While driving around in your car is fun, getting stranded far from home can be frustrating because of a minor fault. If you do not have the necessary automotive safety tools to fix the fault, it leaves you helpless, and it might be hours before you can get help.
In the event of an accident, having essential automotive safety tools in your car can be lifesaving. You do not have to be a professional mechanic to use your toolkit to resolve simple car troubles. In this list, we explore some functional tools that require minimal mechanical knowledge but can help you in an emergency.
10 Automotive Safety Tools Everyone Car Owner Needs
The roads can be scary places, and in case of an emergency, having automotive safety tools can be the difference between life and death. Let’s take a look at the 10 automotive tools that every car owner should have in their vehicle.
First Aid Kit
Most drivers often overlook a first aid kit. However, it should be the number one automotive tool as it can mean the difference between life and death if you are involved in an accident in a remote area with no help.
Your first aid kit should contain antiseptic ointment, dressing tape, gauze, cotton, crepe bandage, dressing tape, and basic pain medicine or pain spray. All the items in your first aid kit should be within the expiry date to ensure they are usable.
LifeHammer
A life hammer allows you to break a window in case you are underwater. This small tool can save your life if trapped inside your car underwater. It can also be used to cut the seat belt, which is designed to be difficult to cut for safety reasons.
Time is of the essence when you are trapped inside your car underwater or if your car is on fire since you will quickly run out of air. A life hammer makes it easy to get out of the car quickly.
Keep the life hammer within easy reach of the driver’s seat. Consider using double-sided tape or velcro to attach it for easy retrieval. This small but effective tool makes it possible to quickly get out of your car and can possibly save your life.
Jumper Cables
It is inconvenient if you have an early morning meeting, but your car will not start because the battery is dead. The battery is one of the most essential pieces of equipment in your car, and its failure can abruptly put a stop to any plans you might have had.
Luckily, a set of jumper cables are one of the only automotive safety tools that can get your car running in minutes. Choose durable, 4 or 6-gauge jumper cables with high-quality clamps. Avoid the jumper cables that plug into the cigarette lighter, and ensure that they come with a storage bag.
Consider the jump starter and power bank combination that allows you to jump-start the battery without the help of another vehicle. A good set of jumper cables should be able to work with cars and trucks with different configurations.
Car Jack
Most cars come equipped with a car jack. However, if your car does not have one, you can easily purchase it. A car jack is an invaluable tool when you need to change your tire in case of a puncture.
It can also be used to lift your car when you need to check under it for any faults, replace the exhaust, or change the engine oil. Ideally, it would be best if you used the car jack alongside axle stands to support the car safely.
Always use your car jack on firm, level ground to avoid the risk of injury.
Puncture Repair Kit and Portable Tire Inflator
Many cars come equipped with spare tires. Ideally, you should ensure your spare tire is adequately inflated to the proper pressure.
However, if your spare tire fails or you suffer multiple punctures on different tires, you need to find an alternative.
Keeping a repair kit and portable tire inflator in your car can help you make a temporary fix until you can get to the nearest mechanic or tire shop. However, a puncture repair kit is only for use in emergencies. Do not rely on it to permanently fix your tire.
After using the puncture repair kit, ensure that you get the tire replaced immediately.
Tow Strap
A tow strap is another essential tool to keep in your car in case of emergencies. If your car breaks down far from the workshop, a tow strap allows you to ask for help from other motorists. You can request other drivers to tow your vehicle to the nearest workshop.
If you are stranded without a tow strap, it can limit your options. Other drivers may not have the necessary equipment to safely tow your car. However, if you have your own tow strap, it increases the chances of getting help.
Screwdriver Set and Socket
Some parts can come loose on your car due to vibration or too much use. Using your screwdriver set, you can quickly tighten the loose parts. Some parts you can quickly fix using the screwdriver set and socket are slipped hose clamps or loose battery terminal connections.
Even if you are not well-versed in automotive repairs, a quick look under the hood will reveal any loose or disconnected parts.
Always get a screwdriver set with multiple sizes and tips to maximize flexibility. It is also important to familiarize yourself with how to use the items in the set before storing them in your car.
Duct Tape
Duct tape offers you a simple solution to many different problems. Hanging wire, broken bumper, fender bender? Simply reach for your duct tape and temporarily fix the problem until you can get to an automotive workshop.
While it seems like a simple fix, you can use duct tape to patch up your car enough to get it to a car repair shop. It also saves you from spending money on towing the car and comes in handy in non-automotive emergencies.
Ensure you get high-quality duct tape that can adhere to various materials in varying temperatures.
Knife
You won’t always need to hold car parts together in an emergency. Sometimes, you have to separate and get rid of certain parts to keep your car in working condition or to get out of your car safely.
For instance, if a part of the bumper breaks off and keeps rubbing against the tires, you may have to cut off the loose piece before getting back on the road. If you get a rope entangled in an axle, you can use a knife to cut it loose.
A knife is also one of the basic tools for human survival. It is not limited to car emergencies only and can be used to open food items, cut a seat belt loose so you can get out of the car, or even cut tinder to start a fire in case you are stranded after dusk.
Consider using an emergency knife that locks the blade in place or a folding knife. A fixed blade is even better, considering it will not collapse when you use it in a frantic panic.
Flashlight
If things go wrong at night, you want to have a light that can help you inspect and identify the source of trouble. Your smartphone might work well, but if it runs out of charge, you will need a real flashlight to help you after dark.
A flashlight can also be used during the day if you have to inspect less accessible parts of the car. Consider getting a flashlight with magnetic sides to make it easier to use when you need both hands.
You should change the batteries in your flashlight regularly and keep an extra set in the car. You might need a continuous source of light for extended hours.
By having these automotive safety tools, you will be ready for any emergency situation.
Summary On Must Have Essential Automotive Safety Tools
There are many essential automotive safety tools to have in your car, including water and coolant, life savers, a fire extinguisher, WD-40, a tire pressure gauge, work gloves, and more. These tools can help you navigate emergency situations and even survive life-or-death occurrences.
Get in touch with a professional mechanic to find out which essential tools you should always carry in your car.
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