If you drive a car, sooner or later an emergency or emergency situation will occur on your travels or on the highway or freeway. Count on it. Of course you cannot anticipate each and every possible mishap. However being prepared is the basic rule of thumb for most experienced motorists and professional drivers.
However in the case of most amateur mechanics and vehicle owners they need to have only the tools to fix a handful of cars – two or three family vehicles in most cases. Since in most cases speed of repair time is not the primary concern – most can do with a somewhat minimal however not as limited as they would think – auto tool kit.
If you do own winter tire chains, it is best to keep them in your car’s trunk , or in the case of a pick up truck “toolbox” or in your truck’s or SUV’s passenger or storage compartment areas, throughout the entire winter time period. Stow a four by four plastic tarp near the chains, and perhaps an old blanket as well to kneel on, in case you are forced to install or remove your own.
As far as tools go, here are some basic items. A strong pocket knife, a medium screwdriver, a good quality set of pliers or Vise grips, a few wrenches and a flashlight. Of course their standard safeties practice to test your flashlight on a regular and ongoing basis. Wrapping everything in an old towel will keep the kit from rattling around. As a bonus the cloth will give you a clean up kit as well.
No doubt about it. Your basic auto tool kit and first aid setup can both be a convenience and a lifesaver to the average motorist – yourself and your family included.