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6 Items Every Driver Should Always Have in a Car Tool Kit
1. Multi-Use Escape Tool
While most of us never think we’ll need a way to escape our vehicle in an emergency, if we ever need to do this, having this one tool easily accessible can be a lifesaver. Typically, a car escape tool has a brightly-colored plastic casing that contains at least a window-breaking end and a seat-belt cutter. Some escape devices include an additional spike and/or knife blade. Both keychain models and those that Velcro under the driver’s seat are available.
2. Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables
As drivers, we all have likely used jumper cables to help another driver or had them used on our own stalled vehicle. The best kind is good quality, spring-loaded cables with clamps. They can be used on both cars and trucks and are much more useful and dependable than the inexpensive, lightweight jumper cables that plug into your vehicle cabin.
3. Vehicle Towing Strap
If jumper cables fail to move your stuck vehicle, a super-strong towing strap wrapped around your non-running car or truck can save the day by helping you get to a safe place off the road. You can avoid another driver colliding with your stalled car, or move your vehicle to the side of the road after an accident. Your dealership can guide you in finding the ideal type and size of tow strap for your specific Ford.
4. Duct Tape to Get to Your Ford Dealer
Having good quality duct tape – not the cheap stuff! – on hand can often allow drivers involved in a minor fender-bender to drive immediately to the dealership for repairs. This avoids having to wait and pay for a tow truck. Be sure to put only the strongest type of duct tape in your tool kit so that it can temporarily hold your fender or other car body part that has loosened.
5. Screwdriver & Socket Set
For tightening loose screws, battery terminal clamp slippage, or other simple problems that are easy to spot when you open your car hood, a screwdriver with different sockets is a must-have! Being able to check and attend to these easy fixes before they become bigger issues can save you a lot of money and time.
6. Hands-Free Strong Flashlight
While it may seem like a no-brainer to keep a flashlight in the car for emergencies, it’s also a common item to forget since to some it may seem unlikely to have an accident or other incident at night. Yet a flashlight can make all the difference in seeing the engine properly when checking for loosened screws or for looking under the vehicle or into the back of the trunk. Powerful flashlights with a magnet and/or hanging hook attached can be especially useful for hands-free car maintenance.
To get custom advice for your vehicle tool kit, book a service appointment, or get a price quote on a quality car or truck, contact Jordan Ford. Since 1919, we’ve been helping drivers in San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding areas.