Tool Kit for the CAR!

[bczygan]

So my wife wants a tool kit for her car.

And I'm trying to think of what would be a good and useful list.

First consideration is that she's a 70+ woman with no mechanical skills or knowledge, but she does have aptitude. Show her something and she understands.

But physically she isn't going to be rolling under the car on the side of the road or tinkering under the dash.

I don't think she could even change a flat.

But she could get a good Samaritan to help her, if stuck on the side of the road.

Other than changing a flat, I don't know what else someone else might help her with.

Anything else, we have towing, either to a shop, or home.

So the list I am thinking of for us here in the north, is mostly things to get unstuck from the snow, extra fluids to top off things.

Here's my list for now:

Fluids:
Oil - 2 quarts
Trans fluid - 1 quart
Antifreeze - 1 gallon
Windshield fluid - 1 gallon
Brake fluid

General:
Funnel
Rags
Gas can with extra gas
Jumper cables
Jump pack (charged)
Paper towels
Set of roof top racks
Rope and bungees and ratchet straps
Flashlight and extra batteries
Lock deicer
Long handled ice scraper/brush

Electrical
Fuse assortment
Electrical tape
Utility knife
Misc. wire
Wire stripper/cutter

Tools:
Side-post battery terminal wrench
Screwdrivers
Pliers
1/2" 24" breaker bar
Socket sized for lug nuts

Emergency/breakdown supplies:
Blanket
Water bottle with water
Hard candies
Hand warmers
Bag of salt
Small shovel
Bag of cat litter
Small first ais kit

Flat tire equipment:
Pair of jack stands
Small jack
4 way lug wrench
Pumped up spare tire

Anything else you can think of?

Bill

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Don't buy a first aid kit, make your own, be sure she has any xtra meds she takes in it.

Space blanket
Handwarmers
AAA

 

[Von Psycho]

I take it she drives alone cause there will be no room for anyone else.
You have assembled the most comprehensive list I have ever hear of.
Probably a cell phone is more realistic and the things the vehicle came with.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Jackstands and a 24" breaker bar in a car kit? 2qts of oil and a qt of ****** fluid? Where have you driven where you've burned a qt of ****** fluid or more than a qt of oil? Is the gallon of wiper fluid for deicing the windshield? Seems redundant with a big *** scraper. If you need a gallon of antifreeze on the side of the rd, you probably throw in a radiator.

 

[sbyrne92]

What kind of car does she drive, that she needs all of that?

Is she going on a wilderness adventure????

I think its good to have a quart of oil, and a 5 quart jug of 50/50 antifreeze.
3/8 Drive kit with a few pliers
6 in 1 screwdriver
lug wrench, road flares
Ice scraper
Gloves and shop towels

Honestly though an AAA membership will be more worthwhile than having your wife trying to patch her car back together.

 

[Stuart in MN]

How far is she going to drive? If it's just around town trips, a lot of that stuff can stay home. Unless the car leaks a lot, two quarts of oil and a gallon of antifreeze seem like a lot. What's the roof rack for?

 

[RedneckWelder]

Gloves,, warm hat and coat, dry socks, boots in case she ends up having to walk some in a winter storm or gets stranded, gives her something dry, warm, and useful to change into.

I would not put jackstands in a roadside kit for changing a tire. Throw a tire under there while changing it and don't go under the car. A good jack, yes, but not jackstands. A good breaker bar with socket to replace the ****** lugwrench is a good idea IMHO, so I like that.

Signaling devices- warning triangles, flares, whatever. While waiting on roadside assistance, you, or a tow, she doesn't want to get hit in the back by a driver who can't see her broken down car.

 

[bczygan]

Roof rack is for utility of being able to carry things that won't fit in the car. Makes it more versatile in case we run into something bulky to buy, in our travels. Leave the racks in the trunk because they make a bad noise when mounted.

I like a full size jack, 4 way lug wrench, breaker bar and jack stands much better than what comes with the car.

Car is 1990 so anything goes with one that age.

She drives 15 city miles each way during the week, and we use it for errands on the weekend. Sometimes 60 miles from home.

We have 2 kinds of roadside/towing service including AAA plus up to 100 miles.

Part of it is having fluids handy for curbside service at home. She never adds fluids at the gas station, so I do it in the street or during weekend errands and when hitting the gas station.

The list has evolved from experience. The flat fixing tools and electrical, are things I can do when we run weekend errands, if there is an emergency.

Anything else I've missed?

