Tools that every car owner should own in this day and age.

They were all on Netflix (Canada). Recently, I was about halfway through "The West" when they pulled it (not sure about US Netflix). Not sure about in the States.

Anyway, I recovered: managed to find a bootleg, not too compressed. But if you're not up on that, I'm sure there's a box set, when someone asks what you want for Christmas.

 

Sounds like a better gift than socks or clothes.

My wife has a history degree and always supports increasing our collection.

 

I have the same problem. my original battery still wakes up around 12.5. Knock on wood

 

drain pan and oil filter wrench?

 

I own 2 of these 4 things in a combination Air Compressor/Battery Jump Station.

I would also recommend people keep a tarp, emergency blanket, a high quality multi-tool, and electrical/duct tape in their vehicle.

 

The tools you need depends on the vehicle and where you live. Pretty sure most of you keep an ice scraper in the glove box, but not me.

If you have a car without a spare tire, then a tire plug kit, tire pump, mini pliers and gloves are the first things to get.

 

Flashlight/spare batteries

 

I can do it with my eyes closed.

 

I think it really boils down to much what an individual owner feels comfortable doing.
There are things such as checking Oil Level and Tire Pressure I would say ALL vehicles owners need to make themselves comfortable doing. But perhaps sadly many skills above this rudimentary level of maintenance are not being embraced.

For many, the tool they carry with them in their vehicle is a charged cell phone with hopefully the number for AAA on speed dial.

Not everyone wants to hunt down blown fuses or decipher engine codes.

Which is why I weight my "necessary" tools, more towards things to aid in case of total disaster, that is, if you are stranded somewhere where your cell phone isn't going to work.

 

Depends on location...
Beach? Need shovel and toestrap

 

That's what she said.

 

Other things that depend on location....

I've spent most of my life in states of the US where pretty much any filling station you find is guaranteed to have a bathroom. Not always a spotlessly maintained bathroom, but a bathroom.

Apparently, not all states of the US require that. Several years ago I was visiting in Virginia and got turned away from every filling station for 40 miles counting from about the time I knew I really needed to go, until someone finally sent me to a Wal-Mart, reached with seconds to spare.

As soon as I was home from that trip I bought a bunch of WAG bags and several permanently live in the car now. I've never needed one yet but I remember those 40 miles and I'm glad they're there.

-Chap

Edit: huh. dead link. They seem to have changed the product name.

 

Charmin?