Making a list for a car toolkit. Requesting your advice.

[Smaug]

I envision having a set of "proper" tools, but not too heavy or extensive.

This is what I have so far:

• 6" Adjustable wrench
• Sockets set?
• combo wrench set?
• Plier-based MT (pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers)
• Large Slip-joint or channel lock pliers
• Large flat head screwdriver (prying duty)
• #2 Phillips screwdriver or 6-in-1 screwdriver
• LED Flashlight with lithium battery
• Metal coat hanger or bailing wire
• Large Zip ties
• Inflator or tire pump
• Tire patch kit
• Tire pressure gauge
• Duct tape or Gorilla Tape
• Electrical tape

What do you recommend adding?

[Lynn LeFey]

A couple hose clamps

Road flares
Reflector triangle
Reflective vest
Spare fuses
Spare signal/licence plate lights (might save you a ticket if you're pulled over and can fix it right there)

Just some thoughts. Take what works for you.

[Aloha]

Fire extinguisher

[eddie1115]

I don't know if jumper cables or tow straps fall onto a tool list, but those are helpful.  I also usually have some woods/outdoor tools as well, since I (used to, it's been too long ) take my Jeep offroading.  So entreching tool, hatchet, folding saw, fixed blade (maybe, depending on where you live, some law enforcement folks may frown at that).  I also keep a AA-battery powered cell phone charger (to make emergency calls, or spare batteries for my flashlight).

[Crow]

Bitkit and driver for them
fuses
electric wire
extra batteries for light
extra headlight lamps
spare sparkplugs and socket for them
(save space and put one in the socket ready)
telescope magnet

that for start.

[derekmac]

I'd add a small first aid kit to the list too.

[ironraven]

Along with multitool, a pair of dedicated pliers. And real screwdrivers. The MT works, but there are time when you need the real thing- this is your car kit, you have a few extra squares, cubes and ounces to work with compared to your belt.

Wheel chocks, buy them or make your own, but they could save your life if you need to pull over and the nearest truely flat land is three miles down the road. Kinda flat, gently sloping, these aren't really flat and your car is a ton and half to two tons of "Newton was right".

Two headlamps, with two sets of batteries each.

Tire gauge and a set of stem valve covers. A small compressor is good to.

[ColoSwiss]

Some things you might consider:

- plastic bottles of water (they'll keep even after being frozen)
- granola bars or other long-lasting food
- blankets
- florescent orange panels to signal for help
- folding shovel (add a snow shovel in winter)

[gregozedobe]

Spare fanbelt/s, and check that you have the correct tools to change them.  I buy and fit a new one and keep the old one as a spare - that way I know I can change it, AND that the spare fits.

[ToolJoe]

Maybe a cheap pair of work gloves?

[Smashie]

An old bit of carpet, to kneel on when changing wheels or laying under the car. can also be used to improve traction

[Luna Knife]

roll of bailing wire

[Lynn LeFey]

Spare engine, rescue helicopter, NASCAR pit crew, Wingman in F18 Superhornet, Uhmm....

Sorry, I know, not helpful.

If you put everything in your kit that we all recommend, I'm not sure we meet the 'Not too heavy or extensive' requirement.

[Lichtbote]

Thanks Lynn, you made my das.

[getahl]

Depends how handy you are around a car. My car tool kit is just a pared down  version of my toolbox at home.  Assorted drivers and sockets, a pair of chanellocks, a Crescent wrench , flashlight, and twine. There's some other odds and ends, but don't recall what. There's also a folding saw, gloves, and jumper cables.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[AimlessWanderer]

Mobile phone
Breakdown insurance
Torch/headlamp
Spare fuses
Spare bulbs
Jump leads
Compressor
Petrol can
Gloves
Jubilee clips (hose clamps)
Sockets and drivers
Zip ties
Insulation tape
Pliers
12V tester
Wheel brace and jack

[Mike 56]

Spare engine, rescue helicopter, NASCAR pit crew, Wingman in F18 Superhornet, Uhmm....

Sorry, I know, not helpful.

If you put everything in your kit that we all recommend, I'm not sure we meet the 'Not too heavy or extensive' requirement.

Lynn, That was great but she is right you can only carry so much stuff. I do my own wrenching. The extra parts I carry are my pull offs I save my old plugs, wires, hoses and belts there good enough to get me out of a tough spot. Your tool kit looks pretty good. Most newer cars need a 1/2 inch breaker bar to change the serpent belt. Do all screwdrivers are pretty good but still like to have a good med flat tip and #2 Philip screw drivers Crafsman or better I carry Snap-On. If you have room some oil, transmission fluid, fix a flat and brake-fluid. I carry a head lamp and my back up is a 3D Maglight it all so doubles as a war club if need be. ;-)

[Yadda]

Add a plierench and you could drop the large screwdriver, pliers and larger wrenches.

Realistically a 6 inch knipex plier wrench would be a great, but expensive addition.

[JP]

A Bic lighter and tea light candle.

Swiffer Duster

Microfiber Cloth

$50........just in case (tow, cab ride etc)

[gregozedobe]

Also a good quality socket to fit the wheel nuts/bolts, with a long extension bar to suit, so that you can undo any really tight wheel nuts.  I also like to check that the jack will raise a wheel enough to change it with a fully pumped up tyre (not always the case in some vehicles).

[captain spaulding]

Also a good quality socket to fit the wheel nuts/bolts, with a long extension bar to suit, so that you can undo any really tight wheel nuts.  I also like to check that the jack will raise a wheel enough to change it with a fully pumped up tyre (not always the case in some vehicles).

This. Since I have aftermarket wheels I cannot use the provided tire iron anymore so I bought a breaker bar that will make short work of tight lug nuts. I also had to buy a adapter.

Even if your tire iron will work its good to have a long breaker bar just in case.

[Luna Knife]

Can of wd-40