 

[mires]

Most importantly in my opinion would be a way to very effectively contain all of those things if she happen to have an accident. That is quite an extensive list of things to carry and I would hate for any or all of it to become a projectile in an accident and seriously injure her when she otherwise may have been fine.

 

[dadsEH]

Aw geez, not this **** again!

Its a 24 year old car! Buy her a good cell phone and a credit card...job sorted!

 

[bczygan]

Sturdy waterproof boots are a good idea, as well as coat, scarf and winter hat

And I forgot that there is always an umbrella in there.

And a spare set of keys is hidden where she can get them when she locks herself out (Which she has done numerous times.

Also there is always a small emergency stash of coinage and bills.

We also always use a steering wheel bar lock because we live in Detroit.

And a set of maps in case she gets lost and the phone runs down (Even though I don't think any woman can navigate from a map).

The belt and suspenders of a jumper cable (A really good and long one for cold Michigan winters) and a jump pack, are because she has often left her lights on at work. This saves me a 30 mile round trip and gets her home sooner.

And we're NOT preppers. You are not a prepper if doomsday has already arrived.

 

[Banjorear]

If she needs all that, it may be time for a new car. I'm not trying to be wise, but peace of mind sometimes cost some money. I say this as being one of the cheapest people on the planet so I know it ain't easy.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

We also always use a steering wheel bar lock because we live in Detroit.

Maybe you should get her something more important like a flack jacket and gun?

This thread is really bizarre. A 70yr old woman isn't doing anything more than making a phone call if her car breaks down.

 

[bczygan]

Maybe you should get her something more important like a flack jacket and gun?

This thread is really bizarre. A 70yr old woman isn't doing anything more than making a phone call if her car breaks down.

Actually not true.

She has fixed the car and other vehicles more than once, when I couldn't figure out the problem, by wiggling wires under the hood. She's smart, unafraid and willing to try things.

She won't change a tire, but will use a jump pack or cables. She'll tighten a battery cable. She can replace any and all fluids but would rather not.

And realize, most of these tools and supplies are there for my use and convenience on the road or at home. On the weekends, I am the driver, and these tools allow me to do more, if needed when out and about.

I started out thinking of putting the entire 307 piece Husky tool kit in the trunk, but realize I won't be doing a brake job on the road. This is especially true if I keep up with routine maintenance.

Wy would I need a ratchet and if I do, what sockets? The car is a 1990 Pontiac 6000 BTW.

Bill

 

[7echo]

Maybe you should get her something more important like a flack jacket and gun?

This thread is really bizarre. A 70yr old woman isn't doing anything more than making a phone call if her car breaks down.

I once mentioned to a friend that my grandmother had her car in the shop. He was surprised she still drove at 75. I replied 'How else would she get to work.' She lived to 96 and for the most part was very much able to take care of herself into the 90s. So, we do not all age the same.

 

[nicksnothereman]

So my wife wants a tool kit for her car.

And I'm trying to think of what would be a good and useful list.

First consideration is that she's a 70+ woman with no mechanical skills or knowledge, but she does have aptitude. Show her something and she understands.

But physically she isn't going to be rolling under the car on the side of the road or tinkering under the dash.

I don't think she could even change a flat.

But she could get a good Samaritan to help her, if stuck on the side of the road.

Other than changing a flat, I don't know what else someone else might help her with.

Anything else, we have towing, either to a shop, or home.

So the list I am thinking of for us here in the north, is mostly things to get unstuck from the snow, extra fluids to top off things.

Here's my list for now:

Fluids:
Oil - 2 quarts
Trans fluid - 1 quart
Antifreeze - 1 gallon
Windshield fluid - 1 gallon
Brake fluid

General:
Funnel
Rags
Gas can with extra gas
Jumper cables
Jump pack (charged)
Paper towels
Set of roof top racks
Rope and bungees and ratchet straps
Flashlight and extra batteries
Lock deicer
Long handled ice scraper/brush

Electrical
Fuse assortment
Electrical tape
Utility knife
Misc. wire
Wire stripper/cutter

Tools:
Side-post battery terminal wrench
Screwdrivers
Pliers
1/2" 24" breaker bar
Socket sized for lug nuts

Emergency/breakdown supplies:
Blanket
Water bottle with water
Hard candies
Hand warmers
Bag of salt
Small shovel
Bag of cat litter
Small first ais kit

Flat tire equipment:
Pair of jack stands
Small jack
4 way lug wrench
Pumped up spare tire

Anything else you can think of?

Bill

Always carry a real knife (preferably fixed blade). If you can't afford something like a buck zipper get a chinese equivalent. Assuming it's legal where you live; concealed (even in travel) could be a problem in some places.

