Being stranded away from home with a broken-down car is every driver’s nightmare, especially if you own older vehicles. Having a reliable and affordable tool kit in your car can be a lifesaver, turning a potential towing situation into a quick roadside fix. You don’t need to spend a fortune to assemble a functional set of tools. In fact, you can create a Cheap Tool Kit For Car emergencies that will handle most common breakdown scenarios.
For the core of your cheap tool kit for car, a socket set is indispensable. A great starting point is the 3/8 in. Drive SAE/Metric High Visibility Socket Set from Harbor Freight. This set provides a solid foundation with SAE sockets, which are commonly used in older American cars.
However, to make your cheap tool kit for car truly versatile, supplementing it with a set of metric deep sockets is crucial. Many components, even in older vehicles, utilize metric fasteners. Adding the 3/8 in. Drive Metric Chrome Deep Socket Set ensures you’re prepared for a wider range of repairs.
Wrenches are another essential component of any cheap tool kit for car. The 22 pc. Raised Panel SAE/Metric Combination Wrench Set offers a comprehensive selection of sizes at an affordable price. This set covers both SAE and metric measurements, making it suitable for various makes and models.
Pliers are incredibly useful for gripping, twisting, and manipulating components in tight engine bays. A basic pliers set, like this 4-piece set from Harbor Freight, will provide you with the necessary tools for many roadside tasks within your cheap tool kit for car.
Don’t underestimate the importance of screwdrivers in your cheap tool kit for car. While you can often get a free 6-piece screwdriver set from Harbor Freight with coupons, these are perfectly adequate for a car emergency kit. They are useful for various tasks from adjusting interior components to assisting in engine repairs.
Beyond these basic sets, consider adding individual tools to your cheap tool kit for car to enhance its capability. Flare nut wrenches are vital for brake and fuel line work, Allen wrenches and sockets handle specific types of fasteners, and vise grips offer a strong clamping force. An adjustable wrench provides versatility for different sized nuts and bolts, while a breaker bar offers extra leverage for stubborn fasteners. Jumper cables are a must-have for battery issues, and duct tape is the ultimate temporary fix for countless problems.
For serpentine belt maintenance, especially on vehicles like older Dodge models, a serpentine belt tool or socket caps with a wrench are essential to include in your cheap tool kit for car. These tools simplify belt removal and installation, preventing roadside frustration.
To handle tire emergencies, a tire plug kit and a portable inflator are invaluable additions to your cheap tool kit for car. Tire plug kits are inexpensive and can repair punctures quickly, while a Ryobi 18-volt inflator (or a 12-volt compressor) will reinflate your tire, getting you back on the road.
By carefully selecting affordable tools, primarily from sources like Harbor Freight, you can assemble a cheap tool kit for car that is both effective and budget-friendly. Investing around $100, especially with discounts and coupons, can provide peace of mind and prevent costly towing services. Keeping a well-equipped cheap tool kit for car ensures you’re prepared to tackle common roadside breakdowns and maintain your vehicles effectively.
