Nov 26 2007
5 Handy Tools For Your Vehicle Print E-mail
Written by Jude Herr   
Monday, 26 November 2007


 I've compiled a list of 5 common tools that you should keep in your vehicle in case of emergency, just for their sheer usefulness, inexpensive cost and the 99% probability that you will need them at some point in your driving endeavors.

leatherman.jpg1. Pocket Tool:
You could spend $100 on something like the Leatherman Juice Xe6 tool shown in the photo or, to just store in your vehicle, Performance Tools has a similar pocket tool for $5.99. The Performance Tool Pocket Tool includes: sharp blade, Pliers, wire cutter, can opener, bottle opener, phillips head and regular screwdriver, fish scaler, ruler, file, hole punch and a storage pouch.

gripledlight.jpg2. Flashlight:
LED lights are inexpensive, bright and super to keep in your car for emergencies, camping, changing a flat tire at night, etc. GRIP makes a Battery Less LED Flashlight that is powered by a squeezing action. You basically pump a trigger on the handle and in a few seconds it produces an ultra bright LED light. One minute of pumping will produce 4 hours of light, for $10.99 that's a real deal.

jumpstarter.jpg3. Jumper cables:
Look for extra-long jumper cables... many jumper cables are barely long enough to reach the battery terminals unless you have both cars nearly touching each other. Or go for a Battery Jumper Pack. These are packs that you charge and keep in your vehicle. They have a big 12v lead-acid battery in them, so if you get stranded, you just hook the pack to your battery and jump your car from it instead of from another car.

tow_rope.jpg4. Tow rope:
This helps someone help you out if you slide into a ditch, etc. GRIP makes a basic and inexpensive one that will tow up to 4500 pounds for $6.99. Or, Smartstraps.com makes a spring-loaded retractable tow strap for $25.

5. First Aid Kit:
You can put together a small one yourself that includes: bandaids, first aid cream, aspirin/ibuprofen, gauze, and antiseptic pads. Inexpensive First Aid Kits can be purchased at any drugstore, hardware or general home store for a few bucks. Some hospitals even give them away for free as a promo. Add a small pack of baby wipes to your first aid kit. These are great to clean off your steering wheel after a greasy snack, wiping up coffee spills or to freshen up the smell of your car by wiping off your dash with one while you're waiting at a red light. The resealable packs can be purchased for a buck at Target and other general stores.

**Tools already in your car: Car jack, tire iron and spare tire (inflated): Yup, your car should come equipped with these items but do you know where they are located in your car AND better yet, do you know how to use them? Be sure to routinely check your spare tire for air - why not check it when you check your oil. (you do check your oil, don't you?)

Trackback(0)
Comments (2)add
...
written by Pete , November 26, 2007
I always seem to forget to check my spare tires air, so I just keep a can of flat inflater in the trunk just in case.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
...
written by jude , November 26, 2007
That's a great idea:
6. can of flat inflator
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
Write comment
quote
bold
italicize
underline
strike
url
image
quote
quote
smile
wink
laugh
grin
angry
sad
shocked
cool
tongue
kiss
cry
smaller | bigger

busy



If you enjoyed this article, please submit it to one of the following social bookmarking sites!
Google!Live!Netscape!StumbleUpon!Yahoo!
 
< Previous Article   Next Article >