This is what comes to mind when reading the title above, let me assure you, it is not. This case will most likely have some driver heads in it more brushed than others due to usage, that is if used in the first place, not casually thrown in the storage room collecting dust along with the other forgottens.
It is helpful to have a screwdriver close by, especially on weekend mornings when there are no activities around, so you decide to get under the car and go wild on it. However, truth to be told, if a fix requires a screwdriver, it is probably best to take the car to a workshop, because only serious issues require loosening screws and unlocking lids.
Here is a list of five items every driver should have, all items are generic, and nothing is too deep in mechanics:
1. Charging cable
This is important for those misfortunes when a battery decides to let you down and malfunction. This cable is used pretty directly, you summon a friend or a fellow car owner, you both open your bonnets, hook each end respectively, you have red with (+) positive you connect the other end of red with (+) in the other car, the same is for (-) negative. You turn on your car, rev it a few times to kickstart the charging process, and then let it charge for a while, keep both cars connected, and bond with your helper while the two cars exchange battery power.
2. Lug Wrench
If – God forbid – the unfortunate occurred to you and you have a flat tire, this tool is necessary to loosen the screws on the tires, these are the 5 – sometimes more – seen hinged on every tire in every car. They need to be strongly wrenched, otherwise, the tire will run joyously on the street free of guilt.
3. Tire pressure gauge
This gauge measures the air pressure inside the tire, reading this regularly prevents having to resort to a lug wrench or buying a new tire.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to air pressure, big cars require more pressure, while smaller cars don’t. Also, rough terrains require higher pressure, but not too high or the tire will explode, same goes for unstable grounds such as gravel and sand, only in the other direction, tires there need to be running on lower pressure
4. Hydraulic Jack
This tool is highly important, it is also involved with changing tires, but what this tool does is raise the side of the car with the flat tire to make changing it easier. It’s not possible to change a tire when a car is parked firmly on the ground. Be aware though, that weaker jacks may let go of the weight and cause the car to fall on you or your hand, creating severe damage.
5. Car Power Bank
Like the common power bank for mobile devices, there is one for cars. This comes in handy if you’re in the middle of nowhere or late at night will little to no help finding another car to charge from, it gives a decent nudge to kick-start the battery, helping you get back on your way and find the nearest open car shop.