Car breakdowns never seem to happen at a convenient time and many drivers are underprepared for a flat tire or a dead battery, especially if they’re in the middle of nowhere. Always keeping a handy emergency car repair kit in your vehicle can allow you to get your vehicle back on the road.

Why You Should Keep an Emergency Car Repair Kit

Whether you’re heading to work or you’re traveling cross-country to visit family for the holidays, an emergency tool kit for your vehicle is a helpful resource to have on hand. Many drivers will experience a flat tire or a dead battery at some point during their years of driving and it’s integral to understand how to approach these situations.

If you’re someone who enjoys taking road trips or who drives during the night time hours, you’ll want to ensure that you’re self-sufficient for a few basic repairs.

Emergency Car Repair Kit, Northwest Auto Center of Houston

8 Essential Tools for an Emergency Car Repair

There are a few basic tools every driver should keep in their trunk that make up an emergency car repair kit. Luckily, they are also easy to acquire. If you’re missing anything from this list, head to your local auto parts store.

Spare Tire

Many vehicles come with some type of spare tire, though it’s not always a full-size variation. To ensure your spare is ready to use at any time, have the pressure checked when you go in to service your wheels.

Portable Tire Inflator

Portable inflators are a great item to keep on hand when you don’t have immediate access to help. You can inflate your flat tire enough to get to the nearest mechanic shop a few miles down the road.

Jumper Cables

Keeping a pair of jumper cables in your vehicle can allow you to jumpstart a dead battery. Generally, you need help from another vehicle to jump the battery, though you can add a portable battery to be self-sufficient. For those that love road trips, that’s a great Christmas gift!

Fire Extinguisher

Many people keep an extinguisher in their homes but forget about keeping one in their car. Vehicle fire extinguishers should be rated as class B and C, making them suitable for fires started by diesel or gasoline as well as those sparked by electrical components.

First-Aid Kit

Even a minor fender bender may call for a first-aid kit equipped with bandages and OTC painkillers. This is a great kit to have on hand, especially if you’re driving with little ones in the car.

Blankets and Jackets

If the temperatures are dropping, you’ll want to equip your emergency car repair tool kit with blankets and warm clothes. Breaking down in sub-freezing temperatures can lead to a medical emergency if the passengers get dangerously cold. Even in moderate temperatures, it’s easy to get cold at night, making your car breakdown even more frustration.

Basic Toolbox

To effectively repair or replace a flat tire, you’ll want to keep a lug wrench and a tire jack on hand. You can also add a knife, some duct tape, and other multi-use tools that are handy to keep for emergencies.

Headlamp or Flashlight

Keeping a flashlight in your glove box or center console with extra batteries can make or break your vehicle emergency. Trying to replace a tire at night with no source of light can be a near-impossible task. A headlamp provides a hands-free light experience, which allows you to work faster and get back on the road safely.

It’s also handy to keep a spare so your passenger can either assist with the repair, flag down assistance, or keep you more visible to passing vehicles at night.

Car Troubles Got You Down? Bring Your Ride in Today.

We’re happy to provide maintenance and repair work for your vehicle. If you’re experiencing an emergency issue with your car, give Northwest Auto Center of Houston a call today at 281-894-8880 and we can set up an appointment to diagnose the problem and provide you with a repair solution. We provide efficient, friendly, and reliable service that can be trusted for over 32 years!