As a car owner you never know when something could go wrong with your car. For instance, if your reliable car just decides to boycott in the middle of the interstate, you want to be sure you have the right tools to resolve your issue.
Before we discuss the tools you need to keep in your car, let’s discuss the risk of not having the right tools.
- You end up stranded in a place that reminds you of the movie “Wrong Turn”
There is nothing worse than your car breaking down unless, of course, you break down in a very unfamiliar area. In moments like such, it is extremely important to have the proper tools to at least get you to a public area or repair shop.
- You end up having to pay for a tow truck
Have you been stranded on the side of the road and had to call a tow truck? Then, 5 hours later, when the tow truck arrives, you are relieved to finally be taken home or to your repair shop.
Then, the next day arrives and the bill arrives with it. Your wallet starts shrinking and you’re left wishing you towed cars for a living.
- Late for an important meeting!!!!
You have been prepping for this meeting all week and the day has finally arrived. It’s the middle of winter so you have your fresh pea coat on ready to go! You hop in your car, try to crank it up and your battery has no pulse—it’s dead. So much for making to the meeting on time or even at all.
- Easy repair turned major headache
There is nothing worse than having an issue with your car, knowing how to fix it, and discovering you have no tools. Something as simple as a flat tire can turn into a major issue, even if you have the spare tire ready to go.
The circumstances listed above are only a few of the risks associated with not having the proper tools in your car. So, let’s get into the tools you should keep in your car and why they are necessary.
- Jumper Cables
Jumper cables can be extremely beneficial when your battery has died. They are very inexpensive but can help you avoid major headaches or even make it to your big meeting on time.
Below are links to the top sellers, priced at under $20 on Amazon:
EPAuto 4 Gauge 20ft Jumper Cables
Iron Forge 8 Gauge 20ft Jumper Cables
Iron Forge 6 Gauge 20ft Jumper Cables
Note: The gauge refers to the thickness of the cables. The higher the gauge the thinner the cables and vice versa. With thicker cables, more electricity is transferred allowing your battery to charge faster.
Not sure how to use jumper cables? Click here to learn more.
- Four-Way Lug Wrench
A four-way lug wrench is used to remove lug nuts—metal pieces that hold the rims and tires on your car. A four-way lug wrench has four different sizes that allow you to 
remove all sizes of lugs nuts.
This tool is by far one of the most valuable tools you can keep in your car. The tire iron, the “L” shaped piece of metal that has a socket on one end and a wedge on the other, that comes with some cars can be a pain to use, especially in stressful situations. This is also a great tool to have so that you may assist other people who were not fortunate enough to read this article.
Listed below are links for some 4-way lug wrenches:
WORKPRO 14” Universal Folding 4-way Lug Wrench
Powerbuilt 14” Universal 4-way Lug Wrench
- Hydraulic Jack
Another very key tool that can save a lot of time and stress is a hydraulic jack. These 
jacks are significantly better than the standard jacks that come with the car. Could you imagine having to use those scissor jacks, which take an hour and a day to lift your car high enough to actually change the tire???
Well, you don’t have to. And, don’t worry, you will not be spending an arm and a leg for these jacks.
Below are some hydraulic jacks under $40:
Torin Big Red Hydraulic Floor Jack
Liftmaster Hydraulic Floor Jack
Performance Tool Hydraulic Jack
- Electric Air Pump
Let’s just say you end up with a flat tire. You’re confident though because you’ve done your due diligence and have all the essential tools listed above to make this an easy tire change. You are feeling a rush of gratification because you made the necessary investments to be prepared for an event like this.
You finally get the spare out and successfully replace your flat tire. Then, you lower the car and are ready to get back on the road you. But, wait a minute, this cannot be—you find out the spare that’s been sitting in your trunk for 50 years, waiting for its chance to shine, IS FLAT!
No need to worry, there is a solution! Not only can an electric air pump help when your spare tire is low, but it can sometimes allow you to fill your flat tire if you have a slow leak. This can buy you some time to get to a repair shop or pubic location to get help.
Note: When refilling a flat tire that is punctured, you should not repeatedly fill the tire to continue driving. In the case that the flat is due to a hole in your tire, your risk of having a tire failure, which can be extremely dangerous, increases. It is best to get the tire fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
Below are some of the top selling electric air pumps priced at $40 and less on Amazon:
EPAuto 12 Volt DC Air Compressor
AUDEW Portable Air Compressor Pump
Lifeline AAA Portable Air Compressor
- Emergency Car Repair Tool Kit
Last but definitely not least, you should also have an emergency car tool kit. A car tool kit can come in handy for almost every situation. They usually include all the essentials to get you back to safety or even make a complete repair. Some of these kits even include items mentioned above.
You may not do much work on your car, but it is very helpful to have the tools needed to repair your car even if you have someone else assist you. Neither you nor I want you stranded somewhere with help but no tools.
Below are the most popular emergency car repair tool kits on Amazon:
Premium Auto Emergency Kit by Kolo Sports
Secure Guard Emergency Roadside Kit
Performance Tool Premium Roadside Assistance Kit
Conclusion
It can be very frustrating and stressful having issues with your car. What’s even more stressful is having an issue with your car and not having the necessary tools to fix it. In most cases, your car is the second highest investment you will make next to your house. So, why not protect it?
As good ole Ben (Benjamin Franklin) said “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. However, by investing in the tools listed above, you are surely planning to be prepared!
If you have any questions or comments drop them below or send us a message here. We’d love to hear from you. And remember – knowledge is the key to a fair repair.
Fair Repair 