Published 2009 Updated 2011
Emergency road trip information-things you might want to take on a long road trip.
By various contributors.
The original list was put together by Michael "Calspeed" Carion. I have edited it and added a few items.
Items you might want to have in your car all the times:
- Duct Tape
- Rags & Hand Cleaner
- Fire Extinguisher-make sure you can reach it from the driver's seat" - do NOT put it in the trunk/boot[TOAD SAN]
- Flashlight
- Motor Oil
- Water/Anti-freeze
- Fuses or an AGC Circuit Breaker---Linda & Phil
- Spare fan belt-even and old one--- DB
- Nuts and bolts-various common sizes---sr311det
- Toilet Paper :*>) ---Windy311
- Disposable Tyvec coveralls----DB
- Auto Club Card "AAA" ----fairlady66
- Spare key in your wallet----DB
- Cash. There is no substitute. Holiday weekends can mean empty ATM's, or there just isn't one around.----DB
- Bungee cords---DB
- Tie wraps,(fix anything) ---DB
- Bailing wire, couple of feet for hot stuff ---DB
- Tube of 5 min epoxy ---DB
More from Dave Brsico. I don't carry a spare, usually, but have a plug kit, a fix a flat and for long trips a little 12v compressor/light. Another good thing is a 12x12 piece of 3/4 plywood to put under the jack if you're on a bad surface.
Tools:
- Lug wrench
- Jack, Scissor or Hydraulic
- 8mm to 14mm wrenches
- Adjustable wrench
- Standard and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
- Spark plug wrench ---DB
- Hammer, you never know----DB
For a long road trip you might want to include the following items for your trip. Depending on how well you maintain your car much of the below will be over kill. I put an asterisk by the ones I would take.
- Spark Plugs*
- Fuel Line / 6ft. of 1/4 inch
- Electric Fuel Pump
- Fuel Filter*
- Jumper Cables*
- Fix-a-Flat
- Carb floats, SU Type
- Carb float gaskets
- Leatherman multi-purpose tool*
- Test Light, Electrical*
- Wire / 14 gauge
- Electrical Tape*
- Brake Fluid, Dot 4 or whatever you are using
- Distributor Cap*
- Rotor*
- Points-if you still have them
- Condenser
- Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses
- Feeler Gauge (for valves and ignition)
- Transmission Fluid (90w) w/pump
- Hose Clamps, few different sizes.
- Fuel Can, 2 gallons / plastic
- Throttle Return Spring (*)****
- Sunscreen*
- Fist aid kit*
- Hand Cleaner
- Drinking Water
- Cellular Phone*
- GPS-they are cheap now*
- Contact list for route*
If one of these springs break-your throttle can hang in the "wide open" position-best to turn engine off making sure you do not lock the steering and slowly brake to a complete stop.
The tools can be placed with smaller parts in a small tool box. You can put some of the larger items in a cloth sack and tuck them into the sides of the trunk.
Another excellent idea is when traveling in a group is to spread the load across the group. That way you will still have the item you need but do not have to carry everything. --Paul
Most importantly-prepare for your trip by visually checking all fluids, belts and hoses. Ensure your tires are in good condition with the proper inflation including your spare. Have fun!!