EDC for the car.

[DaveK]

I think this is probably the best place for this. Mods - if it isn't - tough

The recent snow (or more precisely the way that the general idiot population of this fair isle drive in it) has got me thinking about things that I should really have in the car. As I've only had this car for a few weeks, it's pretty well empty apart from an umbrella in the boot, and a Swisstool and a Res-Q-Me in the glove compartment. I have plans to add a torch and spare batteries tomorrow.

I was "parked" on a road last week for the best part of three hours because some trucks had jack-knifed ahead, and the snow was heavy. Another hour and I think many of the vehicles in front of me would have struggled to get going again. I have a Freelander, but eventually the snow would have got deep enough to give me problems too, so a shovel seems like a good idea. I'll be dragging up old threads on the folding shovels presently, but I wondered what everyone else has / would recommend as EDC for your car.

[Sea Monster]

If you're getting stuck for three hours, I'd recommend adding Balderdash, gotta entertain yourself!

I never have to deal with snow (torrential rain on the other hand...)

Other than a special socket & wrench (to fit the nuts on my mag wheels  ) I don't have any car-specific tools, all the rest of the crap in my car is to turn it into a portable workshop/office (even batman had a bottom line to keep an eye on!)

[DaveK]

Yeah I suppose snow isn't really a problem for you lot.

I fear I might regret asking this, but what are Mag Wheels?

[Gadget Guy]

Yeah I suppose snow isn't really a problem for you lot.

I fear I might regret asking this, but what are Mag Wheels?

   

[DaveK]

It's a brand is it?

[Sea Monster]

they're just flasher wheels than the bog standard steel ones you get on most cars.

Look nicer, better quality, cost more to replace

[Leatherman123]

In my truck I have: LM SURGE w/ bit kit, a Life Hammer thing, 4D Mag Lite; for non illumination purposes, a homemade first aid kit, and a Gerber Emergency Response kit..

[Gadget Guy]

It's a brand is it?

No, a mag wheel is usually found on most American muscle cars from the 60's & 70's. Its more of a term now and can be used for a variety of custom wheels.

[DaveK]

I reckon I'd probably like them then, but, back on topic, I already have a spare wheel. Although some little b*****d has nicked the Landrover badge off the cover.

Thanks GG also!

LM123 - I had already decided to put together a FAK, good call.

[american lockpicker]

I recommend the Glock E tool.

[DaveK]

I recommend the Glock E tool.

Yeah I was looking at those, but they are really expensive, especially as they seem to need to be imported from the US. The Gerber Gorge seems to run at about half the cost here in the UK. Are there any problems with that one as far as you know?

[Gareth]

Yeah I suppose snow isn't really a problem for you lot.

I fear I might regret asking this, but what are Mag Wheels?

This is only a guess but i think they are what we would call alloys.  I think I'm right in saying they are made of a magnesium alloy.  They say 'Mags' we say 'Alloys'.

I can recommend one of the C-cell Tesco LED torches they only cost £12 and are super bright.  Once upon a time everyone carried a car blanket, seems like a good idea in winter.  Strangely I also have an umbrella in the boot.  

[american lockpicker]

I recommend the Glock E tool.

Yeah I was looking at those, but they are really expensive, especially as they seem to need to be imported from the US. The Gerber Gorge seems to run at about half the cost here in the UK. Are there any problems with that one as far as you know?

There made in Austria so if you could get one from there it would probably be cheaper.

[DaveK]

Gareth - amazingly, it is that very Tesco light that I was going to put in there tomorrow! Spooky.

ALP - they seem to retail for more over there than in the US it seems. But international shipping looks like making that one a non starter I think. I need to get something that already in the UK.

[Gareth]

Same torch eh?  You didn't get your umbrella from Ikea did you? 

[Anthony]

Size shoulden'ty be a huge issue for car carry...actually if you get a small shovel, after about two loads of snow you're going to be really uncomfortable.  

I know there is a portable snow shovel design out there which is two aluminum rods that snap together to form the handle, and the shovel blade and handle which are attached are plastic.  It becomes a close to full size snow slovel, and dissasembles rather small.

Another thing I'd reccomend would be a big MagLite.  A Mag is really easy to use with gloved/cold hands.

[Leatherman123]

I went to Ikea for the first time last weekend.. TBH, I HATED it!

[Gareth]

I went to Ikea for the first time last weekend.. TBH, I HATED it!

