I splurged on myself... for the umpteenth time! Got an Atlas 46 Yorktown Tool Roll for my new Subie!
I've got a tire plug kit, a tire inflator, a jump box... and now I need a tool kit... just in case! I like to be prepared!
I like that the box is "recyclable" as a shooting target!
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So, now I need the tools. Any suggestions? I'd start with a set of wrenches and socket set. Obviously I don't need a top-of-the-line set of tools. So basically roadside emergencies for me or to help someone else. I'm looking at the Autozone website for tools. And there's an AutoZone close to the house. They're inexpensive but have a lifetime free exchange warranty.
Gearwrench has some combo kits available and I think Amazon has their springtime sale going now (this week). I would consider them before buying a "kit" from an auto parts store. Kits at an auto parts store typically suck. You can buy some individual tools at an auto parts store, but you need to know what to look for.
The thing with modern Gearwrench stuff is you wanna try to buy the stuff made in Tawain. They source their stuff from various places and a decent amount can be from China. This didn't used to be the case. I have never bought one of their kits, but I use some of their stuff for spare tools for vehicles and remote nylon bags I fill with core key tools to have a portable set around so that I don't have to go inside the bigger box used for cars in the shop. It is much easier to find the Taiwan versions for wrenches, ratchets and sockets separately. If you don't like gearwrench, I could give you a list of alternatives for sockets, ratchets and wrenches, but you will need to buy them separately.
Here is a kit from Taiwain for 63% off. Use the link code.
Here is where I got the link above.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuzkSaRo00c
There are other sets. Open the video description tab and you will find links to the Gearwrench products. . I watch some of this guy's stuff about woodworking and I got this link yesterday when he posted it online. He may have other discount codes he mentions inside the video. Scroll to the thumbnail that shows the Gearwrench tool sets and start watching there for any other codes he may have.
If you buy separate tools, consider using the mid grade bags from Harbor Freight, not the cheapest black bag(s) that are always on sale. It will really depend what you put in the bag. If money is no object, buy Milwaukee.
Here is what I would use for the key tools in a car.
A bigger pry bar/screwdriver for removing the main serpentine belt if it is a single belt controlling all accessories, along with the main wrench to loosen any adjustment bolts necessary to replace a main belt. A spare serpentine belt. Could be an old one, but your car is new.
A wrench set, socket set, screwdrivers, small hexes, slip joint plyers (large and small - Channel Lock brand), spark plug socket, a couple of spare throw-away wires from a previous spark plug change (It won't matter what the car is. If coil over plug, ignore the wires or get a spare one.) electrical crimp connecters, electrical crimpers, test light, ohm meter, cheap OBDII reader, spare fuses, any fuesable links, or key solenoids known to fail, spare battery terminal(s), small wire, medium wire, Fuel filter if accessible outside the gas tank, hose clamps for radiator and small vent hose clampss. Carb and brake cleaner and red wrags. A spare quart of oil for engine and more importantly for the tranny! Nothing like a slipping tranny due to a small oil pan or hose leak. Flat tire plugs AND A GOOD SOLID METAL reamer and inserter for the tire plug. You may consider mixing up some antifreeze mix. I use 50/50 and put it in a spare 1 gallon water bottle. You can buy premix, but remember, I have this stuff in the shop so I use the water bottle!
A test light is very important. Don't overlook that. Along with anything to change the belt, or loosen clean battery terminals and fix a flat. A $7 Ohm meter from Harbor Freight can also be important if you know something about cars and electronics. If not perhaps skip it. The test light will tell you if there is continuity with a wire, but won't tell you resistance of voltage levels.
I do have a Harbor Freight 3/8 impact in the car. The one I use is blue. If you have the money, Milwaukee is the one you want. I check the battery for the impact every couple of months as general maintenance. Get a half inch adapter and a swivel too. And of course any extensions (3" and 5 inch). Becaue I have multiple vehicles, I just use the blue harbor freight impacts. They are good for the money. $70 without battery and it is a huge timesaver on the side of the road if you go deeper into fixing your car. If you are not qualified to do that or don't wanna get greasy, maybe ignore the impact. But a modern 3/8 milwaukee can probably whack those lug nuts off your Subie, but probably not a truck. The Harbor Freight model probably not. Break your lugs loose and then use the impact.
I find getting all this stuff very easy because I've been a car guy for life, so a lot of these things are just sitting around the shop as extra stuff anyway. If you don't have that luxury, it could be more expensive, but for me, I've laundered the price for this over time. I have no clue if the modern Subie is supported with one of those cheap OBII readers, but a reader is a good thing for a modern car. If you don't want two, leave the reader in the car instead of the garage. Afterall, that's where you'll need it and it's only a decoration inside a toolbox if you need it on the road. The big issue you also might have here with a reader is IT'S A REALLY MODERN car, which has all the downsides of all the separate modules and circuits. A subie forum will tell you if it supports the cheap readers.
With a reader, you can often narrow down the issue on the road and decide whether to fix it or tow it. It also lets you know where to tow it because towing is expensive nowadays. You want to take it to a shop that can fix your problem. Money well spent with $50 reader if your Subie works with a cheapie reader.
Quick Edit:
When mixing or adding water always use distilled water in a car for coolant.
