A roadside car care kit is a valuable asset for any driver, providing the necessary tools and supplies to handle unexpected breakdowns or minor issues on the road. By assembling your own DIY roadside car care kit, you can be prepared for emergencies and save time and money by resolving simple car problems on your own. In this article, we will outline the essential items to include in your kit and provide a step-by-step guide on how to use them effectively.
Essential Items for Your Roadside Car Care Kit
- Jack and Lug Wrench: These tools are important for change flat tire. Ensure that the jack is compatible with your vehicle’s weight and that the lug wrench fits your wheel’s lug nuts.
- Spare Tire: Keep a fully inflated spare tire in good condition as a replacement for a flat tire. Check its pressure periodically to ensure it’s ready for use.
- Jumper Cables: Jumper cable is necessary for jump-starting dead battery. Make sure they are of sufficient length and have appropriate clamps for a secure connection.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: A tire pressure gauge allows you to check the air pressure in your tires. Maintaining the correct pressure helps improve fuel efficiency and prolong tire life.
- Emergency Triangle or Flares: These items help alert other drivers to your presence in case of a breakdown. Place them at a safe distance behind your vehicle to enhance visibility.
- Flashlight: A reliable flashlight with extra batteries can assist you in diagnosing car problems and performing repairs in low-light conditions.
- Basic Tools: Include a set of essential tools like a screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, and duct tape. These tools very useful handy for various repairs and adjustments.
- First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic ointment, adhesive tape, and other necessary supplies for minor injuries.
2: How to Use Your Roadside Car Care Kit
Changing a Flat Tire
a. Park your vehicle on a flat, stable surface away from traffic.
b. Using lug wrench to loose the lug nuts on the flat tire.
c. Put the jack in the appropriate lifting point then raise the vehicle until the flat tire will off ground.
d. Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
e. Mount the spare tire onto the wheel studs and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
f. Lower the vehicle slowly using the jack and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern using the lug wrench.
g. Double-check the lug nuts’ tightness before driving.
Jump-Starting a Dead Battery
a. Position the vehicle with the good battery next to the one with the dead battery, ensuring they don’t touch.
b. Attach one end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the good battery.
c. Connect one end of the negative (black) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
d. Attach the other end of the negative jumper cable to a metal, unpainted part of the engine block or vehicle frame of the car with the dead battery.
e. Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes.
f. Attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If successful, disconnect the cables in reverse order.
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressure
a. Remove the valve cap from the tire.
b. Press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem and read the pressure