What Should Be In A Driver’s Travel Tool Bag?

When going on a car trip or gearing up to do repairs on your own, you should always think through your actions in advance in a particular way. This approach helps eliminate unpleasant surprises, and helps eliminate the problem that has arisen. That’s why you should take a travel tool bag with you on a trip. Fill it with tools (after learning how to use them) and it can become a real salvation in a car breakdown. Let’s consider what you might take on a road and what to use it for.

Basic Tools

A travel tool bag should contain various items, including a basic set of tools for field repairs. These tools allow you to perform multiple manipulations and eliminate existing problems independently. Many car owners call the wrench the most essential tool. Although it can be different in shape, size and type, it will always be used for the same purpose.

In most cases, an adjustable wrench can be found in a tool bag. It is a universal device with which you can work with nuts and bolts of any size. Ratchet wrenches are also popular with drivers.

An equally helpful essential tool is a screwdriver. It is ideal for unscrewing/tightening small screws, which are present in large quantities in various electronic and other design elements. Screwdrivers also come in different types and sizes. Ideally, a travel tool bag should contain a maximum of such devices. The following essential item on the list is pliers. They are designed to perform various tasks, from twisting wires to simply gripping small parts. It is advisable to have several different types of pliers in your tool bag. This will expand the range of their application and make them an indispensable item on any car trip.

Owners of new vehicles or models, purchased at places like the LA-damaged car auction, should not forget about such a tool as a hammer. Initially, it may not seem very useful, but its surprisingly helpful for tasks. Hammers are different, too. A medium or even small-sized model will be enough. The main thing is that it is well-made and does not fly apart after a few blows.

Tire Maintenance and Repair Tools

A flat tire is one of the most common problems that arise during a car trip. Every vehicle owner has encountered this situation at least once (or they will eventually), so they always have a jack in their travel tool bag. There are several popular versions, but only two are best suited for drivers. The first is the so-called scissor jack. It is compact and lightweight, so it fits easily in a tool bag and does not weigh it down much. This device lets you quickly lift various car parts and replace a flat tire. Cars that come with spare tires will have a scissor jack as part of the kit. An alternative to a scissor jack is a hydraulic jack. It is a more modern device that can handle large loads. At the same time, such a jack is relatively small and easily fits next to other driver tools. You pump the handle up and down to raise the jack, then turn a small screw valve to let the jack down.

Flat tires can not only be changed but also repaired sometimes. To do this, you’ll need to have special tire plugs. They allow you to temporarily repair the puncture and reach the chosen destination or the nearest tire repair shop. Another popular product to prevents leaks in tubeless tires is sealing liquids injected into the tire. One of the best is called Muk-Off.

Useful Devices

Every driver’s travel tool bag should contain several useful devices, designed to monitor various parts of the car and eliminate specific problems. There are many of them, and today, they are all affordable. Despite this, you do not need to buy them all and try to fit them into a tool bag. In most cases, it will be enough to have 3 of the most popular devices and 1-2 additional ones (their choice depends on the characteristics of the trip and the condition of various elements of the car’s structure).

Among the many valuable devices, an air pressure gauge for tires is one of the most useful. It allows you to check the tire pressure at any time and achieve ideal readings. Pressure gauges are analog and digital. The first option is the most inexpensive and suitable even in extreme environmental conditions (for example, in terrible weather). Digital models are more expensive, but they cope better with their tasks. They have a minimum error and are extremely easy to use.

A multimeter is another helpful device. It measures voltage, current and resistance in an electrical circuit. Such versatility makes the multimeter indispensable for diagnosing various problems with a car’s electronic components. Nowadays, drivers use a digital version of this device, which is easier to use, more accurate and compact.

A portable starting battery is a great thing to carry in your travel tool bag. It is relatively small and works effectively in any condition. With its help, the car engine can be started even with a completely discharged battery. This will save the driver from looking for a suitable vehicle for towing and help the driver cope with the situation during a trip on remote routes.

Consumables

To fix malfunctions that arise, consider various consumable items. Popular consumables includes bolts, screws, nuts and other similar items. The list should also include different types of connecting cables, adhesive tape, ties and much more. In some cases, all these items will remain untouched, but in others, they will become indispensable when eliminating various malfunctions.

One type of consummable is work gloves. They’re useful for keeping your hands clean and cut-free.  Rags and paper towels are also a good idea. Anti-rust sprays, lubricants for loosening threaded connections, and more.

As a diligent driver, you shouldn’t go on a trip without a properly stocked travel tool bag. This applies not only on long trips but also short ones. You should always take a maximum of valuable tools and devices to help you in a given situation. Their presence will allow you to quickly resolve the problem and reach your chosen destination.