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tools

17 years ago

Okay, just what tools are worth carrying these days? Or just a celphone for road service?

Our 17-yr old has her second car ('01 Saturn). This one is in good enough shape I feel comfortable with her driving it other than just to school/work. I started swapping the tool kit I had assembled for her first car ('81 Eagle) into the new car, and realized, there's not a hall of a lot that can be fixed or rigged on the side of the road these days. She's got a good head on her shoulders, and basic mechanical knowledge, good deduction skills, when she's not too spazzed-out to use them. Hey--she's got an artistic temperment; spends a little too much time in her own little world...

Here's what I came up with, other than jack/lug wrench/spare tire (and knowledge of how to use them), in no particular order:

4 in 1 screwdriver X 2

small channellocks

small crescent wrench

jumper cables

electrician's tape

duct tape

reflectors/flares (can flares still be had?)

assorted fuses

road service #

local mechanic's # (we're lucky--we found a good one)

Any thoughts or additions/subtractions? I'm considering one of those "roadside assistance" kits from WallyWorld/Harbor Freight, only with real tools replacing the cheapies.

I thought I had seen a thread like this last year here on the forum, but was unable to find it through searching.

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

kalining
17 years ago
You have covered about almost everything. What happends if the atl. goes out ? You have about 2o miles before the battery goes dead and shuts down the fuel pump. She might
have a cell phone.( you don't say ). If she does she will
not be phoning you. She will phone her boy friend. Get real. I'm sure you are a normal parent. that is what parents do. Let her figuer it out for herself. Unless it
is a life threatening situation your girl will do nothing
but phone her boy friend and hope you don't find out.
Let her go, she will be fine. I have all that and more in my trunk ( tools incase something happends ). never used it
but the extra weight does a job on the gas mileage. Be cool
She will be fine. she can still call you.
gary__
17 years ago
I keep something similar in our familly car. When going on a trip, I also add one of those jumper batteries with an air compressor built in too. Got it at costco for something like $65.
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bill_h
17 years ago
a cell phone and a membership in the auto club.
reekola
17 years ago
I have emergency kits I bought at Costco for $40 in each car also.
1 8GA 10' booster cable
*
1 Flat head screwdriver
*
1 Phillips head screwdriver
*
1 Pair Pliers with vinyl grip
*
1 Utility knife
*
1 Poncho
*
1 Air compressor 250 PSI
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1 AAA member brochure
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1 AAA Driving Survival Book
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1 Flashlight 2 AA
*
1 Bungee cord 24"
*
2 Shop towels
*
1 PVC tape 3/4" x 30'
*
10 Cable ties
*
1 Flashlight Hand-charged 2 LED
*
1 Reflective triangle11.5"
*
1 pair gloves with dimples for better gripping
*
1 AAA Emergency car care guide
*
45-piece first aid kit
*
Fully padded carry bag with reflective strip on back
*
Dimensions: 13.5" x 10" x 6"
*
Weight: 8.6 lbs.

Comes in a little case that's about the size of a purse. Pretty handy. Maybe add a jug of water and granola bar or two (winter breakdown?). *

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