BLOGS
The Age
Saturday November 28, 2009
Drive.com.au asked: Is your car prepared for the worst? Here is what our bloggers think:"In the bush four-wheel-driving, I take a small tool kit, recovery gear, food, water, first-aid kit and we always go out with another 4WD at least for a buddy team. With everyday driving I only have a spare and a first aid kit in my Suzuki Sierra. Anything else is a risk of being stolen. Long-distance driving, in the wife's Corolla, I always pack some water and the small tool kit from the Sierra.""Years ago I always carried water, tools, leads, oil etc. These days cars are so reliable you just need a mobile phone. What every car should have is an emergency/distress signal locator, in case of a potential car jacking.""I bought a cheap tool kit at Bunnings. It's in a flimsy plastic case and has about 50 pieces in it including screwdrivers, sockets, pliers etc. It's always in the boot. I also roll with a first-aid kit (never know when I need to deliver a baby), that lead replacement fuel additive for old cars, a set of jumper leads, spare wheel and plenty of music. Why did I buy a cheap tool kit? If someone breaks in and flogs it, I lose $28.""A wire coat-hanger. Can be fashioned to almost any shape/purpose.""I was pleasantly surprised on opening the boot of the Lexus for the first time. In there was a 'valet kit' with tools, gloves and car cleaning products, also an excellent St John's first-aid kit. I add a towel, jumper leads, an umbrella, tyre goo and a car cover. And most importantly, the mobile phone.""For day-to-day driving, nothing that doesn't already come with the car. However, my cars are always in excellent order and never give drama (demonstrators, always under four months and 5000 kilometres). On a holiday trip, always a set of jumper leads, a compressor, torch, tool kit (I don't subscribe to the el cheapo unit as I like the skin on my knuckles), tow rope, water for car, phone charger and phone.""I'd include a safety triangle and a high-visibility vest for working at the side of the road in the dark €” more so other drivers can see you.""A topic like this is quite amusing in an age where most car owners cannot even change a tyre. Most cars have a few basic tools but I always make sure the jack is usable, otherwise I'll swap it for one that is. I also pack a proper '+'-shaped wheel brace: it can be really hard to get steel studs off alloy wheels, as they tend to bind. I also carry a ground sheet so that I can climb under the car if I need to without worrying about transferring the rubbish on the road shoulder from the back of my clothes to the cabin of my car. As for actual tools, I have a screwdriver with multiple end-bits, a set of ratchet ring spanners, a five-inch shifter and a Leatherman, all tucked away in a nice, neat roll. Ratchet ring spanners are my favourite tool of all time. What I don't have is any idea how to fix a modern car, which is OK because I've got three years of roadside assistance with my new car. I don't feel bad about my ignorance because I am confident I still know more than your average NRMA guy."To have your say go to drive.com.au/blogs
© 2009 The Age
