We drive our cars on daily basis and maybe occasionally use it for the long trips too. Though, during all these journeys the only tools which are available with us are a single spare wheel, jack and wrench, but ever wondered what if you are left with a flat tyre on late night? What if suddenly the engine of your car begins to emit smoke? And in the worst case scenario - What if your car breaks down in a remote area with your mobile displaying a low battery message? No. I’m not trying to terrify you but the truth is that misfortune comes always uninvited. Yet, in spite of knowing the basic information on how to prevent them, we usually take it for granted unless something actually takes place. Precisely, that’s what the aim of this thread is to teach you about – keeping some basic tools which can prove to be a saviour on several instances. Believe it or not, relying only upon the road side assistance is one of the most foolish things a driver can do. The small list below will brief you on the basic tools, their purpose and example of occasions when they can be used. Remember, boot space of the car is certainly not more important than peace of your mind. So read on.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
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- For What?
As the name itself says, first aid is the first help given to an injured person. The first aid box is a must-keep for all vehicles. Do make sure that it is timely updated with latest and required medicines. Some examples of items that are typically stored in a First Aid Kit are - Antiseptic Liquid & Cream (Dettol / Soframycin / Burnol), Cotton, Pack of Bandages etc. The First aid kits are commonly provided along with all brand new cars.
- And Why?
An apt example when a first aid kit could be helpful is in case of a minor accident or to provide assistance to other road user(s).
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- For What?
Another essential and helpful tool which many manufacturers provide in their cars. A spare wheel set is generally located inside the boot and consists of a few other tools such as Wrench and Jack to unscrew and lift the car. The flat tyre is the most common example of car break down, which is why it’s important to keep the additional tyre in good condition always. (Our guide on replacing kaput tyres:
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...guide-how-quickly-replace-punctured-tyre.html)
- And Why?
Spare wheel set can be helpful in case of a tyre puncture where instant repairing facility is not available.
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- For What?
You must have seen those cabs fitted with fire extinguishers on A-Pillar. In fact, some automobile companies too have been offering a fire extinguisher with their cars since long time because it’s arguably one of the best safety features for your car and you. Thankfully, installing one as after market does not cost an Earth either, so stop saving there.
- And Why?
Fire extinguisher can be useful if suddenly the engine of your car begins to emit smoke abnormally or an electrical short circuit takes place.
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- For What?
Mobile phones are a necessity rather than a luxury, then be it your nearby grocery store or a city miles away. We’re used to keep this small gadget always but actually needing it when it’s not with you could be some nightmare come true because this is the only life saver which stores all the contact numbers that you might require in case of an emergency. This is where a mobile charging socket in your car will come as a boon so that you can charge on the go, and reduce the risks of an emergency much earlier than it arises.
- And Why?
Like simply said above, the mobile charging socket is useful when you are stuck and need to charge the cellphone to call up someone for assistance.
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- For What?
Torch is indeed a useful innovation whose actual importance can be understood only when it is put for an unexpected use. If your major part of drive is mostly at night times then Torch is a must must. Who knows if that tyre goes flat next moment?
- And Why?
A powerful torchlight can save a lot of hassles to replace that flat tyre / repair the car during late night.
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- For What?
An extra set of spare headlamp bulbs is always provided with new cars. It can hoard you from the trouble to drive at dark without the aid of street lamps and moreover the headlamps. But hey, make sure that you know how to replace one, well-in-advance!
- And Why?
Even a single spare headlight bulb can be useful when you are driving in the dark where the street light or local assistance in not at all available.
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- For What?
Towing away a vehicle is possibly the last thought when everything else does not seems to work out and in such cases, the towing ropes proves out to be a big time rescue tool. I have seen not many people in our country have a habit to keep this very handy (and of course a very helpful) tool in their car. Storing one in the car’s boot all times is a sensible practice.
- And Why?
Simple. To tow and rescue your car from break down so that it can be taken to the nearest workshop as soon as possible.
Disclaimer:
- The tools mentioned are in no particular order.
- All pictures have been sourced from Google Images. Copyright respective owners.
- This article is property of the The Automotive India (C) 2011. Do NOT copy without the prior written permission of our authorities.
Drive Safe,
350Z
![[thumbsup]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Thumbs%20Up.png "Thumbs Up [thumbsup]")
. I have been carrying few of them but missing some important ones. 
![[evil]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Evil.gif "Evil [evil]")
! People just don't let go even when the (accident) matter is resolved. And besides that I'll also carry a pocket knife to scare these pesky children who explode the crackers too close to the car 
![[;)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Wink.gif "Wink [;)]")
It Just Came in handy Once I was stuck in the Orissa Riot and highway blockade last year during the floods. I was on the Bhubaneshwar-Vizag highway for good 5 hours. Finally when the commandos came at 1800 to diffuse the situation with the traditional Scary noise & Lathi Charge, these villagers started to attack every car srating from the first row (they even lit up a police car on fire!). I was terrified, also my wife and sister were in the car, so when these people came rushing towards our row of car to attack i had to pump it and fire in he sky twice. It did scare them off. It was indeed the last resort to try and save my family!
![[gun]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Guns.gif "Guns [gun]")
![[:)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Smile.gif "Smile [:)]")