New drivers kit --need list?

Question

I'm presenting my 16 year old godson with his first car. It's a 1996 Buick LeSabre in very good shape. I'd like to include a bucket of stuff so that he can drive safely and maintain the car. He won't be doing any winter time driving, but must take a 200 mile trip to visit colleges.

What should I put on the list? This is what I have so far.

2 Flares
A reflective cone
Jumper Cables
2 qts oil
1 qt transmission fluid
Flashlight
Tire gauge
Owners Manual
Spare key
1 gl water
1 gl window washer fluid
Empty gas can
Cell phone

What else should I include or delete? What would be the most important few tools to include?

Answer 1

Fully fledged spare, complete with all tools required to replace the wheel (spider/monkey wrench, jack that fits the car, any odd tools required to free the spare from it's case).

I've always found that a small adjustable spanner, a pair of pliers and a small set of screwdrivers are usefull things to have in the car.

I see you have all the necessary fluids required to refill the car but petrol (gas), a 'can' of this is probably the only thing he'll use in the first few years.

He also wants a basic knowledge of how to use all of the equipment you're giving him.

Answer 2

Make sure he has a jack and a good spare, and on long trips I like to carry a small extinguisher - just in case (especially if I have an older car.) A small, sharp knife often comes in handy, as does a flat-bladed screwdriver, a philips-head screwdriver and a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Otherwise, the best thing you can give him is knowledge. Does he know how to change a flat, or how tight to bolt up the spare? The correct way to use jumper cables? It's amazing how many people don't know this stuff.

Answer 3

Looks good so far but maybe:
leather palmed work gloves-- somtimes when tires blowout, they expose the sharp steel belting, which feels like a needle when they poke your hand.

Good, full size spare tire, not the dummy donut tire on the donut rim, that way with a flat tire, he wouldnt be at the mercy of the next podunk tire repair shop down the road, to repair his only ticket to a expedient way home. dont forget a donut tires' max speed is 45mph.

make sure the jack works, by actually putting a load on it (jack up the car) and the tire iron fits the lug nuts

maybe a spare headlamp bulb, and a few other bulbs, maybe a few assorted fuses, and relays, such as for the head or tail lamps, or fuel systems.

a repair manual-- haynes, or chilton's about $15 at your local Auto or book store. for your specific make and model.

spare serpentine belt.

spare idler pulley-- this is what puts tension on the serpentine belt, spring loaded, if it gets loose or breaks, everything that is belt driven is useless.

Industrial grade duct tape

Electrical tape

worm gear driven hose clamps,

Upper and lower radiator hoses

basic craftsman brand hand tool set

nylon tow strap 15 ft

reflective cones are outdated, I like the reflective triangles they come three in a box, and fold out are weighted internally with sand, and stand on the side of the road. will withstand the wind from passing semi trucks

just to name a few

Answer 4

auto club ,membership