A tip to prevent getting stranded on the side of the road

[Manowarr]

A fellow lumina owner had a great tip. If your serpentine belt breaks on you, you are stuck on the side of the road. Keep an old spare in the trunk. Next time you replace your serpentine belt with a new one, keep the old cracked one. Even though its old, it will at least get you to your destination.

[G.A.S.]

glad to see your buddie caught on. I have been doing that sence they came out

[jeffcoslacker]

I used to do that...but I became obsessed with the idea, and at some point found myself driving around with a trunk full of everything I could think of (extra belt, sections of hose in different sizes, clamps, plug wires, plugs, caps, rotors, module, tools, meters, fluids etc)...looked like rolling shop/parts store in the trunk, and still when something goes wrong it's never what you have on board... Murphy's Law #21 I think...

My trunk junk now consists of

A high quality 45 pc ratchet set.

A few extra torx and allen sockets.

A small set of hand tools (pliers, vice grip, screwdrivers, hammer, combo wrenches. etc)

Commercial grade jumper cables.

A small fire extinguisher.

A DVOM and an extra battery for it.

Some road flares (gonna replace with LED strobes soon)

Heavy duty tow strap.

Pro quality 4 way lug wrench.

Large folded laminated cardboard slab to kneel/lay on instead of the ground...

There's other stuff, I can't think of it at the moment...let's say I'm more prepared than the average joe six-pack

Many people have been glad I happened along when they had trouble...

I don't mind, it comes back to you when you are in need.

[gw84]

I'm glad you made this thread. I literally JUST had my belt replaced! Last time I replaced it I kept the old one in my closet at home, I guess I'd be better off to keep it in the trunk where it could actually come in handy should the need arise. thanks for the suggestion!!

I just have extra oil, tranny fluid, coolant, some bulbs, very few tools, and a couple of pieces or rubber to lay/kneel on if needed. OH! and a Chilton manual

[john51md]

Originally Posted by Manowarr

A fellow lumina owner had a great tip. If your serpentine belt breaks on you, you are stuck on the side of the road. Keep an old spare in the trunk. Next time you replace your serpentine belt with a new one, keep the old cracked one. Even though its old, it will at least get you to your destination.

With these older Gm's if possible, i would have a computer, a crank sensor, a throttle position sensor, and map sensor, a coil and a ign. modual. And least enough tools to put any of the above on. Mine over time had me stranded a few times, and just what i said above in parts, would have got me going again.
No wait, one other time, but that time it was a timing chain snapped. For that, best tool is a cell phone..

[G.A.S.]

about three years ago I was doing the same thing. hauling tools everywhere I went and I dont have a problem with it as I do all my own repair work.
Someone stole my tools out of the toolbox in the truck. ( i was in detroit )
I repiorted it and the cop looked at me like I was nutz.
he says "" noone caries that many tools arround "" your just trying to make an insurance claim. I kindly replied that It must be nice to have someone else do your work for you if need be. You probley dont change your own flat tire.
pissed him right off .
I still cary tools wherever i go

[Manowarr]

Here's another tip that doesn't apply only to Luminas. Go to an office supply store and get one of those blackboard type erasers. Then you can wrap one of those microfiber towels around it and use it to clean the inside of the windshield. Not my idea, but it works for me.

[Bearwulf]

As for spare parts (belts, tune-up, etc.) been carrying them for mare than 40yrs. Has come in handy more than once.