What items should I keep in the car for those unwanted roadside emergencies. It seems like every make of vehicle has its quirks...
... and on a unrelated side note, why are there so many Fiero owners not in touch with the TRUE condition of their car? It's becoming standard fare to go see a car which is advertised as clean with minimal rust only to find out it's rust free because the pieces just aren't there anymore !??!? It actually makes me sick! (Sorry for the mini-rant).
Anyway, back on topic. Fire away with your suggestions for those must-have items!
Cheers! Brad
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02:03 AM
PFF
System Bot
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
Don't forget the 5.5mm socket for the ignition module and silicone heat conductive grease. I also carry a spare coil, antifreeze, timing light, extra wire and electrical tape. I have heard bad things about fix a flat that it can eat away some protective coatings on the rims. I carry a small air compressor. Jim
I see we have a few comedians here (with some pretty good answers). Thanks for the suggestions... these are simple things to gather up and stash in the trunk. AAA is probably the best solution... tow me home James!
As for fix-a-flat, I will never use the stuff again. I've had two bad experiences with tires I used fix-a-flat on. First, the product works quite well for a quick fix IF the tire has reached end of life. If you plan to use this as a long-term fix for a minor leak you'll be in for a big shock. The product does not settle evenly in the tire and many times makes the wheel virtually impossible to balance. Furthermore, it may never completely dry if the leak does seal... because of this I suspect it contributed to the plys seperating on one tire (two cans were used within 6 months). I will say this is purely speculation based on my first-hand experience combined with many discussions with people in the tire business.
[This message has been edited by bakantor (edited 06-05-2010).]
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02:06 PM
Blacktree Member
Posts: 20770 From: Central Florida Registered: Dec 2001
I carry a spare module and coil, and the tools to replace them. No sense going through the trouble of having the car towed, if you only need to swap out a $20 part. The spare tire, jack, tire iron, and fire extinguisher are a no-brainer, as well. I also carry a set of jumper cables.
Aside from that, I also carry the cell phone with me while driving, just in case.
I did the math, and my Fiero gets towed so infrequently that I would be losing money on a AAA membership. Paying for it out-of-pocket actually saves me money. But as always, YMMV.
[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 06-05-2010).]
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03:22 PM
Shill Member
Posts: 2166 From: Spokane, WA Registered: Apr 2009
I carry a spare module and coil, and the tools to replace them. No sense going through the trouble of having the car towed, if you only need to swap out a $20 part...
I did the math, and my Fiero gets towed so infrequently that I would be losing money on a AAA membership. Paying for it out-of-pocket actually saves me money. But as always, YMMV.
I agree with most what you say, but I have changed out my module while waiting for the tow truck and still had no fire. Turns out If I would have had a spare distributor that would have worked. But I haven't gotten to where I carry a spare distributor. The flat bed was the only solution.
Also I got a 80 mile tow by AAA and didn't cost me a penny other than my regular dues. I don't even want to think about what an 80 mile tow costs.
In my opinion if you regularly drive Fieros you need AAA.
I see we have a few comedians here (with some pretty good answers).
No comedy you will need the fire extinguisher didn't say it for a joke there is a member here that lost his cars just this year due to fire. It may be a bit of a joke that fieros catch fire until your standing next to it in tears watching it burn with no fire extinguisher.
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10:51 PM
Jun 6th, 2010
bakantor Member
Posts: 39 From: Minneapolis, MN Registered: May 2010
Nope, didn't think you were joking yet it is quite funny in a morbid sort of way... and mine's an 84.
My daughter looked at the car I pulled home today and said "That's pretty cool, how many seats are in it?" (BTW I have 4 kids). She promptly follows up with a comment about the Fiero window decal ... "Why does it say Fired". I promptly corrected her that we don't talk about fire and Fieros in the same sentence.
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12:53 AM
MidEngineManiac Member
Posts: 29566 From: Some unacceptable view Registered: Feb 2007
Spare tire (properly inflated!), wheel brace and stock fiero jack (it's better than nothing). Spare belt. Spare ign module (+ tools to change, see next item) Small toolkit (assorted driver bits etc). electrical tape. Some nitrile gloves just to keep hands clean(ish) whilst cursing the car! Jump cables
AAA card and mobile phone though has been the best 'tool' so far though.
In addition to the things that have been stated... * Road/Emergency Flares * Shell Rescue (Gas additive) * Qt of oil, and can of brake fluid (Keep in plastic bag) * Flashlight (cranking type) * Hose clamps and duck tape
I have found basic tools & stuff are a waste of time & space. I have ONCE been able to do a roadside repair. and, being an ignition module - I knew it was coming, had the spare & the tools to do so. saw the bouncy tach, got a module at NAPA, the next day - it died.
so - I am with the AAA card, Credit Card & Cellphone crowd.
Hey, he's the only one who knows how to change the ignition module... etc... etc... and if that doesn't work, then the cell phone to call the tow truck!! Or Max to come fix the fiero!! lol
