What tools do you carry in preparation for emergency roadside repair? Are there a few wrench sizes that cover the majority of Prius bolts? Of course, Phillips/straight screwdriver, large cutter, fuses (all sizes), duct tape, bungee cord, jump-start battery, but what else to give a good chance of recovering from a situation and making it to the next town? Thanks! P.S. No "cell phone" jokes!
I've got in the hatch under-floor tray, a 10mm wrench, 1/4" drive ratchet wrench with a long 10 mm socket, a multi-bit screwdriver, pair of pliers, some wire and string, an extension cord, partial roll of electrical tape and an adjustable wrench. All cheapo cast-offs, just stuff that might make be useful. Also a collapsible high visibility traffic cone, pair of lightweight tire chocks, tire sized plastic bag, some paper towels, a quality tire plug-repair kit, Clore JNC660 jump pack and CTEK Multi US 3300 battery charger (that's my old one. And a roll of toilet paper. In the centre console I've got a pen and paper (for fender bender info taking), and a multi-tool flashlight, has blinking red beacon option, also a glass breaking spike, and a blade for cutting seat belts. The latter I learned lately was slightly tested on one of our seat belts by honourable grand kid, harrumph... In upper glove box I've got (surprise) heavy duty insulated gloves, an extra tire pressure gauge, and a small spritz bottle of soapy water, for checking for tire leaks. Oh, in one corner of the hatch I've got a lime-green reflective vest, some more bits of rope, and a red plastic flag, the kind lumber yards issue these days for over-length loads.
This has given me some good ideas -- thanks. From your post I assume 10mm is the most common size? I plan on carrying a crescent wrench (locking) and open/box of the most common bolt sizes.
I have found that, for metric, almost all legitimate sizes use even numbers. In my overall experience, 12 mm is next in popularity to 10 mm. I have not done much with my Prius, though.
I put a flash light in one of the foam slots and am looking at different plug kits. I favor plugs over that slimy stuff. If you put the slime in your tire you will probably ruin your TPMS sensor. I carry my insurance mans telephone number in my phone, a couple of local wrecker services and added Toyota's emergency number. I need to get an air gauge in the car. My old Prius had more room to carry stuff and with the Gen 4 you have to be very selective.
One more, forgot: a small square of plywood, to act as a sub-base under the scissor jack on soft earth. To be fair, I've rarely if ever needed any of that stuff.
Folding lug wrench. It's been in all my vehicles since 2004. Fortunately only needed it once but its much better than stock wrench.
I think you confused Toyota with Apple. Apple products cannot easily be repaired and are expected to be considered disposable.
If the lug nuts are torqued to the spec'd 76 ft/lb, the supplied wrench is fine. The one issue still, the rims can get glued on, due to aluminum rim and steel hub methinks. If that happens, it's really stuck, putting the lug nuts back on loose, lowering the car to the ground, and maybe giving that corner or a bounce, should break it loose. If that doesn't work, try rolling backwards/forwards a foot or two. It's a pain, but it works. The alternative is to leave it on the jack, put just one nut back on at top, and wack the back of the tire with something heavy, tire iron's probably the best on hand. But that's risky, especially with the flimsy scissor jack. That what I do in my garage, but with the car on safety stands, timber cribbing behind the wheel to cushion, and with a big sledge hammer.
Which is a huge "IF" unless you do it yourself. I learned this lesson the hard way about 20 years ago. Whoever put the wheel on used an impact wrench and had no concern about the proper torque spec. Which is why I now carry a pipe for leverage. Doubles as a weapon!
For as stuck as mine get (which, perhaps, isn't as stuck as in BC), I've been having surprising success just taking a vinyl-dipped plier handle out of the tool bag, sticking it between one rim spoke and the caliper bracket, and pulling like a crowbar. I had been using much more dramatic techniques, but this also seems to pop the rim right off without even looking like work. (And yes, that is when it's stuck enough that some other attempts don't do much but shake the whole car on the jackstand) -Chap
If you do blow a head gasket enough that your vehicle is puking coolant, having a gallon of water onboard might save a substantial walk. I keep a gallon of drinkable water available, it may someday do either me or my car a great service. Note that I live in Arizona, and commute 90 miles at least weekly through hilly terrain. I also keep a moderate sized tool kit, big enough I could probably change all the fluids (minus the catch pan) or check and change the spark plugs and coils, or possibly even clean out the EGR system on the fly or change brake pads. Most of the time calling help would be easier, but there might be times that is not an option. tire inflator (have used) spare quart of appropriate oil, battery jump starter (have used). Duct tape and a few big zip ties might be very useful in a drivable fender-bender situation to keep stuff attached while you limp home. a box of 5 mil latex gloves, hand cleaner, a few large trash bags and a roll of paper towels. This collection of stuff mostly fills the compartment above the spare tire but below the hatchback floor panel. While you are thinking about all of this, make sure your spare is inflated - most of them are getting to be 10 years old now, which is pretty geriatric for a tire, and it might be worth a thought of whether to spend money on a fresh one if you are keeping the car long term.
The car can use the potable water, but I cannot use the 50/50 mix. The odds in Arizona down in the valley where the temperature can flirt with 50C or 120 Fahrenheit, I will need the water in a bad way after changing a flat tire. I am not worried about a few percent off on the mix anyway, If I were in Canada I could see the concern leaning the other way. If I get to -18 C or zero Fahrenheit it is a freaking cold day here even in the high country. Definitely see where you are coming from, but my needs are different. The trash bags are wonderful multi-purpose tools, we learned that the hard way when our 5 year old got nauseous and spewed all over everything. Trash bags helped save the day.
Dual-head open ended wrench - 10/13 mm Tire repair kit Can of SLIME and the original tire kit 12V tire inflator Leatherman tool (original) OBD scanner