Cheapest option is probably an ak bayonet but you can't cut anything with it.

 

[kctyphoon]

Cell phone / charger / credit card / cash / and a membership to AAA - let's be realistic here..
I'm waiting for someone to start saying **** like "cordless impact" or "radiation suit".. SHES 70...

 

[Givl Reggin]

Ever car should have;

Spare Tire (with air in it!)
Jack
Tire Iron
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Flashlight

Anything beyond that depends on where you live/drive....

If you're in the city where a 100 cars pass per hour and there are houses and business within walking distance is completely different situation than....

In the country where you might see 10 cars per week and the closest house is a 5 mile walk through the corn fields.

I know there are guys on here that carry enough tools to roof a house, clear a sewer drain and change an engine in their cars.... but, you have to ask yourself, realistically just what are you going to do on the side of a road? Changing a tire is it, anything else the logical answer is have it towed.

 

[Coach James]

How about a U-Haul to tow behind the car to hold all that stuff?


Coach

 

[AV8OR]

Best thing I can see is a 5v USB charger that plugs into the cigarette outlet in her car and an USB cord that will fit her phone that way she can charge the phone while waiting on the Calvary to come to her rescue.

Amazon.com has US Coast Guard approved water pouches and protein bars rated for a five year shelf life.

My personnel opinion is unless you are living a hundred miles from civilization you're killing a gnat with a sledge hammer

 

[Leadberry]

General:
Funnel
Gas can
Jumper cables
Paper towels
Flashlight and extra batteries
Long handled ice scraper/brush

Electrical
Fuse assortment

Tools:
Screwdrivers
Pliers

Emergency/breakdown supplies:
Blanket
Water bottle
Hard candies
Hand warmers
Small shovel
Small first aid kit

Flat tire equipment:
OE scissor jack and tire iron
OE donut



I would reduce your list to this.

If she checks her fluids regularly, as one should, keeping them on hand is unnecessary and a waste of space.

A jump pack is heavy and redundant. Stick with the cables.

Battery terminal wrench is pointless without the tools to remove the battery tie down bolt(s). Leave the battery to AAA. She's not changing it without getting a new one somewhere anyways.

Lock deicer is pointless if the locks are iced up and it's in the car.

You don't need rags when you have paper towels.

Keeping gas in the can with the temperature swings an interior is exposed to is a terrible idea.

She's not gonna do electrical work on the side of the road, nor do you want Joe Good Samaritan messing around with her electricals. Fuses are fine, axe the other electrical stuff.

You also don't want Joe Good Samaritan not setting up jack stands with full engagement and dropping a car on himself. Use the provided scissor jack and tire iron.

Forget the cat litter. This adds a lot of weight and zero benefit.

You also don't want water getting nasty sitting in a water bottle for weeks.

Salt? Heavy and pointless.



You're talking about adding a lot of unnecessary weight and wasted space. This slimmed down list should be more than plenty for anything she might realistically need to do.

If your mother has made it to 70+ just fine without half a supply depot in the trunk, what makes you think she needs to start now?

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I once mentioned to a friend that my grandmother had her car in the shop. He was surprised she still drove at 75. I replied 'How else would she get to work.' She lived to 96 and for the most part was very much able to take care of herself into the 90s. So, we do not all age the same.

My grandparents are now 82 and take annual road trips across Europe and down to Mexico........neither of them were going to be changing tires at 70. If I told my grandma I was putting 10lbs of kitty litter and a pair of jack stands in her Lexus she would think I'd lost my marbles. Keep in mind my grandfather was in the automotive industry for 40yrs and my grandmother used to participate in the Great American Race in a model A when my grandfather had his car collection. It's simply not reallistic to expect a 70yr old woman to do roadside repairs or dig a car out of a snow bank. I would hope my grandparents would be smart enough to give me a call instead of giving themselves a heart attack lifting a 35lb battery on the side of the interstate. For Christ's sake, my race team runs the Baja 1000 without a pair of jack stands.......and we usually take 4 trucks.

 

[Herod]

Triple A membership. They've towed my cars home a FEW times. (And some friends cars, too).

 

[mustangSR70]

You mention a gas can and extra gas. Do you really want her carrying a can full of gasoline in the trunk? You are inviting a serious accident and major fire hazard. An empty gas can yes, but not one with gas in it just to carry. Besides, AAA will bring you gas, no need to even carry a can.
As for the rest of the fluids, you say it's so you can to them off at home, so why carry them in the car? A quart of oil? Sure, but everything else can stay at home if it's top off at home.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Seriously? How about a love toy just in case she is waiting for a good Samaritan to come by and not get bored.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[2oolhound]

nitrile disposable gloves to keep her hands clean if she is doing this work.

