- Special cleaning cloths: lint-free, oil-absorbent, washable, ideal for dipstick checks
- Funnel prevents spills, enables precise pouring, prevents contamination
- Tire pressure gauge ensures correct inflation to save fuel and wear
- Jack stands and wheel chocks provide safety when lifting a car
Although modern cars are built with increasingly capable technologies and failures are rarer, they have also become far more complex, typically requiring professional intervention. Nevertheless, there are situations where having the right basic tools can make the difference between a minor problem and a major one.
Artificial intelligence technologies and the computer capabilities of passenger cars are advancing more and more, and most drivers no longer know where to look first when the car exhibits a defect. Still, having fundamental automotive mechanical knowledge and a few tools in the trunk can save precious time and money in unforeseen situations.
Special cleaning cloths
Often underestimated, this simple accessory can be extremely useful in many situations. While many drivers use paper towels or old T-shirts, a dedicated auto cloth provides important advantages:
- Leaves no lint on clean surfaces
- Effectively absorbs oils and automotive fluids
- Can be washed and reused
- Does not scratch delicate surfaces
Every responsible driver should check at least once a month the level and condition of essential fluids: engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. A specialized cloth is ideal for checking engine oil using the dipstick and for cleaning any leaks, thus preventing staining of the car upholstery.
The funnel - a simple yet indispensable tool
A funnel may seem like a banal accessory, but its usefulness in various situations is undeniable. Modern fueling systems have special caps that open only when activated correctly by the fuel pump. In a situation where you run out of fuel and need to fill from a canister, a funnel becomes essential.
Advantages of using a funnel:
- Prevents spilling fluids on engine components
- Allows precise pouring of any fluid (oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant)
- Prevents contamination of fluids with impurities
- Saves expensive fluids by eliminating spills
Especially when adding engine oil or brake fluid, where precision is crucial, a funnel ensures that all contents reach the intended reservoir.
Tire pressure gauge
The tires are the only link between the car and the ground, and they are vital for safety behind the wheel. Incorrect tire pressure is a common issue that many drivers ignore, though the consequences can be serious:
- Up to 3-4% increase in fuel consumption
- Uneven and premature tire wear
- Increased risk of blowouts, especially at high speeds
- Unpredictable steering behavior
- Longer stopping distances
Often a tire is partially deflated and not visible to the naked eye, and the driver realizes the problem only when the car starts pulling to one side. A digital or mechanical manometer lets you quickly check the pressure and adjust it to the manufacturer-recommended parameters, usually found on the label on the driver’s door pillar.
The jack stand and safety wheel chocks
Although some newer cars no longer include a jack in the standard equipment, this tool remains essential for various interventions. A quality jack stand allows safe lifting of the car for:
- Changing tires
- Inspecting the braking system
- Replacing brake pads
- Changing engine oil
- Inspecting the suspension system
Important: Never work under a car supported only by a jack! Always use safety stands or rigid supports to prevent accidents. A hydraulic crocodile jack is much more stable and easier to use than the classic screw jack included in standard equipment.
The torque wrench - precision in tightening bolts
A torque wrench is a professional tool that measures the tightening force applied to bolts, expressed in Newton-meters (Nm). While the standard wrenches that come with a car can loosen and tighten wheel bolts, they do not guarantee correct tightening.
Why correct tightening matters:
- Insufficient tightening: the wheel can come loose during driving, with catastrophic consequences
- Over-tightening: damage to threads, deformation of the brake disc, or even snapping bolts
- Uneven tightening: premature wear of the hub and bearings
Automotive manufacturers specify for each model an exact torque for wheel bolts, usually between 80-120 Nm. A torque wrench ensures you respect these specifications, protecting both your safety and the car’s expensive components.
In conclusion, although modern cars are increasingly reliable and technologically advanced, having a proper set of basic tools remains essential. These five tools take up minimal trunk space but can make the difference between a quickly resolved minor problem and an unpleasant situation that requires towing and additional costs. The initial investment is small compared with the long-term benefits.
