A breakdown is a very common problem, and sometimes simple objects can come to your rescue.

1. If the battery clamps are loose, and you don't have the right spanner to tighten it, a match stick comes useful. You can just shove it in the gap between the clamps and the battery terminal, and off you go!

2. If a fuse is blown out, and you don't carry a spare one, the silver wrapper in the cigarette box, or the silver strip of the tablets can help you get the electricity flowing. You should try and get the fuse ASAP though, otherwise several things can go wrong, as you are no longer protected from high current (fuse is bypassed by the conductor strip).

3. In case you drive an MPFI car with electric fuel pump, and your car cranks, but the engine won't start, most likely the pump is not working due to loose electric connection. The pump gets the power from a cable that runs under the rear seats. So, lift the cushions up and check the wiring. Tighten if it's loose. This has happened to me 3 times by the way... and then I got the cable changed.

 

Good info...I like the idea of the matchstick!