Mostly I agree but my daughter loves the creche. 

[Leatherman123]

When I went, I honestly felt like I was in a different country! I felt as if I were in Germany for some odd reason! LOL

[DaveK]

Lol - no the brolly was a corporate freeby, some insurance company logo on it I think.

Thanks for the tip Corrugated, I'll look into that.

re: IKEA - terrible place. I'll stop there because I can go on for a while. I do buy a lot of stuff there though, because it is (and it hurts me to say it) good value for money.

[DaveK]

When I went, I honestly felt like I was in a different country! I felt as if I were in Germany for some odd reason! LOL

That is odd, with IKEA being Swedish and all

[american lockpicker]

Another thing I'd reccomend would be a big MagLite.  A Mag is really easy to use with gloved/cold hands.

I don't recommend a Maglite in cold weather something plastic would be better.

[Tinnie]

Well I carry in my car...
Duct Tape
BM Rescue hook 5
A LED MiniMag
Umbrella
3-5 Ponchos (just in case if I got anyone in the car )
A small med kit
Stuff to change the tires sockets and stuff
A Space Blanket(you poms should carry one two if it gets cold over there )
And my Multi-tool that I have on me always ....currently a PST and loving it been carrying it for almost 3 weeks now and can't get enough of it (Nomad )

I'm sure there's more...THe list might get shorter once I get my EDC Bag sorted out

[David]

Besides the other things already mentioned. In the winter I like to have a blanket or sleeping bag plus extra warming clothes in case I get stuck or stranded some where or have to hike out any distance.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well in my motorbike days I always carried a folding shovel, saw, FAK, poncho and sleeping bag should I breakdown at all

[Flash]

Dudes and dudesses,

I carry 3 boxes in my boot, spare fuela and a few extra clothes...poncho etc etc

In these boxes is enough kit to dig my car from snow, feed my family for 3 days, keep them warm for 3 days, entertainment, basic car maintenance, camping equipment, cooking abilities etc etc

The reason?

Some years ago I helped evacuate an entire housing estate (don't ask) and the people had literally 20 mins to get out.  The result...total panic and a VERY scary situation.  Since then I reasoned if I get the 20 min warning I will be VERY far away by the tenth minute.  I pack up my family and make like a tree and leave.

The benefit of this is that if we get stranded in a normal car journey, we are good to go.

One MASSIVE tip from my old stakeout days is carry a wide necked bottle in your glove box (think fabric softener bottle) it makes going for a pee whilst stuck on a motorway a LOT easier than trying with several miles of traffic watching you in the hard shoulder.

[Benner]

I recommend the Glock E tool.

That's what is in my car and I have needed it for the very thing you said Dave.

I know they are pricey, but it's worth it IMO.  Especially as it folds to a real small size.

[Anthony]

Another thing I'd reccomend would be a big MagLite.  A Mag is really easy to use with gloved/cold hands.

I don't recommend a Maglite in cold weather something plastic would be better.

Aside from me always having a few pairs of gloves, a Mag is also a good defensive tool because it's metal.  You never know where of what time of day your car is going to get a flat or just stop working!

Still, a few small (like 2D) plastic lights are also handy to have also.  The more light the better sometimes.

[eodtech]

I carry a canvas brief case bag with assorted mechanics tools , SOG PowerLock in the fold down center console, Rescue Tool in the door storage tray, INOVA T-4  rechargeable LED flashlight hard wired to a 12V source.  Overnight trips a Springfield M6 Scout is between the front seats

[Medic82]

Dudes and dudesses,

I carry 3 boxes in my boot, spare fuela and a few extra clothes...poncho etc etc

In these boxes is enough kit to dig my car from snow, feed my family for 3 days, keep them warm for 3 days, entertainment, basic car maintenance, camping equipment, cooking abilities etc etc

The reason?

Some years ago I helped evacuate an entire housing estate (don't ask) and the people had literally 20 mins to get out.  The result...total panic and a VERY scary situation.  Since then I reasoned if I get the 20 min warning I will be VERY far away by the tenth minute.  I pack up my family and make like a tree and leave.

The benefit of this is that if we get stranded in a normal car journey, we are good to go.

One MASSIVE tip from my old stakeout days is carry a wide necked bottle in your glove box (think fabric softener bottle) it makes going for a pee whilst stuck on a motorway a LOT easier than trying with several miles of traffic watching you in the hard shoulder.

I gues you don't drive a Mini.....