 

[badss98]

I am assuming that this is going in the trunk, so delete the gas can with extra gas. Not smart to carry this item as a long term resource. Gas goes bad, gas creates vapor and gas goes bang when contacting source of ignition.

 

[wild cowboy]

the main things that had better be in the car are food, water, blankets, and extra cell phone batteries!

the rest of that stuff is not going to rescue a 70 year old woman, most likely.

 

[Jweebothee]

Well the kits I keep in my vehicles while in the city isn't much, jack, 24 inch breaker bar (easier for me to work with) socket for lugs, couple quarts of oil and coolant, small socket set. Now when me and my girlfriend go to our parents 150 miles away, (mostly interstate but one 60 mile stretch of back road with nothing, no cell service or tow trucks/service stations) the first thing loaded into the vehicle is my emergency tote and jump pack, cables are useless if it's late at night and no other cars on the road, the tote has a first aid kit, road flares, 3/8 and 1/4 socket set, extensions, duct tape, electrical tape, fuses, bailing wire, pliers with cutter, screw driver with changeable bits, flashlights, knife, tow strap, and an extra drive belt. Oh and the cordless impact wrench if I remember it (usually not)

 

[saceone]

In the 911 : torque wrench and air gauge

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Aw geez, not this **** again!

Its a 24 year old car! Buy her a good cell phone and a credit card...job sorted!

And AAA......

 

[bczygan]

Good thread so far.

A couple of items will be added because of it.

As said before, some of it is convenience stuff, just kept there so I can do curbside maintenance.

And some is obviously there to give her a feeling of security.

We do live in Detroit, where drivers are crazy, so I wouldn't want her placing flares. Just get completely off the road.

The jump pack is big, and she has used it. They make smaller ones, and I might get her one eventually.

AAA is great, but on bad days you can wait an hour and a half or more.

And the highway here in Detroit is a hostile place. You can't trust strangers, and you don't want to have to walk or even stop at a gas station for gas in certain neighborhoods, so a ready supply is a must. Self sufficiency is a plus.

She also carries a cooler in the summer, so frozen food picked up at the supermarket on the way home from work, won't get too hot, and hot food picked up at a fast food place won't get too cold.

And this isn't something we are just now setting up. She has always carried much of this. We both do. We are just adjusting the list for winter and checking what's missing.

Latest addition is a shovel to remove show from around tires if you get stuck. Picked up a 2 pack of these for $5 yesterday. One for each of us.

http://www.mpgear.com/568200/lifeline-alum-sport-utility-shovel-gold?SSAID=709849

Bill

 

[mustangSR70]

You're still talking about her carrying gasoline in her trunk for "safety"? Realize static electricity can cause that gas in the trunk to ignite. How often does she run out of gas that you're willing to allow the danger of carrying highly combustible gas in the trunk? That's a rolling fireball waiting to happen. And the outcome will be deadly. What would be safer would her just being conscious of how much gas she has in the tank and plan accordingly.

 

[PelicanPines]

Add some cash to be used as bus money if everything else isn't enough.

 

[KEH]

A can of gas has close to the explosive power of dynamite. For a very brief period I carried a can of gas in the trunk but sanity quickly overtook me when realized I could smell gas fumes in the car.

KEH

 

[kctyphoon]

In the 911 : torque wrench....

Are you ****** kidding me? I hope that's a joke..

 

[malibu101]

...........

Latest addition is a shovel to remove show from around tires if you get stuck. Picked up a 2 pack of these for $5 yesterday. One for each of us.

............

I always have a military surplus foxhole shovel in my truck.
It has helped me, and others, many times.

Other than that I just carry jumper cables, which have helped others more than me also, and a few basic hand tools for comforts sake.

Of course a cell phone is probably the best tool to have in this day and age if you are stranded.

EDIT- Not like "the old days" where if you drove a Mopar you kept a spare ballast resistor in the glovebox.

 

[AV8OR]

You've heard of the book "Men are from Mars and women are from Venus?"

I've been thinking about this over the last few days and I think what she is trying to tell you is she is tired of the old junker and is wanting a newer / new car.

The full Snap On tool catalog in the back of the trunk isn't going to solve your problem.

 

[bczygan]

Add some cash to be used as bus money if everything else isn't enough.

SERIOUSLY!

I already did!!!

Change and small bills.

 

[bczygan]

Starting to rethink the gas.

Does anyone else carry gas?