Does anyone have any recommendations for tools to carry in the car? The sort of thing to get you going in a breakdown or do a quick roadside repair or change a bulb.

For the past 30 years I used to carry a small set of tools inherited from an old Toyota (set of metric spanners, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) but I have misplaced (lost) these. Looking to build up a new set of tools for my Berlingo VTR. I already carry a warning triangle, spare bulbs, jump leads, first aid kit, foot pump, tyre gauge and towrope. I even carry "snow socks" in winter.

(Sensible) suggestions as to where to keep tools would be welcome too. In previous cars, the space around the spare could prove valuable storage space of tools but that's not available on the Berlingo.

Thanks

Stuff it in the under floor cubbyholes?
(hatches in the floor in front of rear passenger seat on Mk I from 1999 onwards)

10mm, 13mm(I think), 5mm hex key for bleed screw, a decent set of pliers(combi with side cutter), a sharp knife, a sheet of 'gasket paper' of some sort(got my CX rolling again when the gasket for the water pump said good bye)
A ratchetting screwdriver with bits. Lots of bits.
LED worklight...
Disposable gloves...

(06-05-2014, 07:40 AM)Gadgetman Wrote:  Stuff it in the under floor cubbyholes?
(hatches in the floor in front of rear passenger seat on Mk I from 1999 onwards)

10mm, 13mm(I think), 5mm hex key for bleed screw, a decent set of pliers(combi with side cutter), a sharp knife, a sheet of 'gasket paper' of some sort(got my CX rolling again when the gasket for the water pump said good bye)
A ratchetting screwdriver with bits. Lots of bits.
LED worklight...
Disposable gloves...

Thanks Gadgetman for some good suggestions.

I guess if you've already got the tools you won't want to buy more, but Axminster Power Tools (and other retailers of course) sell a range of small kits that provide flat blade, Posidrive, Torx, Allen key, and small sockets all in one box. http://www.axminster.co.uk/catalogsearch...driver+set Not in the same league as Snap-On tools, but ok when you're in a fix. Saves space, and because there's a space for each bit it's easy to identify which one you've dropped into the long grass in the dark and wet at the roadside at 2a.m. :thumbsup:

(06-05-2014, 09:13 AM)pidgeonpost Wrote:  ............ it's easy to identify which one you've dropped into the long grass in the dark and wet at the roadside at 2a.m. :thumbsup:

And then you need a strong magnet to pick it up from the long grass under the sump. I've got the magnet from an old loudspeaker on the end of a piece of string. Drag it about and it's remarkable what you can find and pick up. It has rescued me several times, including when I dropped my keys into a ditch.

The main thing to carry with a modern vehicle is a mobile telephone and a breakdown recovery card.

Next I would venture to say that the cosy glow of a well maintained vehicle is not to be sneezed at and I would suggests that this stems from getting to know your own car by being hands on.

Beyond this you should ensure you have a roadworthy spare tyre, the appropriate jack and a socket and wrench that will actually overcome the tightening torque of the wheel nuts !! I include in this any special locking nut or key for undoing a wheel nut.

I make particular mention of a roadworthy spare wheel as some breakdown recovery policies will not cover you for a recovery free of charge if you are without a spare wheel.

Cable ties are handy as is some insulation tape.

Insulation tape is nice, but don't forget the duct tape.
(Seen the episode of Mythbusters where they destroyed a car, then taped it back together?)

Duct tape is essential It's even the right colour for my car almost a perfect match

Bottle opener. Never know when you may need to mood-adjust, or help the mood of someone assisting at your broken down vehicle.

Back in the day before all this electronic equipment when you could make repairs by the road side I carried my full toolbox. Must confess that I agree 100% with geoff nowadays though.