Author: Simon Pavey

Driving can be one of life’s great joys, but it can also be a stressful experience if you find yourself stuck in a difficult situation on the road without the vehicle repair tools & supplies you need to get yourself out of it.

Why is it important to have car tools?

You can reduce your risk of suffering motoring disasters by ensuring your car is always stocked with vital fleet tools. The objects on this list might go unused a lot of the time, but you should always ensure you have them ready for an emergency.

1. Spare tyre and jack

While these are two separate items, they can be counted as one since neither is much use without the other.

Problems with the wheels and tyres are a common cause of vehicle breakdown, so you should always be prepared with the fleet equipment you need to change a tyre, this is shown in our guide to fleet management in winter, when potholes are a big problem on many roads.

It’s wise to check your spare tyre regularly so you know it’s in usable condition should you need it.

2. Jump leads

A flat battery is another common reason for cars to break down, why not read our guide on how to check your car battery?  Jump leads can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded on the side of the road and a fellow motorist offers to help you out.

You can give yourself extra protection against your vehicle’s battery dying by keeping a portable battery pack in your car. This handy device allows you to get the battery running again without having to rely on another vehicle.

3. Basic toolkit

You never know what situations you might find yourself in out on the road and what mechanical problems your car might encounter, so it’s a good idea to have a selection of basic tools with you at all times.

Having a toolkit in your vehicle means you’ll always have easy access to implements like screwdrivers, pliers and a hammer, which could come in handy if you have car problems of your own, or if you need to help someone else who has broken down.

4. Tyre pressure gauge

Making sure your tyres are always inflated to the correct pressure level is vital for many reasons. It ensures you can brake and control the car properly at all times, and also has additional benefits like helping you get maximum mileage out of every tank of fuel.

Having a tyre pressure gauge accessible at all times makes it easy to check your tyres and to know when they need inflating.

5. Empty fuel can

Running out of fuel is a common fear among all motorists, and it can be particularly problematic if you’re on an important journey or if you need to get somewhere in a hurry.

With an empty fuel can in your car, you can feel confident that running out of petrol or diesel won’t be an insurmountable problem as long as you’re within walking distance of a refilling station.

6. First Aid Kit

Even the most simple of first aid kits are an important part of any driver’s fleet tools.

It’s great for basic medical supplies when you’re out and about, and could also serve to patch someone up after a minor accident.

Although it is no substitute for professional medical attention, a well-stocked first-aid kit can still prove to be valuable. You can often purchase a pre-stocked kit from most pharmacies, which you can add as you go.

7. Torch/Flashlight

A flashlight is one of the essential car tools for many reasons: it can be used for everything from lighting up dark spaces under and inside your car; to being used in an emergency as a beacon to signal for help.

They’re also a good thing to have for driver safety, and you should carry one if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, especially at night or in overcast conditions. That extra bit of light might help make you more visible to other drivers.

8. Portable fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher inside your fleet vehicle is one of the ways to add some extra safety to it.

Many fleet drivers believe that fire extinguishers are necessary only in CNG cars, but any car with any fuel for propulsion may catch fire due to a short circuit.

Remember, be sure to replace it whenever it crosses its expiry date.

9. Car manual

This should be in your car at all times. How else could you tell what the warning lights on your dashboard mean?

Your owner’s manual will also go into further detail about your car’s features, which is helpful when trying to remain as safe as possible in an urgent situation.

10. Duct tape

Perhaps the most versatile object of all, car owners have found many ways to repurpose duct tape for quick-fix duties in the case of unexpected leaks, cracks, and breaks.

Car servicing with Fuel Card Services

As well as having these items in your car, it’s wise to get your vehicle serviced regularly so it’s always in good condition and you’re aware of any mechanical problems.

You can save money on parts and labour, vehicle diagnostic tools, and also get useful benefits like calendar reminders, with MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services.

There are various costs involved in owning and running a car, some of which you have more control over than others.

When it comes to fuel expenses, the good news is that there are a number of measures you can take to reduce the amount you spend.

You can be vigilant and keep your eye out for particularly low prices at the garages near you, and you can stick to efficient driving practices and positive habits to get maximum mileage out of every tank.

Another step you can take is to ensure your tyres are always in the best condition, which can have a big impact on how much fuel the engine requires to get the vehicle moving.

How tyres affect fuel consumption

The RAC points out that regular servicing and maintenance contributes to the overall efficiency of your vehicle, helping you optimise your fuel consumption. Making sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure is one of the most important checks to make, since incorrectly inflated tyres will adversely affect fuel economy.

If your tyres are underinflated, the surface area of rubber in contact with the road increases, which results in more drag on the wheels. Consequently, the engine has to work harder to move the wheels and uses more fuel.

Past research has shown that if your tyres are just 10 PSI under the recommended pressure level, your fuel consumption could increase by 2.5 per cent.

It’s also important to remember that the level of pressure you need in your tyres is related to the load you’re carrying. If you’re about to embark on a long drive with four passengers and lots of luggage in the boot, for example, you’ll want to inflate the tyres to the maximum recommended pressure to get the best fuel economy.

Other fuel efficiency tips

Making sure your tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure isn’t the only thing you can do to boost your car’s fuel efficiency.

Other useful steps include:

• Reducing excess weight by getting rid of things you don’t need, like a roof rack that hasn’t been used for years or unnecessary items in the boot.
• Limiting drag on the car, which you can do by closing the windows when you’re driving at high speeds.
• Planning trips in advance, so you know where you can fill up. This will help you pinpoint the garages with the lowest prices and also avoid refuelling at the last minute, which could cause you to panic and get more fuel than you actually need.
• Ensuring all acceleration is gentle and driving in the highest gear possible within the speed limit. Excessive speed is the enemy of fuel economy.

It’s generally a good idea to make sure your car is well maintained and running efficiently to get maximum mileage out of every tank of fuel.

You can keep up to date with your maintenance and servicing easily with MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services.