A professional mechanic has thousands of dollars invested in hand tools because he or she has to repair virtually any part of any car. Having the correct, appropriate as well as specific tool simply allows them to work faster, more easily and efficiently and at the end of their workday at their garage or auto dealership make more money.

Generally it can be said that the two most frequent causes of breakdowns are either running out of gas and flat tires. While it can be said that in 2010 with cell phones readily available as a standard communications and safety for most motorists and the general public that help in the form of local CAA, AAA, auto manufacturer or big box store roadside assistance or available tow truck can be had readily easily if not in a flash, that it never hurts to carry an empty, gas can - just in case of emergencies like this. Either it may come in handy for you, or to help out another stranded motorist on the road. A word of caution though. Never carry that gasoline container full of gas. It’s a safety and fire hazard in your trunk.

It seems now that virtually every new engine, transmission or other major components now installed in foreign and now standard North American - USA, Canadian and Mexican made NAFTA vehicles are made to metric standards.

Carry an old towel as well, in these situations and regards, since installing tire chains can be a most wet and dirty job. A word of seasoned advice, from a professional driver well knowledgeable about roads and automotive repairs is that if you have never accomplished this task, under duress, then you may well want to practice ahead of time on a dry day in the comfort of your driveway, or perhaps in a parking lot on a quiet Sunday afternoon. You might even want to keep your tire chains easily stored away in an old duffel or gym back. Old hockey bags are great for this purpose. This way they are easily spotted in a pinch and well will not be a nuisance either in your trunk, or truck storage areas.

Lastly and interestingly one of the most versatile and important items in the bottom of your auto and household tool kit can be duct tape - the grey fabric with the stick-to-anything adhesive. In an emergency duct-tape can patch or hold up any of a variety of things. More than one car, truck or SUV has limped many many miles or kilometers into a service station, garage or auto dealership with a ruptured water hose held temporarily together with simple Canadian tire duct tape. A few strips can hold your trunk lid closed, if it is over loaded or even if the trunk latch itself is broken. You can even make the letters for a simple yet effective “Help ” sign that is readily visible at night - safety and emergency means - with this solid performer due to duct tapes highly visible light reflecting qualities.

Fort McMurray Chrysler Town & Country Service Center