Whether on the road or at home, you need to be equipped with some basic survival items and tools that can make driving and living with your car easier, safer and more convenient. Here are some suggestions as a starting place, divided into two categories: Emergency Road Kit and Basic Maintenance Tools. You can customize the list according to your needs and your ambitions.

• jumper cables
• cellular phone, charger power cord, along with a list of emergency numbers
• flashlight or spotlight with extra set of batteries
• rain suit or poncho
• safety goggles or glasses
• pair of disposable work coveralls
• emergency flares, warning triangle cones
• fire extinguisher
• first ad kit
• hose-patch kit for emergency mending of coolant hoses. These kits are usually available at auto parts and discount stores.
• Pressurized can of tire inflator and sealer for emergency filling of a flat tire.
• Battery-powered air compressor
• Bottles water and snacks, such as crackers or energy bards
• Blankets
• Roll of duct tape
• Wheel chocks
• Basic tool set including an adjustable wrench, pliers, screwdrivers.
• Mechanical or elastic tie-down straps
• Work gloves

• oil filter wrench
• combination wrehcn
• flare-nut fitting wrenches
• fender cover
• slip-joint, groove-joint, needle-nose, and locking pliers.
• Torque wrench
• Air pressue gauge
• Radiator hydrometer
• Penetrating oil
• Soldering gun solder
• Electrical pliers
• Jack stands
• Ramps
• Hydraulic jack
• Battery charger

Always consult your owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.

• Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.
• Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.
• Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.
• Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.
• Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and tail lights.
• Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins. Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.
• Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.