What goes into these empty holes?
![Image]()
Dr. Toboggan
Interesting. I'll have to google the function of the threaded eyelet.
Here's my wife's 2018 FWD LX.
Perhaps the empty spaces are for our use? I know my long gone father would've hidden his cigarettes in there, so Mom wouldn't catch him smoking.
![Image]()
Here's my wife's 2018 FWD LX.
Perhaps the empty spaces are for our use? I know my long gone father would've hidden his cigarettes in there, so Mom wouldn't catch him smoking.
Honda used to include the reversible screw driver in the tool kit. I assume they stopped including it to save money. I don’t know what’s supposed to go into the extra cutouts. My assumption is that some of the other hatchback models may come with other tools besides the jack and the tire iron/jack handle. Here’s Google’s answer: “
There are several likely reasons why Honda and other car manufacturers no longer supply a screwdriver in their car tool kits
. The shift is less about a single policy change and more a reflection of several industry-wide trends that have made basic tools increasingly unnecessary and even ineffective for modern vehicles.
Increased vehicle complexity
In the past, cars were simpler machines that an average owner could often perform minor adjustments on. Today, a car's engine bay is far more crowded and intricate, with many common issues relying on computer diagnostics and specialized tools.
Auto manufacturers operate on extremely thin profit margins, and every item included with a new car is a potential cost to eliminate.
Manufacturers also consider liability when equipping their vehicles. A car company would prefer that owners take their vehicles to a trained professional, rather than attempting a DIY repair that could cause damage or injury.
For many years, the tire jack and lug wrench were the standard elements of any car's tool kit. However, as manufacturers replace full-size spare tires with inflation kits or run-flat tires, even the most basic tool kits are shrinking or disappearing.
What is still included?
Modern Honda vehicles may not have a traditional tool kit, but they do come with equipment for roadside emergencies. This often includes:
There are several likely reasons why Honda and other car manufacturers no longer supply a screwdriver in their car tool kits
. The shift is less about a single policy change and more a reflection of several industry-wide trends that have made basic tools increasingly unnecessary and even ineffective for modern vehicles.
Increased vehicle complexity
In the past, cars were simpler machines that an average owner could often perform minor adjustments on. Today, a car's engine bay is far more crowded and intricate, with many common issues relying on computer diagnostics and specialized tools.
- Sealed components: Many parts are now designed to be sealed units that are replaced entirely, rather than being adjusted or repaired with a basic tool.
- Specialized fasteners: Modern vehicles, including Hondas, increasingly use specialized fasteners like Torx or hex bolts instead of standard screws, which a simple flathead or Phillips screwdriver can't fix.
- Reduced home maintenance: With fewer owners performing their own repairs, there is less demand for basic tools. A screwdriver is unlikely to solve many of the mechanical or electrical issues that cause breakdowns today.
Auto manufacturers operate on extremely thin profit margins, and every item included with a new car is a potential cost to eliminate.
- Minimalist kits: The tools provided in a new vehicle are now generally limited to what is absolutely necessary for a roadside emergency, such as a lug wrench and a jack for changing a tire.
- Lowering weight: Including fewer items helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, which can improve fuel efficiency and contribute to lower emissions.
Manufacturers also consider liability when equipping their vehicles. A car company would prefer that owners take their vehicles to a trained professional, rather than attempting a DIY repair that could cause damage or injury.
- Safety issues: Providing a tool like a screwdriver could suggest to an inexperienced owner that it is safe to make repairs, when a misstep could damage a complex electrical system or compromise a safety-critical component.
- Preventing damage: The use of an incorrect tool, like an incompatible Phillips head on a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screw, could strip the screw and cause more damage. A stripped screw on an older Honda required special removal that a simple, provided tool would have worsened.
For many years, the tire jack and lug wrench were the standard elements of any car's tool kit. However, as manufacturers replace full-size spare tires with inflation kits or run-flat tires, even the most basic tool kits are shrinking or disappearing.
What is still included?
Modern Honda vehicles may not have a traditional tool kit, but they do come with equipment for roadside emergencies. This often includes:
- A jack and lug wrench (if equipped with a spare tire).
- A tire sealant and inflator kit.“
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
