My Kit
Well, I just bought a new vehicle, so I don't worry too much about bringing anything but the ultra basics (free roadside assistance is nice), but in my old car I always had this with me:
Note: most of the stuff I carry was both Metric and Imperial (the car was an 86 Jeep Cherokee and was a "lovely" mix of the two). Check your car and see if you need both.
My kit (off the top of my head);
- socket sets (Metric + Imperial)
- socket extensions (important!)
- end wrench sets (M + I)
- monkey wrenches (L,M,S) - important when you need mults of the same size!
- screwdrivers (S,M,L) Phillips and flathead
- plyers
- needle nose plyers
- duct tape
- electrical tape
- metal wire (not electrical) - great if you loose a hose clamp, or tape won't work for something else
- electrical wire (various gauges)
- wire cutters
- metal files
- battery terminal cleaner
- oil filter wrench
- spare belts
- spare oil filter
- spare oil (~1-2 quarts)
- spare power steering fluid (~1 pint)
- spare coolant/water (gallon at least)
- funnel
- emergency air compressor
- jumper cables (even with manual)
- flashlight (and fresh batteries!)
- Repair manual (chilton's, et al.)
YMMV, but I think it's important to have most of the stuff above (even the stuff like socket extensions: there's nothing worse than not being able to get your tool to the problem area!). Except for the fluids, you can (with creative packing) get most of the above into a small toolbox (~1.5 cu ft.)
Another tip: never assume you have the right part (i.e. belts). Always verify you have the right part. A friend of mine had the wrong spare belt once (stupid autozone) and that turned a five minute roadside repair into a $200+ towing fee.
And always before a trip, the most important thing to do is check and top off all fluids, change the oil (if necessary or near necessary), lub the chassis, check the tires (the spare too!) and brakes.
MilesTeg
