What do you carry in your repair/breakdown kit

[nickb77]

In anticipation of a puncture on a trip to the Outer Hebrides last year I had a practice run changing a wheel. Glad I did as the wheels were well and truly stuck to the hub and especially if using the pathetic jack from the tool kit there was no way I could free it. Ended up getting my local tyre place to get the wheels off and apply a bit of copper grease to the surfaces and they really struggled to free the wheels from the hubs.

A few weeks ago I was up on the Isle of Mull and ran over something in the car park in Tobermory resulting in a nice big hole in the sidewall. The preparations from last year paid off as once I'd got it jacked up, the wheel came straight off so I was on the way again in under an hour. I did phone VW Assist but as expected somewhere like Mull they use local garages and their estimate for getting to me was 3-4 hours.

After using the jack from the toolkit in anger, never again - I'm getting a bottle jack for future trips.

 

[sbmcd]

In anticipation of a puncture on a trip to the Outer Hebrides last year I had a practice run changing a wheel. Glad I did as the wheels were well and truly stuck to the hub and especially if using the pathetic jack from the tool kit there was no way I could free it. Ended up getting my local tyre place to get the wheels off and apply a bit of copper grease to the surfaces and they really struggled to free the wheels from the hubs.

A few weeks ago I was up on the Isle of Mull and ran over something in the car park in Tobermory resulting in a nice big hole in the sidewall. The preparations from last year paid off as once I'd got it jacked up, the wheel came straight off so I was on the way again in under an hour. I did phone VW Assist but as expected somewhere like Mull they use local garages and their estimate for getting to me was 3-4 hours.

After using the jack from the toolkit in anger, never again - I'm getting a bottle jack for future trips.

I have used the VW in anger once but since I had already had the wheels off and copper greased it was a bit nerve wracking but no real drama as the wheel came off easily.

 

[Celia Vanchez]

Pretty much everything others have already said, but recommend
Telescopic wheel brace - takes less space.
Sods law says if you're going to have a puncture its bound to be raining so I carry an 8"-ish square of 1/2" plywood for putting under the jack on soggy ground. Even with tyre screws and string plugs the wheel usually has to come off first.

Have you had to use tyre screws or string plugs yourself and have you a preference? I understand screws are ‘in’ at the moment although i read somewhere about their appropriateness for a permanent fix

 

[sbmcd]

Have you had to use tyre screws or string plugs yourself and have you a preference? I understand screws are ‘in’ at the moment although i read somewhere about their appropriateness for a permanent fix

I've only used string plugs, they offer a permanent repair for me, never had one fail or had to redo one that leaked.

Key thing is to find the leak, soapy water over the tread does the trick, once located you can make a plan. If it's on the front you just move the van so you can access the repair with the steering on full lock. If it's on the back you usually have to remove the wheel, although it did manage a repair with the nearside rear wheel still on at the side of a motorway once.

 

[Adam8374]

I don't have a spare wheel. I did buy a small hydraulic jack, but I'm thinking whether I need a wrench for the wheels. Without a spare wheel it can't be that much useful, can it?

 

[sbmcd]

I don't have a spare wheel. I did buy a small hydraulic jack, but I'm thinking whether I need a wrench for the wheels. Without a spare wheel it can't be that much useful, can it?

If you carry a puncture repair kit it's useful to be able to remove a wheel to repair it, especially the rear.

You'll need a breaker bar and decent socket, impact sockets are the strongest.

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

Items to consider for longer trips...

A spare fridge hinge for sure. Also I'm now intending to take spare roof sensors and tools required to replace them (10mm spanner 13mm spanner, cable stripper, cable cutter, electrical tape...). If the fridge or the roof become inoperable it's almost trip over,

The only quandary in my mind is whether to ditch the 3 fin board for some step ladders. Ha Ha...

 

[Blanco]

If you carry a puncture repair kit it's useful to be able to remove a wheel to repair it, especially the rear.

You'll need a breaker bar and decent socket, impact sockets are the strongest.

And cheaper than 12 point

 

[Souter]

Good Recovery insurance and a couple of cans of beer in the fridge,(OH is TT)

 

[Loz2286]

I carry the phone number of the Big Yellow Taxi. Having lost a friend, who was killed attempting a roadside repair, I do nothing on the road.

 

[Christine Kirk]

The husband tends to these things but there’s a small amount of things he tucks away in various places in the back!
A neat screwdriver set in a pack, which seems to go in the back shelves, high vis vests, an umbrella and a small piece of plastic to lay down to change the wheels, an old towel.

 

[WelshGas]

Handbook for VW Assistance and a charged phone.

 

[Californication69]

I have a Peli case with 25% of my tools.
Weighs around 15kg.
I need to cut it down but I too feel naked without my tools.
But, I keep them in the motorhome, and when away in the Cali, all I’ll have is a ring 12v tyre pump.
I was thinking of carrying a 19mm socket and breaker bar.
Got a 3T cylinder bottle jack.
No spare.

 

[Ipitomb]

I always carry one of these in both cars. I have used it numerous time and honestly it never failed me.
Wife's 5 series hasn't even got a spare wheel and she loves putting the wheels to some serious abuse.
Claimed to be a temporary fix used it several times as a permanent fix with no issues.
Can get you or a stranded motorist out of a sticky situation.

Amazon.co.uk

View attachment 148150

Many thanks for posting this! I obtained a kit on the back of your post - just on the off chance. Two weeks later as we were driving down to Cornwall the tyre pressure warning came on and pulled over. Reinflated the tire only to hear the hiss as it slowly deflated. Whilst initially I was going to changes the tire remembered I had this kit onboard. The only tricky part was removing the embedded screw! Replaced it will one from the kit hissing stopped and reinflated the tyre. Holiday saved! Many thanks again for this tip!

 

[Alexlex85]

Many thanks for posting this! I obtained a kit on the back of your post - just on the off chance. Two weeks later as we were driving down to Cornwall the tyre pressure warning came on and pulled over. Reinflated the tire only to hear the hiss as it slowly deflated. Whilst initially I was going to changes the tire remembered I had this kit onboard. The only tricky part was removing the embedded screw! Replaced it will one from the kit hissing stopped and reinflated the tyre. Holiday saved! Many thanks again for this tip!

Glad to hear it all worked out for you!