Keeping your car in shape

You can't beat a length of wire for emergency repairs. Throw a coil in your car's tool kit, along with jumper cables. Other items that come in handy include:

* Duct tape. At the top of the list, duct tape can be a do-it-all for all sorts of automotive predicaments. Wrap it in layers around a leaky radiator hose in a serious pinch to make it to a service station, or use it to insulate jury-rigged wires.

* Aerosol tyre sealer/inflater. Yes, these aerosol cans do work in a pinch on smaller leaks, though they won't help with larger leaks.

* Fuse bulbs. Always carry an extra set of bulbs for your vehicle. Remember to replace the fuse with one of the same amp rating.

* Wire or metal coat hanger. Exhaust pipe dragging on the ground with a shower of sparks and scraping noise? Use a pair of pliers and the wire to fasten the pipe to the broken exhaust clamp, or something handy. With luck, it will hold up long enough to make it to the muffler shop.

* Mini butane torch. These inexpensive torches have a strong enough flame to heat and help loosen lug nuts, seized bolts, and other parts, while at the same time they're small enough to safely light emergency flares. They might make the difference between doing it yourself and having to wait for help.