“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” asked the gas station attendant as I stepped out of my classic Porsche. Oregon, where I was, is a full-service state, so I was accustomed to showing attendants the fuel filler location on my vintage vehicle. “LA,” I responded. “That’s a long way to drive in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I replied, with the confidence that hopefully karma wouldn’t punish me for my slight arrogance.
The truth is, I had put considerable thought into potential mechanical issues on this road trip. I had assembled a well-equipped tool kit, packed a few crucial spare parts, and importantly, I had a deep understanding of my car’s mechanics from years of hands-on maintenance. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I perform much of my own car work, giving me a good sense of what might cause problems.
You might own that pristine, factory-perfect tool set in a reproduction pouch, meticulously gathered from swap meets and eBay. These kits are fantastic for displaying at concours events or local car meets, but owning a vintage car is about driving it, not just showcasing it.
While you probably don’t use your classic car for daily commutes or errands, you might take it to club events a few hundred miles away, or enjoy spirited drives on winding roads. Perhaps, like me, you believe a road trip up California’s Highway 1 to Oregon is the perfect way to spend a week with your car. There’s an unmatched joy in long journeys with a vintage beauty. The driving experience is more engaging, more visceral, compared to modern cars where passengers are often isolated by technology, rushing along the interstate.
So, leave that factory-original tool kit for show and consider building a practical tool kit for travel. This guide will help you assemble a tool kit that’s effective for roadside repairs without adding excessive weight or taking up too much valuable trunk space.
First, consider the type of trips you typically take. Are they short weekend jaunts close to home, or longer, multi-day adventures covering thousands of miles? The length and remoteness of your journeys will influence what you should include in your essential car tool kit.
Essential Tools for Your Car Tool Kit
Let’s break down the must-have tools for your car tool kit, ensuring you’re prepared for common roadside fixes.
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but essential. Pack a couple of sturdy flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in medium sizes. These are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps on fuel lines or adjusting various components. A small precision screwdriver set is also invaluable for minor tasks, even fixing eyeglasses.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a set of 1/4-inch drive sockets is surprisingly versatile for basic car maintenance. They handle tasks like tightening battery terminals and working on interior components. Ensure you include several extension bars of different lengths for reaching into tight spaces. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle add even more versatility, especially for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding a set of 1/4-inch drive bits, including Torx, for various fastener types.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a ratchet and sockets in 3/8-inch drive for car-specific tasks. Prioritize essential sizes: a spark plug socket, a deep socket for your car’s lug nuts, and a 3/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter. Carry a couple of extensions. Check the accessibility of your most difficult spark plug; if a universal joint is needed for removal, make sure to pack one.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes you might encounter on your vehicle.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip the spark plug boot, not the wire itself, when removing spark plug wires. This prevents damage to the wires by pulling the wire out of the connector.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar paired with your lug nut socket significantly eases tire changes. The added leverage makes loosening stubborn lug nuts much easier. As a bonus, a breaker bar can serve as a robust self-defense tool if needed.
Tire Gauge: Another no-brainer for any car tool kit. Regularly checking tire pressure is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency flat tire repair. A small 12V tire inflator is also a worthwhile addition for inflating tires on the go.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch water pump pliers, like Knipex pliers, are incredibly versatile. They offer a strong grip for various tasks, from hose clamps to even unclogging shower heads in hotels!
Needle Nose Pliers: Needle nose pliers are essential for delicate tasks, reaching into confined spaces, and manipulating small components. Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function add extra utility. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you may already have this covered.
Pliers or Vice Grips: Include a set of locking pliers (Vice Grips) in your tool kit. They are invaluable for clamping, holding, or even temporarily repairing damaged parts.
Wrenches: Pack a selection of combination open-end and box-end wrenches in specific sizes relevant to your car. For European cars, this often means odd sizes and 10mm. For Japanese cars, include 12mm. You don’t need a full set; focus on sizes specific to your vehicle’s common fasteners. To organize wrenches, use a simple bolt and wing nut: stack box-end wrenches on a 1/4-20 bolt with washers on each end, and secure with a wing nut to keep them neatly together.
Wiring Tools: Always carry diagonal cutters and a crimper/stripper for electrical repairs. Include a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of good quality electrical tape. A basic test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is incredibly useful for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly handy. Use it for trimming fuel lines, opening packaging, or even fashioning a funnel from a plastic bottle to add oil or water, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, pack jumper cables. They are essential for jump-starting your car or helping out another motorist in need.
Gloves: Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves and a pair of heavier leather work gloves. Adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves is also a good idea for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your kit. An army surplus bag works well, or you can repurpose other bags. The goal is functionality and portability, not necessarily high fashion!
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s an excellent starting point for assembling the best tool kit for your car. Remember to tailor your kit to your specific vehicle’s needs and the types of journeys you undertake. Consider adding specialized tools unique to your car and think about essential spare parts, which we can explore in a future article.
