How to Make a Car Repair and Maintenance Kit

It's a good plan to have a maintenance and repair kit in your car. If any small problems leave you stuck on the road or in the garage, you can quickly repair something yourself or at least buy time to get it to the mechanic.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a container that will keep all your items secure. A tool kit often works best, but a suitcase or box that can be closed can also work.

2. Stock hand tools like a Phillips and flathead screwdrivers and adjustable channel-lock pliers. The screwdrivers will tighten body panels, engine components or anything else with screws. The pliers will tighten nuts or bolts and adjust or install clamps on hoses.

3. Keep a set of paper towels. This way you can clean up the mess left over from any emergency maintenance.

4. Add heavy-duty work gloves. They will protect your hands if you move any hot components or work with liquids that will stain.

5. Carry at least a gallon of water and a quart of motor oil. The water will refill the coolant tank if the car overheats, and the oil is in case the engine oil is low. Keep a funnel as well to make pouring easier.

6. Keep jumper cables in your kit in case you need to jump-start the battery. You'll still need another vehicle's assistance, but you'll have the tools in the event the other guy doesn't.

7. Stock your kit with emergency flares. If your car is stranded at night, the flares will signal a call for help or at least redirect other cars away from the hazard of your stranded vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• It is also good to replace the spare "donut" tire with a full-size one. It will take up more space but be safer to drive on and will get you back on the road again.
• It is also good to keep a standard first-aid kit in case you suffer any injuries repairing the car.