8 Tools to Keep in Your Vehicle

Driving a vehicle is a serious responsibility. You need to look after your health as well as your vehicle to make sure you get from point A to B on time and intact. Whether you’re driving for work or pleasure, all kinds of problems can crop up from time to time. From major headaches to minor injuries, it’s best to stay prepared.

Before you take off on your next trip, consider taking your vehicle to a local mechanic to make sure everything is working in order. They can address potential issues that you might otherwise miss. Diesel fuel systems require lots of moving parts. While most diesel engines will last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, anything over 350,000 miles is considered high mileage for a diesel vehicle.

Consider the age of your vehicle before hitting the road. If anything goes wrong with the fuel injection or combustion process, you’ll run into several problems on the road. Replace damaged diesel parts ahead of time to give yourself added peace of mind.

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Once the vehicle has been inspected or repaired, it’s time to start packing for your trip. Add these essentials to your shopping list:

1. First Aid Kit

This should be at the top of your list. You never know when you might injure yourself on the road, especially when venturing off road. Small bruises, cuts, and other blemishes can turn into major headaches down the line, such as an infection, which could impair your ability to drive. Bring along any medications you need to stay alert behind the wheel and make sure they haven’t expired.

2. Towing Straps

Sometimes all you need is a little push. If your vehicle goes off road or gets stuck in the snow or mud, you may need a little help from a passing driver or another vehicle. Use the towing straps to get your vehicle out of a sticky situation, especially if you’re far from home or a towing station.

3. Jumper Cables

Hopefully, the battery is in good working condition when you first hit the road, but problems can still arise. Lights, mobile devices, and other electrical components can drain your battery when you least expect it. Use jumper cables to get a charge from another vehicle when you’re in a pinch.

4. Lubrication or WD-40

Every mechanic keeps a can of WD-40 on hand in case of emergency – and for good reason. You can use this handy tool to lubricate virtually every part in your vehicle. It will help you fight back against rust, corrosion, and the dreaded grinding sound if some parts are rubbing together.

5. Flashlight or Work Light

If anything goes wrong with your vehicle, you’ll need a way to see. Don’t count on the flashlight app on your smartphone either. If you’re traveling alone, find a way to rig the light above the engine or work site, so you can address the problem with both of your hands.

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6. Tire Pressure Kit

A flat can happen when you least expect it, especially when traversing rough, rural, or unkept roads. Trying to prevent a flat is like trying to prevent a rainstorm. Much of it remains beyond your control.

One the best things you can do to prevent a flat is to bring along a tire pressure gauge. Get in the habit of checking the tire pressure along the way to avoid over- or under-inflation. You can also bring along a tire inflation kit to adjust the air pressure on your own. Remember that most tires won’t last past 50,000 miles, depending on the size and style.

7. Wheel Clamp

You can use all kinds of tech to try and stop someone from breaking into your car, but this won’t stop them from driving off with your vehicle if they find a way inside. That’s why it’s best to use a wheel clamp on the front or back tire when parking your vehicle for long periods of time. It’s also a great way to deter criminals from trying to break in.

8. Fire Extinguisher

A fire can easily occur behind the wheel. Every vehicle runs on flammable fuel that can ignite under the right circumstances. Faulty electrical circuits can also spark a flame. Bring along a portable fire extinguisher to put out a fire as quickly as possible. Avoid smoking behind the wheel to reduce the chances of a flash fire.

In addition to these tools, don’t forget to monitor the performance of your vehicle over the course of your trip. If you notice common warning signs, such as misfiring, long or rough idling, or white smoke coming from the exhaust, it may be a sign that’s something’s wrong with the fuel inject system.

Give the injectors a once over as well as the injection pressure regulator (IPR) and the injector control pressure (ICP) sensor. Watch out for signs of damage and leaks. Shop for new ICP sensors 6.0 to improve injection pressure.

Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your time on the road.

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