Top 5 Automotive Items to Keep in Stock

This list is designed to be like a car-savings; to be used as needed for any scenario from preventive maintenance to complete societal shutdown. These are also in order based on my opinion, not some set of surveys or other data, and are in order from most important to the least.

1. Motor Oil and Oil Filters

More than anything else, the engine oil NEEDS changed periodically. Failure to do so will result in catastrophic engine failure, and without your engine you aren't going anywhere. I'd recommend keeping 2 oil changes stored away, so find out how much oil your vehicle requires and buy accordingly.

2. Other Necessary Fluids

A good portion of the systems your auto needs to run rely on some kind of fluid. This includes engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid (in that order of importance). In many vehicles, automatic transmission fluid (atf) is used for power steering fluid. I'd recommend 1 gallon of pure coolant and a spare jug for mixing (it costs less than buying pre-mix), 4 quarts of the appropriate transmission fluid for your vehicle (there are several different types, yes it's crucial) and one bottle each brake and power steering (there are also several types of these. Refer to your owner's manual or simply ask your auto parts store clerk to look the types and quantities up for you).

3. Serpentine/V-Belts

These are standard scheduled maintenance items, and since they drive all your necessary components (such as the water pump, alternator, and power steering) it's nice to have one handy in case one breaks. I'd recommend keeping one at a time, and keep it in your vehicle with the right tool(s) to change it.

4. Water Pump and Thermostat

Keeping the engine cool is about as important as keeping it lubricated. Thermostats are pretty cheap (around $10-15) but water pumps are a little more (the cost varies greatly between vehicles). One of each, with the appropriate gaskets, should do nicely.

5. Brake Pads/Shoes

Stopping is obviously more important than going, but it's a lot less complicated. Brakes wear out, it's a fact. Pads/Shoes are usually pretty cheap, and these days you can get lifetime warranties on them. It sounds silly, but if you make sure you get those, register them with the store, and bring them in when they wear out they really will replace them free of charge. These are also sold in pairs so that you have enough to replace all the pads on one axle. I'd recommend one set per axle to store.

It's important to note that as inflation increases, or if we do have an economic collapse, oil prices will be the first to skyrocket. Since motor oil and other fluids are typically petroleum based, they will go up in price at about the same rate. That being said, it'd be a good idea to grab numbers 1 and 2 sooner rather than later.

 We'll discuss how-to's later.