Basic Tools and Equipment for Your Car in Baja

No matter what your auto mechanic skill level is, you should always bring along these items for vehicle emergencies in Baja.

This page is not for people who have auto mechanic knowledge or training. The following items should be included in every vehicle that takes a road trip through Baja. Even if you do not know how to use these tools - you should still bring them along so someone else can use them.

Items that every automobile should carry in Baja

1: Spare tire, jack, and tire wrench: All vehicles come from the factory with a spare tire and tire changing tools. Make sure to confirm that the entire set is in your vehicle before leaving for Baja. You will also want to make sure the spare tire has the correct amount of air pressure. TIP: Most vehicles come with a mini spare tire that is only good for a few hundred miles. Some experienced Baja travelers purchase a full size spare tire to bring with them to Baja because it may be difficult to find your correct tire size in Baja. If they get a flat, they can use the mini spare to get to a tire repair shop, then have the shop mount the full size spare tire. This could save you days of waiting around if the tire shop can not locate the correct tire for your vehicle.

2: Jumper cables: If your battery dies, you will want a set of jumper cables. It would be rather frustrating to find people who would love to help you jump your car, but no one had jumper cables. So bring your own.

3: Tow Strap: This is a heavy duty strap that is strong enough to pull a car with. Tow straps can be purchased at any auto parts store for about $30 - $40 USD. Do not use a rope bought at the hardware store - this will not be strong enough to handle the weight of a car. Tow straps should only be used for short distance towing of a few miles or for pulling your vehicle out of the dirt or out of a ditch. In Baja you will find plenty of people willing to help you, but if no one has a tow rope, you won't be getting out of the ditch anytime soon.

4: Tire gage: Make sure to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Some people deflate their tires by about 5-10 psi if they plan on driving on washboard dirt roads. The lower tire pressure makes the bumpy ride a bit smoother. But once you get back on paved roads, you need to inflate your tires back to the proper pressure.

5: Duct tape: A role of duct tape is essential in Baja. For vehicles, duct tape can act as band aids for broken parts.

6: Bungee cords: Bungee cords also can help mend and hold on any loose or flapping parts of your car. Obviously bungee cording a bumper to your frame is not a permanent fix, but it could get you to the closest town where a more permanent repair can be arranged.

7: Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches: Even if you have absolutely no idea of how to work on your vehicle, it is still a good idea to bring a few basic tools.

8: Bottle of oil, bottle of transmission fluid, and at least a gallon of water for your radiator: Even if you do not know what to do with these fluids, you still should bring them along. If you get in a jam, perhaps someone else who knows about cars can help you with these.

9: Mexican auto insurance with Road Assistance: Our Mexican auto insurance automatically includes Roadside Assistance with most of our policies. If your car breaks down, you simply call the claims phone number on your Mexican insurance policy. The claims office will then work to dispatch someone to assist you. If you find your own help, make sure to keep your receipt, and the Mexican insurance company will reimburse you.

Hopefully, you will never need to use any of the above items. However, if you bring them along you will be prepared to deal with the majority of Baja vehicle challenges.