Items to keep in the car at all times - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

daxgaz · #16 01-02-2016, 03:58 PM

This is all great stuff, thanks! I intend on being proactive and fixing everything I can before it's a problem, but there are a few known cheap things, like fuses, that can go at any moment. If you have spares, you are back on the road in minutes, if not, it's a major hassle.
All these posts have given me great ideas to work with.

mannys9130 · #17 01-02-2016, 05:02 PM

Power Service 911 antigel (red bottle) for emergencies

Propane torch

JB weld

Your EDC handgun (that is actually only in the car when I'm in the car).

Jeremy5848 · #18 01-02-2016, 06:29 PM

If not CO2, your fire extinguisher could be Halon (now "Halotron"). Either kind is less messy than the white powder extinguishers. Much more expensive but much easier to clean up after the fire is out.

Any fire extinguisher is better than none, as has been noted. It's surprising how many of us haven't even given it a thought.

EDIT: I carry my fire extinguisher in the back seat, on the floor. That is because I might not be able to get into the trunk if I were rear-ended. The fancy version that mounts to the driver's seat-bottom would be even better.

MBeige · #19 01-02-2016, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Panther

This post has great advice! The whole wrong size lug bolts issue temporarily sidelined my car when it was being driven by someone else at the time, due to me not knowing that the lug bolts weren't a "one size fits all" kind of deal!

Also, I did not know that the oil cap & fuel filler cap could be interchanged if needed. Very cool!

I noticed you mentioned a fire extinguisher. To me, this is one of the single most important things everybody should keep in their vehicle, regardless if it is gas or diesel fueled. Fire is non discriminatory in that regard, and will consume a vehicle in short order, when a 10 dollar fire extinguisher could've saved an expensive car!

Thank you, I carry an extinguisher in each of my cars. DeliveryValve also makes inline fuse holders for the blower motor, which is known as a possible fire source and auxiliary water pump, which is known to fry the pushbutton unit (climate control only). I have these installed in the car (not in the trunk!) and carry the respective blade fuses for these two also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BayouFlyFisher

Based on previous posts, I'll probably add coolant, PS Fluid, Trans Fluid & Fire Extinguisher.

PS fluid and trans fluid are the same on a w123. Bring potable distilled water - for yourself, the coolant or battery if needed. Minimize redundancies and maximize usage of each item brought.

As mentioned, the best thing to carry in your trunk is a proactive mindset on maintenance of these wonderful machines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

Wheel chocks are very important because you cannot chose where you're going to need to change a flat tire .

I use p/n 203 583 00 75. Back then they were around $6 each. Now around $11.

nelbur · #20 01-02-2016, 11:07 PM

A flat is the most likely emergency. I carry a 25" breaker bar (Harbor Freight) a socket that fits the lugs, and a 12V compressor, in each car. Because of the pivoting jack on the w210, I carry two wheel chocks on that car. On long trips I add my tool bag and a tarp.

mannys9130 · #21 01-02-2016, 11:36 PM

That brings up a good point...

The stock monopod jack is nicknamed the "widowmaker" jack for a reason. A bottle jack and a small block of wood is worth it.

ollo · #22 01-03-2016, 09:46 AM

As several have said, ZIP ties: be sure to have an assortment of sizes and lengths. I just used a couple to temporarily repair my 240D's throttle linkage when the old rubber broke in half at the shut off lever. Don

ollo · #23 01-03-2016, 09:58 AM

Also, when out in the backwoods: waders & a rod, my dog, my Beretta 96D and/or a shotgun. Don

funola · #24 01-03-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannys9130

That brings up a good point...

The stock monopod jack is nicknamed the "widowmaker" jack for a reason. A bottle jack and a small block of wood is worth it.

Interesting you think a bottle jack is safer than the stock jack. The stock jack is a screw, strong, well made and locked into the jack hole. Nothing much can fail as long as the jack is kept vertical and the car does not roll (that's where wheel chocks come in). Bottle jack has hydraulics which can fail, car is just resting on top of it and not locked in any manner. I'd choose the stock jack over a bottle jack any day.

funola · #25 01-03-2016, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

.........
The complete factory tool kit contains the ?23? MM wrench necessary to change the secondary fuel filter but that's a rare need .
.......... .

I am pretty certain my W123 tool kit does not contain a 23 mm wrench, biggest is a 19 mm. Am I missing a wrench? Besides, I don't think a 23 mm wrench is very common.... I have never seen one. Oddly enough, my factory tool kit, original with the car AFAIK, includes a spark plug wrench even though it's a diesel.

21, 22, 24, 27 are common sizes, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26 not so common although I do have 18 mm wrenches and sockets which is needed on the suspension on my VW Jetta.

vwnate1 · #26 01-03-2016, 11:10 AM

Thank you for commenting on the jack as it's a Bilstein screw typ unit and I've never had nor seen a failed one yet . wasn't sure if maybe I'd missed something in the five decades I've been working on / with German cars .

I didn't go out to check the actual wrench size for the secondary fuel filter , it's a stubby thing , found in the trunk of one of my various Mercedes Diesels .

For whatever reason , I have more dirty fuel problems than anyone (including Customers) I've ever met so I try to carry the tools I think I'll need and was well pleased to see this wrench loose in the trunk .

Mostly I just keep a weather eye on the clear plastic intake screen and blow it out or replace it as necessary , on the road side occasionally .

Yes , I have laboriously removed and cleaned the fuel tank , the car isn't the problem .

Stretch · #27 01-03-2016, 11:17 AM

Amazing what some of you guys carry / recommend carrying.

These days I just have a mobile telephone and break down cover!

Mxfrank · #28 01-03-2016, 11:20 AM

When I change the hoses, I toss the old ones in a sack and keep it in the trunk. If you ever blew a lower radiator hose while on the road, you could be stuck for days waiting for a replacement.

ah-kay · #29 01-03-2016, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

When I change the hoses, I toss the old ones in a sack and keep it in the trunk. If you ever blew a lower radiator hose while on the road, you could be stuck for days waiting for a replacement.

It is the same for almost anything in the engine bay.

I would just carry a minimum tool set, fuel filters ( primary and secondary ), credit cards, AAA or Roadside recovery service and that is it. If you need to cover all eventualities then your trunk will be more than full.

funola · #30 01-03-2016, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

.....

I didn't go out to check the actual wrench size for the secondary fuel filter , it's a stubby thing , found in the trunk of one of my various Mercedes Diesels .

.......

Could you go check? Maybe take a pic? I'd like my factory tool kit to be complete.