Car Ownership Advice 11 June 2025

DIY car tool kit: What to have in the boot

A light comes up on the dash and you’re forced to pull over. You get out and notice you’ve copped a flat tyre… and to top it off, now the engine won’t tick over!

When it comes to cars, little problems can leave you stranded. Your only saving grace is roadside assistance or that mate who owes you a favour. But it doesn’t have to come to that, not every time. With the right gear and the know-how to wield it, you can save yourself the drama by patching up the problem yourself. Be ready for anything with the type of tool kit car drivers need, no matter the vehicle.

Why a vehicle tool kit is important

There’s nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road after a mechanical failure, a flat, or minor bingle. Keeping a few basic tools and supplies in your car can mean the difference between waiting hours for assistance out in Woop Woop, or getting the job done and back on the road again fast.

Arming yourself with the ultimate car kit saves you time and stress (and potentially money on towing fees). Even when it’s not your own car in dire straits, having the equipment and experience to fix basic problems can come in handy if you come across someone else in trouble.

A quick reminder: if you find yourself in a situation where you need an emergency car kit, remember to turn on your car’s hazard lights and move your car onto the road shoulder or safe place if possible. Stay away from traffic.

What should you put in your car toolbox?

When putting together an emergency car tool set, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you live in an alpine region that sees seasonal snow, sensible additions include things like a snow scraper, small shovel and tyre chains. For warmer climates, you’ll want to keep extra water on hand.

Tailor your tool kit to your situation, and don’t forget to pop in a few creature comforts such as a warm blanket and sunshade in case the unexpected does occur.

Essentials for your car tool kit list

Torch and spare batteries:It’ll be just your luck that you break down or pop a tyre at night, so a torch is essential for lighting up the situation. If you’ve got no phone reception, you can use the torch to flag down help. Packing some hi-vis for this reason is a good idea, too!
Work gloves: These will keep your hands protected while you work, particularly if you are reaching around hot engine parts.
Rags or paper towel: Working with engine oil and other fluids can get pretty messy, and checking the oil level will require you to clean off the dipstick first. Having a couple of rags or a roll of paper towel in the car will save a lot of stress when you’re doing impromptu work under the bonnet.
Jumper leads: If your battery has flatlined, fear not. Getting the engine running again is almost always a simple matter of giving it a jumpstart — if you can enlist the help of a friend or good samaritan. Once the engine is fired up, keep it running for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Socket, spanner and shifter set: Essential for loosening or tightening up nuts and bolts, these will save you in a pinch. Regularly inspecting your vehicle and tightening any parts that are starting to come loose can help keep things in working order and avoid issues that might require a visit to the mechanic later.
Screwdriver and interchangeable bits: Having one tool with several heads you can swap out saves on space.
Regular and needle nose pliers: Useful for moving wires or grasping small objects in hard-to-reach places.
Spare spark plugs, light globes and fuses: If one of these blows, you’re likely to find yourself stranded. But with a little know-how and some basic tools, they are simple enough to swap out and get you back on your way.
Water and spare fluids: Water is essential for both you and your car; keep at least 10 litres of clean drinking water in case you get stranded in the heat, as well as for topping up your radiator if needed. Other car fluids to keep on hand are engine oil and coolant.

What is the most important item in the tool kit?

Your brain! And we don’t mean that in a Frankenstein way. The most important part of your tool kit is knowing what to do with the tools you have.

Knowing how to tell the difference between a spark plug and a spanner can help you get from A to B if minor tweaks are all you need. That’s why it’s important to take a bit of time while kitting out your car to familiarise yourself with the tools you’re packing and how you might use them in a breakdown or other emergency. You can easily find written and video guides online aimed at helping people with little-to-no mechanical experience.

While you can’t always predict what will happen on the journey, you can keep a few tricks up your sleeve and some tools in your boot to help you out of a pickle. You don’t need to be a mechanic to learn how to do basic repairs, and it may save you — or another driver in need — a costly and time-consuming callout.

Roadside assistance with mycar is complimentary if you’ve had a Logbook or Essential Plus service with us in the last 12 months. Call today on 13 13 28.

References

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1088033_the-9-tools-every-man-and-woman-should-have-in-their-car

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/keep-emergency-car-tool-kit/

https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/roadside-assistance-australia/guides/things-to-put-in-a-car-emergency-kit.html

https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/blog/10-things-you-should-have-your-car.html