What should be kept in a basic tool set to work on a Mirage in the field??

[cwatkin]

Thanks. I noticed a lot of 10mm fasteners from what I could tell but didn't look into this much. If there are only a few sizes, I may forgo an entire set and just get the sizes I need. I will probably get some sockets and forgo deep well unless needed as well as some open/boxed end wrenches and maybe some ratcheters.

The basic goal of this set it to be able to conduct basic roadside repairs and maintenance and not rebuild the car. I know I would also want a 17mm as that is the oil drain plug. This is the only thing I have ever turned on this car. So, I would want to be able to swap belts, hoses, thermostat, water pump, tire, sensors, or whatever other part might fail going down the road.

If you think I would be better off with individual components rather than an entire set with tools I won't use and will just add weight, I may forgo the set.

That brings up another question... Are parts available at most auto parts stores in a reasonable time frame?

Conor

[cwatkin]

Thanks. I noticed a lot of 10mm fasteners from what I could tell but didn't look into this much. If there are only a few sizes, I may forgo an entire set and just get the sizes I need. I will probably get some sockets and forgo deep well unless needed as well as some open/boxed end wrenches and maybe some ratcheters.

The basic goal of this set it to be able to conduct basic roadside repairs and maintenance and not rebuild the car. I know I would also want a 17mm as that is the oil drain plug. This is the only thing I have ever turned on this car. So, I would want to be able to swap belts, hoses, thermostat, water pump, tire, sensors, or whatever other part might fail going down the road.

If you think I would be better off with individual components rather than an entire set with tools I won't use and will just add weight, I may forgo the set.

That brings up another question... Are parts available at most auto parts stores in a reasonable time frame?

Conor

[Fummins]

The most common sizes I've used on the Mirage so far are 7,10,12,14,17, and 21mm. Spark plugs were 5/8"(16mm) I believe. I'll have to double check the axle nut size, but I think it's 27mm. A pair of needle nose pliers for pulling fuses comes in handy when the oem fuse puller are usually garbage.

[Eggman]

I paid extra for a new car so I wouldn't have to worry about carrying tools for roadside repairs.

[cwatkin]

How about T/star bits and hex/Allen bits, etc? Some cars like these types of fasteners a lot.

Conor

[Fummins]

I can't see roadside repairs for these cars anytime soon myself, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared I guess. I drive old junk and carry tools around just in case. They sure come in handy when you're 2 hours away from the closest town and 1hr from any cell coverage. I broke a rear brake line once and had to improvise to get back on the road.

[Fummins]

How about T/star bits and hex/Allen bits, etc? Some cars like these types of fasteners a lot.

Conor

I've only seen Philips screws(+) no torx or allen head so far.

[cwatkin]

I guess old habits die hard when you are used to driving a 20+ year old Geo Metro. Yeah, I have a tendency to go a lot of remote and out of the way places. Roadside assistance and a warranty doesn't really matter if you can't get cell coverage or they can't find you.

I am not going to be in any huge hurry to get a kit going but figured the Kmart deal might be a good time to get a nice set. I am not going to get it if it includes a bunch of sizes I don't need or want for this purpose unless they REALLY drop the price.

Conor

[Casey]

In the hatchback, I put a pouch with adjustable wrench, pliers, needle nose pliers, multi screwdriver and knife all in a basket with a towel, a rag, a paper sheet set, funnel, fix a flat and fire extinguisher. I had a canvas drawstring bag and put jumper cables in it so they don't get tangled up on everything. I am not sure what else I may need, but I carry so much tools and junk in my pick up that it is ridiculous and I have never really needed any of it. The roadside repairs I have made on other vehicles usually ended up with me being at an auto parts store and Napa and Advanced are both good about loaning you tools.

I would like to know what wrench sizes are most common and I might throw a few of them in and some duct tape, zip tape and bailing wire.

[Fummins]

In the hatchback, I put a pouch with adjustable wrench, pliers, needle nose pliers, multi screwdriver and knife all in a basket with a towel, a rag, a paper sheet set, funnel, fix a flat and fire extinguisher. I had a canvas drawstring bag and put jumper cables in it so they don't get tangled up on everything. I am not sure what else I may need, but I carry so much tools and junk in my pick up that it is ridiculous and I have never really needed any of it. The roadside repairs I have made on other vehicles usually ended up with me being at an auto parts store and Napa and Advanced are both good about loaning you tools.

I would like to know what wrench sizes are most common and I might throw a few of them in and some duct tape, zip tape and bailing wire.

10,12,14,17,19 and 21mm. You can change a belt with a 14(deep socket) and 12mm. Spark plugs(10mm, an extension and a 5/8 plug socket). Wheel nuts are 21mm. Fuel pump access plate is a Philips. If you brake down chances are you won't have parts to fix it anyways. I don't carry tools in mine other than a screwdriver to remove the license plate. Really there isn't much that should just randomly fail without signs of crapping out before hand except for wiring problems(corrosion).

I used to carry so many tools in my truck cause something would usually break in the middle of no-where heading out camping where there is no cell service. But I had so much crap I could never find what I needed.