5 Tools Everyone Needs in Their Vehicle

There’s never a good time to get stuck on the road. While some vehicle situations require a call to a tow truck and a good mechanic, there are some situations where the problem can be handled easily…provided you have the right tools on hand.

Before you hit the road again, here are five essential tools you should keep in your car for small emergencies. Having them on hand and the know-how to use them will help you get back on the road in no time!

Tire Jack, Spare Tire, and Lug Wrench

While these are three different items, they make up one important tire replacement set that every driver needs in their vehicle. In the United States, one tire puncture occurs every seven seconds, which results in roughly 220 million flat tires each year. Being able to quickly replace your standard tire with a spare can help get you to safety and a location where you can get it repaired/replaced. That being said, we need to issue a small warning for anyone driving a newer vehicle:

For many years, spare tires and emergency jack sets used to be standard issue for every new car purchase and were usually located in the back trunk under the mat. That isn’t always the case these days as some new vehicles no longer include these with purchase. For that reason, it’s an excellent idea to familiarize yourself with your vehicle before you find yourself needing something you thought was standard and discovering it isn’t! If you find your vehicle doesn’t come with a spare tire, consider purchasing one yourself. For newer vehicles this needs to be done through the original car manufacturer or the dealership where you purchased the vehicle.

For drivers of older vehicles who do have spare tires and emergency jack sets in their vehicles, it’s an excellent idea to occasionally check to make sure you have all the parts you need and that your spare is well inflated and in good condition.

It’s important to remember that your spare tire is not a permanent solution and should not be used as a substitute for a full-sized tire. AAA advises that the spare tire is designed to provide a temporary fix and enable you to drive safely to the nearest repair shop to have your flat tire inspected, repaired, or replaced. When using a donut-type spare tire, it is recommended that you drive at speeds under 50 mph and for no more than 50 miles. Prolonged driving on a spare tire can lead to damage to other car components, such as the transmission. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to replace your tire with a spare, we recommend using it to get to the nearest Commercial Tire, where our trained experts can assess the damage to your tire and either repair or replace it.

Tire Pressure Gauge

It’s hard to tell what’s going on with your tire simply by looking at it. When debris punctures the tread, it could stick in your tire while it slowly allows air to escape. That’s why we recommend keeping a tire pressure gauge in your glove box and checking your tire pressure monthly. You have your options of manual and digital gauges that are both typically inexpensive, so you can tailor your gauge to your preferences.

Jumper Cables

Even the most attentive driver can do one of the many things that cause your battery to die. And while the world is full of kind neighbors happy to help in a bind, having your own set of spare jumper cables makes jumping your vehicle easier on both you and the kind person helping you.

If you want to go the extra mile, along with jumper cables, you can also keep a portable jump starter that suits your needs and vehicle. Jump-starter kits make it possible for you to jump your battery without the need for another fully charged car battery nearby. These are excellent solutions for people who find themselves in situations where a friendly neighbor might not be as easy to find.

Flashlight

This is a must-have for many reasons. A good flashlight can be used for everything from illuminating dark spaces under or inside your car to being used as an emergency beacon to assist in flagging down help. They’re also a great safety device and you should always carry one on you if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, especially in dark or cloudy conditions. That little extra bit of light can make you more visible to anyone driving by.

Small Tool Kit

Whether it’s something as compact as a multi-tool, or a full set with basic socket and screwdriver sizes, having access to a selection of tools will help you in a variety of situations.

Conclusion

Your maintenance needs can vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and vehicle, but being prepared for the unexpected is crucial. Whether you’re running errands or embarking on a long journey, starting with a well-maintained car is key. Regular maintenance is important, and for extended trips, consider scheduling a complimentary pre-trip safety inspection at your nearby Commercial Tire location. With multiple locations throughout the western region, you can rely on Commercial Tire for assistance whenever you need it.