How to Organize an Auto Toolbox

Be prepared for emergencies with an organized tool box.

Organize an auto toolbox to prepare yourself for any emergency that may arise while on the road such as flat tires, blown fuses, dead batteries and bad weather. Though opening a membership with an auto club may constitute the best way to deal with these problems, times will arrive when you will be thankful that you organized an auto toolbox. Without a roadside emergency kit, you may become stuck in your car overnight or stranded in an unsafe place. Even if you feel challenged working with tools, having emergency tools available will allow others to help you.

Things You'll Need

• 12-foot jumper cables
• 4 emergency flares
• 2 quarts of oil
• 1 gallon of antifreeze
• Extra fuses
• Slotted screwdrivers
• Phillips screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Vise grips
• Adjustable wrench
• Aerosol tire inflator
• Tire pressure gauge
• Paper towels or rags
• Duct tape
• Socket set
• Toolbox, small duffel bag or plastic tub
• Zipper plastic bags
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Life hammer
• Small shovel
• Ice scraper
• Blanket
• Cat litter
• Salt
• Energy snacks

Instructions

1. Gather the following items: 12-foot jumper cables, four emergency flares, 2 quarts of oil, 1 gallon of antifreeze, extra fuses, slotted screwdrivers, Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, an adjustable wrench, an aerosol tire inflator, a tire pressure gauge, paper towels or rags, duct tape and a socket set.

2. Store your auto tools in a small duffel bag, toolbox or plastic tub. Store the oil, antifreeze and washer fluid in a separate leak-proof container. Use plastic zipper bags to organize small items such as fuses, tape and batteries. Store the tool kit in your truck or securely in the back of your vehicle.

3. Create a first-aid kit for your tool box. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, instant ice pack and heating pack, tweezers, scissors and packets of aspirin.

4. Keep a small tool box under the front seat that includes a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit and a life hammer --- used to break a window or cut a seat belt in an emergency.

5. Create a winter auto tool kit to carry during bad weather. Include a small shovel for snow removal, ice scraper, blanket, cat litter, salt and some energy snacks.

6. Take the time to learn how to use jumper cables, change a tire and insert a new fuse in your car. Print out the instructions, and keep them in your toolbox.

Tips & Warnings

• Always carry a charged cell phone with you.

• Keep a cell phone charger in our car.

• Keep a small amount of money in your toolbox for emergencies.

• Carry a piece of carpet or cardboard to place on the ground for working on your car.

References

• Edmunds: How to Create Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit
• Goodwrench: Be Prepared for Vehicle Emergencies