It’s great to be prepared in the event of getting into car trouble when on the road. There are many kits and gadgets that can help you out in your time of need. But equally you don’t want to weigh the car down with an endless supply of unnecessary tools.
Although most cars come with a basic toolkit on board, car insurance specialists Adrian Flux has put together a list of useful extra tools that might prove invaluable.
Tools for break downs
- The chances of a break down may seem unlikely, but it is worth storing RING’s portable jump-starter and compressor in the car. It takes up little space and it could save you time rather than waiting for a recovery team. It includes a battery, DC power sockets, air compressor and emergency work light.
- A multifunctional tool, such as the Leatherman Super tool is the gadget man’s dream. It contains 19 different tools all in one, and the manufacturer is so confident of its durability that it even comes with a 25-year warranty.
- Some other useful things to have handy should the car break down include water, duct tape, a wind-up LED torch and hand wipes.
Tools for tyres
- Having tyres that are properly inflated can save you fuel and can prevent premature tyre wear. By using a RaceX tyre pressure gauge you can ensure that they are filled to the correct pressure.
- It is advisable to always have a spare tyre and car jack on board in case of getting a flat tyre, most new cars come fitted with these as standard. Often wheel nuts are difficult to get off without damaging them but the Dynomec locking wheel nut remover has a protective steel shroud to minimise rubbing.
- If you don’t have the time or the inclination to change a tyre, Holt’s Tyreweld Emergency puncture repair formula fills the tyre, inflating it and then sealing the puncture. It even has gloves to keep your hands clean. These type of kits get you back on the road within minutes.
Tools for adverse weather conditions
- To make sure you’re not caught out on a frosty morning, always have an Ice Scraper Mit handy. You can even keep your hands warm and dry while clearing the windows.
- When you’re in a hurry it can be infuriating waiting for the car heaters to kick in to demist the screens. This demister from Homebase is a cheap, simple and easy solution. It will leave the screens with a smear-free finish so that you are ready to drive straight away.
- A small folding shovel available from tooled-up.com is a great tool that could help you dig your way out of snow, mud and sand and can even be used for last minute beach excursions. The Draper folding shovel is compact so will fit nicely into the boot ready for when or if it’s needed.