| There are loads of stuff that you can employ to | | | | Select the appropriate wrench size and number to |
| assure that your vehicle is always in tip top | | | | that of the bolt and nut you will turn. |
| shape, while easing on the budget and saving | | | | E. Wire strippers and cutters- Must-haves for |
| precious time. Instead of always going to the | | | | fixing and replacing old worn out wires or stripping |
| car shop whenever conks are heard under the | | | | them. |
| hood, why not fix minor car problems on your | | | | F. Standard Tire Wrench/ Iron- A must-have for |
| own? | | | | tire replacement. |
| You're not only giving yourself a favor by not | | | | |
| going thru the hassle of the long wait to have | | | | G. Towing Cable- Very helpful when you need to |
| your car fixed at the local car shop, but you're | | | | be securely towed away in an emergency. |
| also protecting yourself from unscrupulous | | | | H. A roll of Electrical tape (Preferably fire |
| mechanics who might take advantage of your | | | | retardant) - Handy in times of replacing and |
| predicament. | | | | insulating stripped or worn out wires. Select the |
| Here are a few tips to get you worry free on | | | | fire retardant type as it provides maximum |
| the road. | | | | protection and adheres better than the regular |
| 1. Read your car repair manual and other Do it | | | | type. |
| yourself (DIY) books | | | | I. Spare bulbs- It surely pays to have a spare bulb |
| It wouldn't hurt for you to take some time off to | | | | on hand for sudden shutdowns in important |
| read and study the ins and outs of your car. You'll | | | | beacons such as signal, safety, break and head |
| be familiar with the specifications and the proper | | | | lights while driving down dark roads at night. |
| maintenance of your vehicle. DIY books also | | | | J. Work light / Flashlight - Very useful to lighten |
| abound, providing you the basic and advanced | | | | dark nooks and crannies that you're working on. |
| techniques which could save you hundreds | | | | A work light can either just be a regular flashlight |
| perhaps thousands of dollars on repairs. | | | | or the kind with nodes that you can tap to the |
| By reading, you'll have the ample knowledge to | | | | positive and negative terminals of your car's |
| get the job done yourself whenever unpleasant | | | | battery. |
| situations arise. Like a bible is to a clergyman, | | | | K. Tire Inflator - Though this tool may not fit your |
| always see to it to have a book or two beside | | | | toolbox, but having one beside it in your baggage |
| you for quick reference in emergencies. | | | | is very helpful for mending flat tires while travelling |
| 2. Keep the right tools in your toolbox | | | | in areas where car shops and gas stations are |
| It is very important that you use the right tool | | | | scarce. |
| for the right job because if you use the wrong | | | | 3. Driving routine check ups |
| one, you might end up with broken nuts and bolts | | | | Before hitting the ignition keys, a short round up |
| or worse, have them worn out. | | | | check is helpful to ensure hassle-free and safe |
| Here's a rundown of the basic tool must-haves | | | | driving. A routine check up may be time |
| for your toolbox. | | | | consuming, but it can save your life and of those |
| A. Jack and Jack Stands - Conventional for | | | | you're travelling with. |
| changing tires and fixes under the chassis. | | | | A. Check for Water, Break, Steering and |
| Remember to never rely on the jack whenever | | | | Transmission fluid levels. This is to avoid |
| lifting your car. Always have jack stands on hand | | | | overheating, steering problems or worse, break |
| for support and safety. | | | | loss while travelling. Fill up to recommended levels |
| B. Philips and Flat tip screwdrivers- Always have a | | | | only. |
| pair handy for turning loose screws and replacing | | | | B. Check the Tire pressure. Remember that |
| worn out ones. You can also use these to poke | | | | unequal pressure among your tires will greatly |
| and reach things fallen among tiny and hard to | | | | dampen speed and stamina, thereby increasing |
| reach corners. | | | | your car's fuel consumption. |
| C. Standard and Long nose Pliers- It never pays | | | | C. Check the lights. For those who frequently |
| to have a pair of these handy for gripping and the | | | | travel at night, a check on all signals and lights is a |
| easy removal of bolts and nuts. These can also | | | | must. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know |
| be used to hold or clip wires when you're working | | | | what dangers await you, driving down that dark |
| on wiring connections. | | | | road with busted lights! |
| D. Wrench or Spanner set - Always keep a set | | | | Relax and safe driving. |
| to turn bolts, nuts and other hard to turn items. | | | | |