Auto Emergency Kits Essential Spare Parts
All motorists should carry an emergency kit of basic spares and parts. This kit need not be large as you will be wanting to cover simple repairs and not major surgery. The idea is, that if you as a motorist can fix something basic such as a failed bulb, you remain safe on the road and can finish your journey without any dramatics.
Spare Bulbs.
In a strong tin or sealed plastic box you should have at least one each of all the bulbs your car requires. This means indicator bulbs, headlight bulbs, rear light and brake light bulbs. These bulbs should be cushioned from any vibration or jarring with some cotton wool or similar packing material.
Fan Belt.
This spare belt should be brand new and the right one for your make of car. You may also wish to carry a spare a/c belt as well.
Tyre Weld.
Carrying a can of tyre weld is a good idea as it is a good emergency alternative to your spare wheel. This is particularly true if you are not mechanically minded or not physically strong enough to change to the spare wheel should you get a puncture. It is also handy if you are unlucky enough to puncture more than one tyre, as cars generally only carry the one spare. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the tyre weld instructions when you add it to your emergency kit, as you may not be able to read these when you need to make use of it.
Spark Plug.
Generally these do not fail, but should one oil up or fail, one spare should get you out of trouble. Make sure the electrode gap is set for your vehicle when you add this to your kit as you do not want to have to do this when making your emergency fix. Make sure the plug is new and the correct type for your vehicle.
High Tension Lead (HT Lead).
These are the leads that run from your spark plug to the distributor or electronic ignition system. Generally they do not fail but having one in your emergency kit is still a good idea. You will only need one spare lead. Make sure your emergency lead is the same length as the longest lead fitted to your vehicle, that way all lead lengths are covered. Make sure you have the correct lead for your vehicle.
Radiator Weld (Radweld).
This is a good emergency fix should your radiator spring a leak while on a journey. Caution should always be observed when working with the cooling system as you will need to make sure you do not get scalded. Allow the vehicle to cool down as much as possible before you attempt to remove the radiator filler cap and cover it with a thick cloth while unscrewing. Radweld is not a permanent repair to your radiator, but it will help to slow or stop a leak if needed. read any instructions when you add this to your kit so that you are familiar with the products use.
Air Compressor or Foot-pump.
It is no use fitting a spare tyre if you have a puncture if you find that it is not inflated properly, having a pump or compressor will mean you can inflate as necessary. Also, if you have chosen to use tire weld as above, you will need this to re-inflate your tire.
Wire.
It is very useful having some wire in your emergency kit. Such can be used if your exhaust should drop due to a broken bracket or similar. Again, this is not a permanent repair but good for getting you home.
Gaffer or Duct Tape.
A roll of this tape can be worth its weight in gold. It can temporarily repair split hoses, it can hold things together and have lots of other emergency uses.
Tools.
You need to make sure that you have sufficient tools to use the items above, screwdrivers to replace bulbs, spanners to replace spark plugs etc. otherwise the carrying of any emergency items is a pointless exercise.
As a motorist it is important to gain the 'how to' knowledge so that you can actually make some emergency repairs. Familiarise yourself with the fitting of spare bulbs. Learn how to change or tighten a fan belt and how to deal with a puncture. You will not want to do much more unless you are a skilled home mechanic. However carrying out some of the simplest tasks and having the knowledge to carry out these tasks; means you are safer on your journey. Incidentally, the items listed above take up little room in the boot of your car and cost little, so it is certainly something you should do.
Possibly the most essential item to carry is an emergency breakdown card. However even if you do use such a service, having the spares as above means the mechanic that comes to you will have parts he can fit instead of having to source them, which will reduce any delays.
