Duct Tape, Duct Tape, Duct Tape, "baling" wire and water pump pliers, can get you through a lot of though spots!

I carry the usual tools, tape, towrope etc. but my main tool is membership of a breakdown club. A call is made to the breakdown centre swiftly followed by a call to my son who is responsible for sending out the breakdown trucks, this ensures a rapid response. I haven't had to call them for several years but the last time I did, after a bolt in the front suspension broke, the breakdown truck arrived with my sons car on board so that I could continue my journey. When I got back, my car was all fixed.

Here is a list of what I carry in my vehicles. I live in cold country so you may not want all the stuff. Cheap disposable tool set, jumpers, help sign, water carrier. all this can be found in a trouble kit from most auto stores. Next, my survival kit. A small shovel, space blankets, (those thin mylar sheets), gloves, stocking cap, handwarmers, heavy socks, light sticks, camping candle holder and candles, camping matches, whistle, wool blanket, metal camping cup, energy bars, hot coco mix, water, big(40-50 gal) garbage bags,belt knife, milti tool, duct tape, electrical tape (not black), bailing wire, string. I travel a lot all year throughout upstate NY, a lot on rural roads. The things in the survival kit will keep a person alive for a day or so until help shows up. In hot country, I would add more water and bug spray. Everything fits in a backpack that rides in the passenger area with me.The trunk otr tool box may not be accessable. I don't worry so much about mechanical breakdowns as there isn't much that can be field fixed anymore, freezing in the winter or being dry and hungry in the summer are always possibilities.

It seems that one of three belts in an old Chefy Impala would break at the worst possible moment. I then carried a spare of each and the tools to replace them in the trunk. Of course, having a spare, the belts did not break again.