keep in their car. This length of super-strong fabric can be used for all sorts of things including short-distance towing, as a tie-down, or even as a rescue rope.
4. Duct Tape
Okay so duct tape isn’t necessarily classified as a tool, but it really can come in handy. It’s myriad of uses can include temporary body repair after a fender bender to temporary emergency fixes on hoses and other parts.
If you get the quality stuff, duct tape can patch your car back together long enough to get it to a repair shop, possibly keeping you from being stranded.
It’s also handy in a million other ways both automotive and non-automotive. Just make sure you get the quality tape, as the more expensive stuff sticks better and can handle a wider range of temperatures and situations.
5. Jumper Cables or Speed Charger
On top of being debilitating, a dead battery is extremely frustrating. A set of jumper cables can get you back on the road and to the nearest parts shop if your battery is too weak to start your car. Just make sure you choose a set of heavy-gauge cables with durable, high-quality spring-loaded clamps on each end as opposed to the smaller, cheaper cables.
Don’t want to mess with carrying cables around? Consider getting a speed charger. These handy chargers can boost your car’s battery in a hurry making it a great tool for giving your car battery a boost when it’s running low.
6. Tire Inflator/Sealer
Another tool every driver should keep in their car is a tire inflator or sealer. Although most cars come with a spare tire, what do you do if it is not inflated enough or if it fails? That’s where a can of tire inflator/sealer can really come in handy.
Although each brand has its specific instructions, you basically hook it up to the tire’s valve stem and let the stuff inside the can seal the leak and fill the tire with enough pressure to get you to the nearest tire shop. Just remember, it is only meant to be used one-time, as a temporary emergency fix. Don’t drive around the town, head straight to the tire shop.
7. Spare Battery or Cell Phone Charger
Luckily, technology today makes it easy to call for help; if you have a fully charged cell phone. Always keep either a fully charged spare battery or a cell phone charger in your car for emergencies.
Final Thoughts
These seven tools that every driver should keep in their car can make the difference between getting help and being stuck on the side of the road. If you are not sure where to find them, ask where you bought your car. Many car dealerships carry tools and other accessories for the cars they sell, or, at the very least, they can tell you where you can find them.
Which of these tools do you keep in your car?