In worst case scenarios, waving down for help is the simplest option, but is it safe always? Having a tool kit in your car’s kitty is always a good practice. Who knows if you’re stuck in a lonely jungle or a deserted place with sparse people, and you find somebody who knows something about car repair, but you don’t have your toolbox with you. What would you do? Loose the help opportunity?

Take safety seriously. Be over-prepared rather than being under-prepared. Toolbox is not meant for mechanics, it is for you. It can save you time or even a day. Here’s the list of basic tools you should possess -

•    Durable Jumper cables
•    Slip Joint Pliers
•    Slotted screwdrivers of 3/16, 1/4 and 5/6 sizes
•    Wire cutters
•    Crescent wrench adjustable
•    Screwdrivers Phillips of #1 and #2 sizes
•    Spare fuse kit
•    Locking pliers
•    A wheel chuck, Jack handle and jack.
•    Lug wrench or tire tool
•    Blade and a sturdy folding knife
•    Window squeegee and Ice scraper

Before you plan for a long drive or vacation, it’s not a bad idea to add few more stuffs apart from the above basic tools -

•    Power steering fluid
•    Motor oil
•    Brake fluid
•    Automatic transmission fluid
•    Flat tire repair product aerosol foam such as Fix-A-Flat(tm)
•    Radiator sealant
•    One gallon bottle of water
•    Liquid Wrench(tm) or WD-40(tm) spray lubricant
•    First aid kit
•    All-in-one tool Leatherman(tm) for emergency

Restock your first aid kit regularly and check of the liquids or sprays are not expired or dried off. Within 4 year’s time, check the battery’s functionality and its expiry.