Rich Hein/HowToGeekFor many years, I had a long commute to work. At one point, I was driving as far as 86 miles each way, which seems insane to me now, but I drove to where the work was. Spending that much time on the road also meant more chances for something to go wrong, whether it was a dead battery, a flat tire, or a minor problem that could leave me stranded.To reduce that risk, I put together a small kit of tools that could help me solve common problems without having to call for a tow truck. I still keep versions of that kit in both my vehicle and my wife's. These tools cover several common problems that can leave drivers stuck on the side of the road.Jumper cables or a portable jump starter can handle a dead batteryHow much you spend determines whether you'll need another vehicleRich Hein/HowToGeekJumper cables have saved me more than once. Earlier this year, my band was getting ready to head to a gig when I turned the key in my truck and heard that familiar clicking sound that lets you know you aren't going anywhere. Thankfully, I had jumper cables in the truck, one of my bandmates gave me a boost, and we were on our way.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're working with a tight budget, a good set of jumper cables can provide that same kind of inexpensive backup. The downside is that you need another vehicle or suitable battery to connect them to. A portable jump starter costs more, but it can get you moving without anyone else's help. That extra convenience can be worth it, although buying one for every car can get expensive. I personally prefer jumper cables because they're affordable and have already proven their value.A flat-tire kit can get you moving againI had the tools to avoid a long wait for AAAIn 2021, my wife and I were driving from Florida to Blue Ridge, Georgia. I left at night to avoid traffic, but less than an hour into the trip, I heard and felt the familiar thumping of a rear tire going flat. I pulled over, found a screw in the tread, and called AAA. When they told me it could take a few hours to reach us, I realized I already had everything I needed to handle it myself.In all fairness, this is a collection of tools, but each one is required to find, seal, and reinflate your tire. My flat-tire kit includes a plug kit, a portable air compressor, a tire pressure gauge, and a can of Fix-a-Flat. I also keep a pair of scissors in the kit to trim the excess plug after making a repair. You could also use a razor blade, or wire cutters if that's what you have.A plug kit can seal a puncture in the treadMost plug kits include a reamer, an insertion tool, and several plugs. After removing the screw or nail, the reamer prepares the hole, and the insertion tool pushes the plug into place. I then use the razor to carefully trim away the excess material. It takes minutes to fix small punctures.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat said, it won't help with sidewall damage or a blowout.A portable compressor puts the air back inSealing the hole is only part of the job. A portable compressor lets you reinflate the tire without searching for a gas station or depending on someone else for help.Some compressors include a built-in pressure gauge and automatic shutoff, which can eliminate the need for a separate gauge. I still prefer to keep one in the vehicle so I can double-check the reading.A tire pressure gauge confirms the pressureA separate tire pressure gauge is inexpensive, takes up almost no room, and gives you another way to confirm the tire is properly inflated. Check the reading against the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual.Fix-a-Flat is the easier backup optionI also keep a can of Fix-a-Flat in my kit because it is easier for my wife to use if she gets stuck on the side of the road. It can temporarily seal and inflate some small punctures without requiring her to remove the object or use a plug kit. This is definitely a temporary solution rather than a proper repair, but it is typically enough to get us home or to a tire shop in the case of small punctures.A multimeter can tell you whether the problem is bigger than the batteryI used mine to make sure the alternator was chargingRich Hein/HowToGeekEarlier, I mentioned that my truck needed a jump before my band left for a gig. Before we pulled away, I used a multimeter at the battery posts to make sure the alternator was charging properly. Once I saw I was getting close to 14 volts, I had the confidence to drive to the gig without worrying that the truck was running only on the battery and could die again along the way.AdvertisementAdvertisementA multimeter can also test a battery, check fuses, and help track down other basic electrical problems. It takes a little more know-how than the other tools on this list, but mine has paid for itself many times over the years.A basic socket and screwdriver set can stop a small problem from getting worseA loose hose clamp was all it took to stop a coolant leakEarlier this month, we were on our way to the beach when I started smelling antifreeze. I pulled over, saw a small drip on the ground, and immediately started thinking the worst. Once I opened the hood and tracked down the leak, I found it was coming from the radiator hose where it connects to the thermostat housing.The hose itself looked fine, but when I moved it, I could feel some play in the clamp. I pulled out my socket and screwdriver set, tightened it down, and had the leak stopped within about 10 minutes. My truck is more than two decades old, so it takes regular maintenance to keep it going, but this is exactly why I keep a basic socket and screwdriver set in the vehicle. It can fix a surprising number of issues like loose battery terminals, hose clamps, panels, lights, and other small problems before they turn into a AAA call.Note: Hot coolant can cause serious burns. Let the engine cool before opening the radiator cap or coolant reservoir.A small tool kit can save you time, money, and frustrationThe right tools can turn a dead battery, flat tire, electrical problem, or loose part into something you can handle yourself in a few minutes. I've used every tool on this list enough times to justify keeping them in both of our vehicles, and each one has helped me avoid a long wait, an expensive service call, or a ruined trip.
+68 others
