I have a 2017 Honda CRV and I recently had a problem with the skid plate falling down after taking it to an Official Honda Dealership for an oil change. Unfortunately, when it did, I was 70 miles from home, unprepared, and had to ask a client for tools to help me out of my jam.
I’m the type of person that likes to be prepared for any situation that comes up, and I’m trying to remedy that now.
The Current Kit:
I’ve added metric wrenches, a 1/4" socket set, standard Philips and flat head screwdrivers, a JIS screwdriver set, a metric hex-key wrench set, needle nose pliers, a screw jack with spare tire, digital air pressure gauge as well as a lithium ion battery tire inflator and jump kit.
Is there anything I’m missing?
I live in an upper floor apartment and don’t have many people I can contact when I have a problem (I do have AAA, but it’s not what it used to be) so it’s important for me to be self-reliant while also having most of the tools that I need “on hand” without having to make multiple trips up and down the stairs.
Headlamp. Headlamps are so useful for doing mechanical work and doubly so if it ends up being dark. A flashlight is also helpful, but as a companion to a headlamp.
A baggie of 100 zipties (12 inch or bigger), electrical tape, hose clamps. These are so often useful for DIY kludged together nonsense.
An extendable magnet. In case you drop something in a weird spot.
High dexterity gloves. Mechanix or something like them in case you’re touching a hot/spiky/unknown fluidity bit.
A change of clothes, including a long sleeve shirt isn’t the worst idea. If you encounter trouble and need to get under the car you’ll either want to change into the spare shirt before or after, and generally having spare clothes ready is just a good idea.