Must Have Auto Gadgets

By: Dan Bunag

This hub is about Must Have and Nice to Have auto gadgets in order to be prepared to roadside emergency or for some do-it-yourself repairs. I'm an auto enthusiast and to save money, I try to do most of my car care and maintenance if I feel it is cost effective. If I have some coupons and can get a better deal at dealership or independent garages/shops, then I'll let them take care of service and maintenance. Otherwise, I like to collect auto gadgets to make car care, service, maintenance and simple repairs. With the power of the Internet and some research, you can get some tips and instructions on most tasks or do-it-yourself topics. There are free video tutorials and user forums that you can get information on from people and mechanics who had the same or similar problems and the recommended solutions or things to look for.

UPDATE May 2015: I bought a couple of the battery jumper/battery pack kit from Amazon for around $69-$79 each. I must say this is now my favorite car emergency gadget as it replaces my jumper cable while having the flexibility to power cell phones, lap tops, tablets, and external battery source and a light kit/flash light. Look for at least 10000 mah and quality to premium battery cells and power protection on the kit/package.

Regular checking and maintaining the proper tire pressure will help prolong the life of your vehicle tires as well as maintaining ride quality. Keep one handy in each car or truck to make this routine task easy.

Viair 90056 2.0" Gauge

(0-35 PSI) Tire Gauge with Bleeder Valve

Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge

An oil filter wrench can help you remove the car/truck oil filter with regular oil change. Ensure you dispose of the oil and filter properly as there are fines for dumping hazardous waste improperly.

Lisle 63600 Import Car Filter Wrench

Lisle 54400 Swivel Grip Oil Filter Wrench

If you own two or more cars or trucks, a decent Diagnostic/Scan Tool will save you money by being able to have an idea of what's wrong with your car or truck. After you determine the fault codes and hopefully fixed the problem, you can reset check engine lights, service light. The better ones allow you to scan SRS and ABS codes and reset them as well. Sometimes it may be worth resetting the lights once just to confirm you definitely have a problem. If it comes back on again, then the problem wasn't a fluke.

Equus 3110 Innova Diagnostic Code Scanner with Freeze Frame Data for OBDII Vehicles

You never know where the road may lead or what may happen, so don't be caught unprepared. LifeLine First Aid--a leader in the field of first-aid and disaster readiness products--has teamed up with AAA to bring you a line of high quality Road Assistance Kits. Featuring both first-aid and automotive emergency items, these practical all-in-one kits can help protect you in the event of an automobile breakdown or personal injury.

The AAA 70 Piece Explorer Road Assistance Kit is an economical choice that gives you an expanded set of tools so you can take on the open road. It comes with the following items: 1 AAA double-sided carrying bag, 1 AAA emergency care guide, 1 AAA membership brochure, 1 heavy duty booster cable (8-gauge, 10-foot length), 1 hand-charged dual LED flashlight, 1 pair of dimpled work gloves, 1 emergency poncho, 1 emergency whistle, 1 flat head screwdriver, 1 Phillips head screwdriver, 1 roll of duct tape, 1 utility knife, 1 bungee cord, 2 shop cloths, 10 cable ties, and a 45 piece first-aid kit.

There are new breed of portable battery packs and jump starters now available locally and from various online vendors such as Amazon.com. These battery packs are not only convenient due to small size but a must during emergency such as a dead or drained car or truck battery. Most of them also have flashlight and car power mobile devices, accessories and laptops or notebook computers. These also have built-in safety features so if you incorrectly connect the clamps to the correct terminals, it will give you an indication.

Be sure to select the right capacity. I would recommend at least 10000mah for most applications.

A portable air compressor allows you to inflate tires quickly, avoiding being stranded or having to replace tire/wheel from a dangerous place. You can then drive to the nearest garage or repair facility. A must-have for roadside emergencies. You can even help out a neighbor.

There are now mini digital compressors or tire inflators available online such as Amazon.com. A mini tire inflator is a recommended addition to your emergency roadside kit or simply one to carry around in you vehicle. It is lightweight, rechargeable, portable, and small in size. If you have bicycles, it is a must.

AAA 250 PSI 12 Volt 6 In 1 Air Compressor

If you have a basic idea of how car AC work and can follow directions, an AC recharge kit may seal that minor AC leak, charge the refrigerant, and get your AC cool again. Save big bucks.

Artic Freeze with Reusable Trigger Dispenser & Gauge

(19 oz)

My 2000 Honda Odyssey was losing R134a refrigerant so I tried the Interdynamics Super Seal Kit available at Amazon. After I followed the directions and put the Super Seal in the AC system and recharged with 2 cans of R134a refrigerant, my AC is cool again. This product is amazing. After several weeks, my AC is still cold. If you don't want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to have your AC system repaired, this will be a good fix for your old/older car.

R134a SUPER SEAL KIT

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