January 29th, 2021
Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!
If you’re planning to pack your swag, grab your keys and get ready to take on Australia’s harsh environments in your 4×4, the last thing you want is a breakdown. But as any seasoned off-roader knows, it’s not a matter of if you’ll break down, but when. So having the right tools for the job can mean the difference between finishing a track triumphantly, or having to call for recovery.
It can be tough trying to figure out what to bring before a trip. Even the most prepared off-road driver has been caught out needing the one tool they didn’t pack.
These toolbox must-haves are sure to get you out of a pinch if things go bad on your next 4WD trip. Don’t come to terms with being stranded in the bush! When things go pear shaped, use these items to get back on the track.
Rechargeable Torch – Picture this: You’re on the last leg of the track, it’s getting dark, and after revving the guts out of your engine on the last climb, it’s finally starting to make a sound you don’t like. Then it happens, the breakdown, and when you pull over its pitch black. Do you want to run the risk that you remembered fresh batteries for your torch to do night repairs? Probably not, so a rechargeable torch is a safe bet that can give you light in a pinch. Most models can be charged by using the cigarette lighter of your car, so it’s an easy light source.
Jumper Cables (at least 1000w) – You’ll be using your 4WD for energy a lot, so a flat battery is a common problem. Jumper cables are a must to get you or any stranger you meet along the way that’s in a predicament up and running again. Better yet, get yourself a portable jump pack to get yourself started again, because who knows how long you’ll be waiting for someone to drive past.
Puncture Repair Kit – Your wheels are just as important as your engine when it comes to four-wheel driving. Depending on if you’re going downhill, maybe even more important. Tyre punctures are one of the most common causes of breakdown while off-road. Don’t be another person to fall victim to this simple problem; pack a repair kit.
Metal Putty – Seal anything with a leak. Metal putty will plug a hole where there shouldn’t be a hole. If anything is meant to hold fluid but doesn’t really anymore, metal putty is quick to apply, and a long-lasting fix.
INOX & Lanox – Protect your car against all the Australian elements. Our penetrating lubricants will help loosen stuck nuts and bolts and protect your vehicle from water and dirt. When driving through the harsh conditions all day, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle parts are moving as smoothly as possible. We have a range of lubricants which will work perfectly on your car parts. Because our products are oil-based, they will help disperse water from your electrics. A can of INOX has thousands of uses, literally, so it’s the perfect item to get you out of trouble in the bush. As an added bonus, INOX and Lanox also make the cleanup and washdown process 100 times easier, making it quicker to unload and pack away everything when you get home.
OBD2 Reader – Don’t waste time scanning your 4WD manually to find out what’s wrong. An OBD2 reader is a great tool to diagnose what’s failing in your vehicle so you can quickly repair the issue and get back on the road.
Digital Voltmeter (Multimeter) – Get to the bottom of any electrical problem with this tool. These handy devices can gauge temperature, humidity, frequency, induction, and even acidity, making them very versatile and one of the best items to keep handy when going off-road.
Hand Tools – Know your car and the tools which it was built to accommodate. There’s not much point using imperial tools if your car was built to support metric sized tools. Tailor your screwdrivers, sockets and spanners to meet your 4WD’s requirements. Hand tools are often the most space consuming part of your toolbox, so cutting down on the unnecessaries will help maximise space.
Zip Ties & Duct Tape – Don’t underestimate the value of having some trusty zip ties and duct tape on hand in your 4WD. Whenever and wherever you need to bust out your inner ‘bush mechanic’, you’ll be thanking your past self because these definitely come in handy more than you realise.
Shovel & Axe – Chopping and digging are par for the course when out in the bush. This combo is worth its weight in gold, and you’ll likely use them for more than their intended uses. A shovel will help you dig fire pits, bush toilets; it can help when you’re bogged, but also can work as a skid tray and even a cooking pan or plate if you’re desperate. Your axe can chop trees down for firewood, to clear a path or even use the flat end as a hammer in a pinch.
Snatch Strap & Recovery Tracks – It’s inevitable that you or your mate are going to get stuck somewhere in your 4WDing and if you think you won’t or never have, well, we don’t think you’re doing it right. A snatch strap can not only make you a hero for recovering (or saving – however you want to look at it) someone else’s ride, but also get you out of trouble should you find yourself ‘unable to move’. If you’re going sand or mud driving, it’s also great to keep a pair of recovery tracks close by to help scoop you out of the soft stuff and get back on the trail.
Multi-Tool/Swiss Army Knife – This will handle your simple tools like an Allen key, knives, small pliers, etc. for all the odd bits and pieces that could come your way while exploring.
Pliers – Look, you probably have a pair of pliers in your toolbox, but just double check before you go. This tool always seems to go missing in our toolbox, so it could save you a lot of trouble to make sure you have it before you go.
Mozzie Spray – As an Australian, you know there’s likely to be mozzies ready to attack wherever you’re headed. Avoid being eaten alive and stock up in advance – you can thank us later.
Kit For Repairs To Fuel Tanks, Radiators, etc. – Make sure you’re properly equipped to handle damages to instrumental parts. A break in these areas can spell the end of your trip if you’re not prepared. Just ensure they’re compatible with the tank (metal or plastic).
Stubbie Cooler – We left the most important for last. After a long day of driving, digging, pushing, and squabbling in the mud, it’s time for a cold one. When it’s time to cool off, make sure your beverage is cool too. Thank us later when you know exactly where your stubby cooler is while your mates go scavenging through their cluttered back seats.
If you’re planning a 4WD trip this summer, make sure to bring a can or tub of INOX lubricant with you. If you want to properly maintain your 4×4 and camping equipment, our lubricants are a must-have in your toolbox. Head to our website to browse our range of products or contact us today to learn more!