Spec me some essentials!

R.C.Anderson · 29 Jan 2014 at 14:32

Ok, so just got my car, so in need of some advice on the essentials to have around (and which models etc).

Main 2 I've thought of are wind screen scraper & tyre inflater (with pressure gauge), are there other essentials similar to this I haven't thought of?

For the scraper, I was just going to see what Tesco have the next time I'm there, as I imagine there's no real difference between any of them, and I can't imagine them being much more expensive than anywhere else.

The tyre inflater though is causing me problems, there are so many to choose from with so many different features. Obviously I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount on one, but I also don't want it to fall apart after using it a few times.
Are there any specific models that are recommended to last/stay away from? Same with features, is there anything any of you have that you feel you just couldn't do without, or thought you would use, but don't?

rodenal · 29 Jan 2014 at 14:44

I never use a scraper tbh but yeah, anything of relatively strong construction will be fine.

I've got a compressor too but again it's not really something I'd deem essential unless you have no spare, in which case the car will probably have one anyway. I just go to a garage and splash out 20p every week

ShiWarrior · 29 Jan 2014 at 15:56

de icer
as said above, I don't use a scraper

SarGara · 29 Jan 2014 at 16:04

Trolley jack and Axle stands would be a worthy purchase. Being able to easily take the wheels off the car comes in handy.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/search/filter/trolley jack/type/any/page/1

R.C.Anderson · 29 Jan 2014 at 16:38

Any particular reason why you don't use a scraper? Or is it just you don't like to be out in the cold that long?

About the trolley jack & stands, could be a good idea, but at the moment, I'm not really sure I have the space for them, as I'm only in a small rented place at the moment. But again, there's such a wide range to choose from, from £30 ones to several 100, how do I know which are actually any good?

On Holiday · 29 Jan 2014 at 16:40

Good alarm system, or else this may happen

1. You walk down to the parking lot to find a car to steal.
2. You pick the car you think would be easiest to steal.
3. You walk over to the Honda NSX and pull out the coat hanger.
4. You slide the modified coat hanger down between the weather stripping and window of the car.
5. You catch the hook onto the lock and pull it up, unlocking the door.
6. You open the door and dive under the dash-board.
7. You find the two red wires and cross them.

Result: As the engine starts you step on the accelerator and drive the Honda NSX home!!

rodenal · 29 Jan 2014 at 17:17

R.C.Anderson said:
Any particular reason why you don't use a scraper? Or is it just you don't like to be out in the cold that long?

About the trolley jack & stands, could be a good idea, but at the moment, I'm not really sure I have the space for them, as I'm only in a small rented place at the moment. But again, there's such a wide range to choose from, from £30 ones to several 100, how do I know which are actually any good?

They make no difference to the condensation buildup inside - so by the time you've got cold scraping you still can't drive for a few minutes anyway.

I just use water. and the blowers. Unless you have a ford with the quickclear screen, in which case I just hate you.

[TW]Fox · 29 Jan 2014 at 17:34

rodenal said:
They make no difference to the condensation buildup inside

There should be no condensation buildup inside unless your car has some sort of leak.

R.C.Anderson · 29 Jan 2014 at 17:36

rodenal said:
They make no difference to the condensation buildup inside - so by the time you've got cold scraping you still can't drive for a few minutes anyway.

I just use water. and the blowers. Unless you have a ford with the quickclear screen, in which case I just hate you.

Ah, yea, I didn't think of that. But no, I don't have a heated windscreen, but they are awesome. I drove an XF for a while in the winter a couple of years ago, and the heated screen made everything so easy. Even with snow & ice on the screen, all I needed to do was turn everything on, sit in the warm car for a few mins and everything was clear!

bledd · 29 Jan 2014 at 17:39

No need for a tyre inflator.

Just use a garage one once a month to check. Typically they don't go down much at all.

Check your fluid levels one a month at least.

rodenal · 29 Jan 2014 at 17:43

Perhaps condensation is the wrong word, but when it is particularly cold out every single car I've ever had needs the blowers to clear the front screen before driving.

Could be to do with being further north, who knows but its nothing to do with the car

[TW]Fox · 29 Jan 2014 at 17:43

bledd. said:
No need for a tyre inflator.

Just use a garage one once a month to check.

A footpump is very useful - the guage is a little more accurate than the one at the local garage, it's free to use once you've bought it and it saves you from many a puncture. Every puncture I've ever had I've been able to reinflate the tyre and drive to a local shop for a repair.

Jez · 29 Jan 2014 at 18:43

As above i would never be without an air compressor, its much nicer being able to adjust your pressures at home, i also wouldn't want to be out and about without one for the puncture reason. This is about the only item which i really wouldn't go without.

sovietspybob · 29 Jan 2014 at 20:21

I'd get one of of these and one of these too. once a week pop round all the tyres with the digital gauge and adjust with the foot pump.

Jez · 29 Jan 2014 at 20:34

sovietspybob said:
I'd get one of of these and one of these too. once a week pop round all the tyres with the digital gauge and adjust with the foot pump.

A manual foot pump? Wut? You realise you can get electric ones now in the 21st century

Felix · 29 Jan 2014 at 20:59

rodenal said:
I just use water. and the blowers. Unless you have a ford with the quickclear screen, in which case I just hate you.

Before anyone misunderstand this above, I expect he is using water straight from the tap, not boiling!

Don't forget the travel rug on the parcel shelf.

sovietspybob · 29 Jan 2014 at 21:12

Jez said:
A manual foot pump? Wut? You realise you can get electric ones now in the 21st century

I just find it a lot easier with a proper foot pump, move around all the cars more easily, easier to adjust pressures when at the track, plus i'm not a soft southerner and its not exactly any hardship!

ShiWarrior · 29 Jan 2014 at 22:11

and the fact that if you leave your lights on for example, and don't have enough power to use the pump, you need a manual one

lordrobs · 29 Jan 2014 at 22:42

I picked up one of these when they had them for £20 but I'd happily pay £28 for it. http://www.wilko.com/car-maintenanc...igital/invt/0282990?VBMST=mini air compressor Seems quite accurate when I compared it to the mechanical gauge at my old workplace and the auto off feature is good for me as my mind tends to wander so it stops me ending up with 60 PSI tyres!

Oh and as for a scraper I always go for one with a rubber squeegee blade on it as that clears a heavy frost and I only use the plastic blade for ice.

miniyazz · 29 Jan 2014 at 22:58

ShiWarrior said:
and the fact that if you leave your lights on for example, and don't have enough power to use the pump, you need a manual one

If that's the case you've probably got bigger issues than a flat tyre then that you'll need to get sorted before you go anyway!

I don't understand the avoidance of a tyre pressure gauge/pump in this thread. 20p/week? You could make your money back within a year buying a cheap pump and it's way more convenient...