Hello all, I looked around a lot but could not find a list of parts to keep on hand/in the trunk for daily driving a 240. As I'm sure we are all aware - the cars are not getting younger! Call it overkill, but I like to have parts on hand in case one of my 30+ year old components fails. I am trying to build a trunk checklist so that bad situations on the road do not get worse.
If there are other components that commonly fail, please add them

This is a list of what I and my brother keep extra in our Volvo 244 and 245.

• Ignition:
  • Distributor Cap
  • Distributor Rotor
  • Spark Plugs
  • Plug Wires
• Electrical
  • Fuel Pump Relay
  • Extra fuses
  • Misc Exterior illumination bulbs
    • Headlight
    • Brake light
• Mechanical:
  • 2qts (1.9 Liters) of 10W-30 motor oil
  • 1qt (0.94 Liter) Power Steering Fluid
  • 12oz (355mL) Brake Fluid
  • 1 Gallon (3.8 Liters) Distilled Water
• Specialty:
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Towel (to lay on ground)
  • Rag (for hands)
  • Misc. hoses

Also I keep tools and duct tape, zip ties, etc. but those are not as vehicle specific. I have never had to use these and I hope to keep it that way!! However, it is good to be prepared

 

Not sure if I'd keep all that stuff in the car (unless you're driving a long distance) but certainly this should be in your garage or house. My in-car list is shorter - motor oil, premixed coolant, brake fluid, jumper cables, rags, spare fuses, spare bulbs, tire pressure guage,tire sealant (ie fix-a-flat can). spare wiper blade, duct tape and electrical tape. You can also throw in a $15 emergency tow cable. The rest I'd keep in a parts box at home or in your garage.

 

Fuel Injection Relay
Crankshaft Sensor
MAFS
and of course, bailing wire, duct tape and adjustable pliers.
And most importantly, AAA card!

 

i keep 1 qt of motor oil. i use atf in my power steering, not power steering fluid. no way i'm carrying plugs, cap, wires and rotor as spares. change them at the appropriate intervals to avoid that nonsense.

i do carry spare fuses and assorted bulbs, along with two jumper wires with "alligator" clips at each end (for fuel pump testing). fix-a-flat, basic metric tools, snow shovel, blanket, gloves, pullover/sweatshirt, fire extinguisher, jump pack or cables.

 

WD-40, voltmeter, rum

 

Visa card. Cell phone. AAA card.

cars with a tendency to lose coolant, i carry a gallon or two of premixed coolant
cars with a tendency to use oil, I carry a quart or two of oil

I generally have a 8-in-one screwdriver in the glovebox, and maybe a crescent wrench.

 

One thing that I always carry are spare fan/accessory and timing belts for all the cars. When I replace a belt (or usually, belts) I save the take-offs and put them in the back "security" compartment in the 245; and throwing away any previous take-offs. This way I always have a serviceable spare handy. Have never had to use one far from home, but I am ready.
Add a roll of good tape, some binder clips of various sizes; zip ties; some of the stainless steel ones, and of course, baling wire. Plus most of the other things mentioned here, except the fluids will all fit into that compartment. Oh, a decent first aid kit and some condoms (for emergency water carriers, I tell the wife).

 

can't say I've ever had a belt fail on a maintained car.

in 30 years of Volvo ownership (and 50 years of cars) had *ONE* timing belt fail prematurely, this was on a 1998 S90, nowhere near its replacement interval. That would not have been a roadside repair job even if we'had the parts. ok, wait, had a 71 VW bus toss its generator belt, that was before I knew much about engines, and it likely was in poor shape before hand.

 

I doubt there is a car that you can do a timing belt on on the side of the road.

 

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I dunno, if there is one, it might be a 240, assuming you brought enough tools.

 

a 90s legacy 2.2 (non-interference version) could be done on the side of the road, as long as you had the parts. no special tools, other than basic metric set. i'm pretty sure i could do my 3.0 toyota's belt by the road, too. although, obviously, it would be better to be home in my garage to do them.

 

i don't think i have, either, other than the legacy timing belt that failed way early because of a failed tensioner.

i completely agree about maintaining the vehicle; it means you are much less likely to have routine items fail on the road (because you've kept up the required maintenance).

 

Hahaha...I wouldn't try to change a timing belt on the side of a road either...but I range far from home in my car. Sure, there are auto mechanics all over...but having the right part at the right time may save an unwanted delay somewhere. Probably will never use any of them....but it makes me feel better. By the way, I was raised on air-cooled VW's and British sports cars and my father taught me to save those old belts for just that reason.