“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” asked the attendant as I got out of my car. Oregon is still a full-serve state, and I knew I was going to have to show him where the filler is on my vintage Porsche. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I could say, reasonably sure that karma wasn’t going to smite me for hubris upon start up.
The truth is, like many vintage car owners, I often do my own maintenance. I’d considered potential issues for this trip and prepared a well-rounded tool kit for my car, along with a few essential spare parts. This gave me a good degree of confidence for the journey ahead.
Sure, a pristine set of factory tools in a reproduction pouch looks fantastic – perfect for displaying at concours events or local car meets. They’re great for show, but the real joy of owning a classic car lies in driving it, not just parking it for admiration.
Most of us don’t use our classics for daily commutes or errands. We take them on club outings, weekend drives, or perhaps longer tours. For me, a road trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland – about 1000 miles of coastal driving – is the perfect way to enjoy my vintage Porsche. Long trips in these beauties offer a visceral experience far removed from modern, climate-controlled cars where passengers are often glued to screens, speeding down interstates.
So, leave that factory-perfect tool kit for your car at home. Let’s focus on building a practical travel kit – one that’s effective without being bulky or taking up valuable trunk space.
Consider the type of journey you’re planning. Is it a short weekend trip close to home, or a multi-day, cross-country adventure? The length and nature of your trip will influence the essentials you pack in your car tool kit.
Screwdrivers: Obvious, right? But a couple of sturdy flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are invaluable for quick fixes, like tightening a loose fuel line clamp. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set – perfect for those unexpected tasks, even fixing your sunglasses. These are fundamental components in any tool kit for your car.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: Perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind, but a ¼” drive socket set is incredibly versatile. It handles many common tasks, from battery terminals to interior trim. They are compact, but ensure you include several extension lengths. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are also very useful – the flexible extension is excellent for reaching those awkwardly positioned hose clamps. Consider adding a set of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, to your car tool kit for added versatility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a ratchet and sockets specific to your car. Prioritize essential sizes: a spark plug socket, a deep socket for lug nuts, and a 3/8” to ¼” adapter, plus an extension or two. Check the most difficult-to-reach spark plug to see if a universal joint is needed for removal – if so, include one in your tool kit for your car.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most needs.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip the spark plug boot, not the wire itself, preventing damage when removing spark plug wires. A must-have for any serious car tool kit.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with your lug nut socket, makes tire changes significantly easier. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can double as a self-defense tool if needed!
Tire Gauge: Another essential for your car tool kit. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime, and a small 12V air compressor for inflating tires on the go.
Water Pump Pliers: I highly recommend 10-inch Knipex pliers. They offer excellent grip and are useful for various tasks, even outside of car repairs (like adjusting a shower head in a hotel!).
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function are ideal. If you carry a Leatherman tool, you’re likely already covered for this!
Pliers or Vice Grips: Or both. A set of Vice-Grips is a valuable addition to any comprehensive tool kit for your car.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open/box wrenches in sizes specific to your vehicle. For German cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, don’t forget a 12mm wrench. You probably don’t need a full set, but include wrenches for specific fasteners on your car. Organize your box-end wrenches neatly by using a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, fender washers, and a wing nut to stack and secure them.
Wiring Essentials: Always pack diagonal cutters, a small crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues. These items are crucial for electrical repairs on the road and should be part of your tool kit for your car.
Utility Knife: Folding utility knives are incredibly handy. Use them for fuel lines, opening packages, or even cutting a plastic bottle into a funnel for adding fluids – saving space by eliminating the need for a separate funnel in your car tool kit.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, always carry jumper cables. They make jump-starting your car easier, and you might even help out another motorist in need!
Gloves: Pack mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves. Consider adding nitrile gloves for messier tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to keep your tool kit for your car organized. Consider army surplus bags or even repurposed luggage – be creative!
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s an excellent foundation for building your travel tool kit for your car. Remember to include any specialized tools unique to your vehicle. Spare parts are another crucial aspect of road trip preparedness, which we’ll cover in a future article.
