#RepairKit

K.P. writes:

Hi Sajeev,

It’s the time of year to start tossing out little-used items so we can get more to replace them. One place I’m looking at is the car. I recall my stash of trunk tools back in the dinosaur years while driving the kind of cars I could afford then:

1. Duct tape for interior tears, dropped ceiling linings, fixing plastic over windows that dropped off tracks, etc
2. Pack of “L’eggs” panty hose as temporary water pump belt
3. Wire clothes hanger as spare exhaust pipe clamp or antenna
4. Can of WD-40
5. Long Craftsman slot screwdriver to pop off distributor cap, prying tires, etc
6. Lug wrench and two-foot pipe as lever (also as protection device)
7. Couple of flashlights with huge 6V batteries
8. Visegrips as combination wrench, hammer, and spare window crank for when your little brother yanks the handles off
9. Bottle radiator leak stop
10. Tire repair kit with rubber plugs
11. Blankets and food in winter (since without cell phones it could be a while until rescue)

It’s been years since I’ve thrown a belt or had a flat tire, which makes me think it’s time to update what I keep on hand in the car on cross-country trips. What’s prudent nowadays?