Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or just running errands around town, one thing’s for sure—your car can throw a tantrum when you least expect it. A flat tyre, a dead battery, or even something as simple as a loose bolt can leave you stranded if you’re not prepared.
As a tow truck company, we’ve seen it all—from drivers stuck with a flat and nothing but a phone charger in the boot, to people who could set up a mini garage with the gear they keep in their trunk. So, let’s talk about the essentials.
Here’s a friendly list of tools every driver should keep in their boot. Not a whole hardware store—just the basics to get you out of a jam.
1. Spare Tyre (With Air in It!)
We know this sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people drive around with a flat spare. Or worse, no spare at all.
Quick tip: Check your spare every few months. Make sure it’s inflated and not cracked or worn out. A spare is useless if it’s in worse shape than the one you’re replacing.
2. Jack and Wheel Brace
A spare tyre’s not much good without the tools to actually change it. You’ll need a jack to lift the car and a wheel brace to loosen and tighten the lug nuts.
Most cars come with these, but if you bought your vehicle secondhand, double-check the boot. You don’t want to find out they’re missing when you’re stuck on the side of the road at 10pm in the rain.
3. Jumper Cables (or a Jump Starter Pack)
Batteries die. Sometimes without warning. Whether it’s because you left your headlights on or your battery’s just old, a set of jumper leads can save the day—if there’s another car around to help.
If you’re on your own, consider a portable jump starter. It’s a bit of an upfront investment, but worth every cent when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.
4. Tyre Pressure Gauge & Inflator
Keeping your tyres at the right pressure isn’t just good for fuel economy—it also helps prevent blowouts. A small digital tyre pressure gauge can help you keep track, and a 12V tyre inflator (plugs into your cigarette lighter) can top up air when needed.
We’ve seen people stuck because they didn’t realise their tyre was slowly losing air over time. This simple combo could’ve saved them a callout.
5. Torch (With Fresh Batteries)
Nighttime breakdowns are the worst. You can’t see a thing, your phone light isn’t cutting it, and you’re trying to change a tyre by feel.
Keep a decent LED torch in the boot. Bonus points if it has a magnet so you can stick it under the bonnet while you work hands-free.
6. First Aid Kit
Accidents happen—not just on the road, but during basic repairs too. We’ve helped people who cut their hand on a sharp metal edge while checking under the hood.
A compact first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, gloves, and pain relief can go a long way until proper help arrives.
7. Multi-Tool or Basic Toolkit
Sometimes it’s not a flat tyre or a dead battery—it’s a loose battery terminal, a wonky wiper blade, or a panel that needs tightening. A small toolkit or multi-tool can be a lifesaver.
You don’t need a 50-piece mechanic set. Just the basics: screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, maybe a couple of spanners.
8. High-Visibility Vest and Warning Triangle
Breaking down on a busy road is risky. A hi-vis vest helps keep you visible to other drivers, especially at night or in bad weather.
Pair it with a warning triangle placed a safe distance behind your car to alert oncoming traffic. It’s not just smart—it’s required by law in some countries.
9. Duct Tape and Zip Ties
Sounds random, right? But these two items have helped us and plenty of drivers out of unexpected pickles.
Busted bumper hanging off? Duct tape. Loose wire under the bonnet? Zip tie. They’re a temporary fix, but often enough to get you moving again until you can sort a proper repair.
10. Rags or Old Towel
Sounds simple, but incredibly useful. Need to check the oil dipstick? Clean something greasy? Kneel on the ground? An old rag can be the handiest item in your boot.
We once had a guy use his beach towel to cover himself while crawling under his ute after it started leaking fluid. Practical and multipurpose!
11. Reusable Gloves
Working on your car—especially if you’re dealing with oil, grime, or muck—is messy. A pair of reusable gloves will protect your hands and make cleanup much easier.
They’re also great if you need to pick up a hot or sharp object in an emergency.
12. Basic Emergency Contacts List
Sure, your phone has everything, but what if it dies or you can’t unlock it? Keep a small laminated card with key contacts—your roadside assistance, insurance provider, family, and a trusted local towing company (yes, us again).
If you’re rattled from an accident or breakdown, this little card can help you act quickly.
Being Prepared is About Peace of Mind
Here’s the thing: You don’t need to be a car expert. But having the right tools in your boot can turn a disaster into a minor delay. You might not need them every day—or even every year—but when you do, you’ll be glad they’re there.
We’ve seen drivers handle tough situations like pros, not because they were mechanics, but because they came prepared. And we’ve also seen drivers stranded in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a half-eaten apple and a pair of thongs.
Trust us—spending 20 minutes putting together a basic boot kit now will save you hours of stress later. And if things ever go beyond what you can fix on the spot, give us a call. We’ll be there to help, tools or no tools.
If you are in Guys Hill, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059