“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, surprisingly, still offers full-service, and I anticipated guiding him to the fuel filler on my classic car. “LA,” I responded. “That’s quite a journey in an older vehicle! Aren’t you concerned about breakdowns?” “Not really,” I replied, feeling reasonably confident that tempting fate wouldn’t immediately backfire.
Truthfully, I had given considerable thought to potential mechanical issues before this trip. I had meticulously prepared a well-equipped Tool Box For Working On Car, along with a selection of spare parts. Having a long-term “relationship” with this car, like many vintage car enthusiasts, means I handle much of the maintenance myself. This hands-on experience gives me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble.
Sure, owning that pristine set of factory tools in a reproduction pouch, gradually assembled from swap meets and eBay, is appealing. They undoubtedly add a touch of class to your trunk at car shows and coffee meets. However, the primary joy of owning a vintage car lies in driving it, not just showcasing it.
Most likely, your classic car isn’t your daily commuter or errand runner. It’s for those memorable club gatherings a few hundred miles away, exploring winding roads, or perhaps, embarking on a scenic coastal tour like my drive from Los Angeles to Portland. There’s an unmatched pleasure in long journeys with your vintage beauty. The experience is far more immersive than in a modern car, where sealed windows, air conditioning, and digital entertainment isolate you from the road.
So, leave that show-quality factory tool kit in your garage. Let’s focus on assembling a practical tool box for working on car during travel. The goal is to be prepared without adding excessive weight or sacrificing valuable trunk space.
Consider your trip: Is it a short weekend getaway, or a more ambitious multi-day adventure covering thousands of miles? This will dictate the extent of your car tool box needs.
Essential Tools for Your Automotive Tool Box
When building your automotive tool box, start with the basics and tailor it to your car’s specific needs.
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but indispensable. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. A small precision screwdriver set is also wise for delicate tasks, even fixing eyeglasses on the go.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: Seemingly small, but highly versatile. A set of ¼” drive sockets handles many common roadside fixes, like battery terminals. They are compact, but ensure you include various extension lengths. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are invaluable for hard-to-reach areas like lower hose clamps. Consider a set of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for added versatility in your tool box for car repair.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a ratchet and sockets for car-specific tasks. Prioritize a spark plug socket and a deep socket for lug nuts. A 3/8″ to ¼” adapter expands your socket options. Check spark plug access beforehand; a universal joint might be necessary for removal and should be included if needed.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set is compact and covers most Allen key needs you’ll encounter on your vehicle.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are crucial for safely removing spark plug wires by gripping the boot, preventing damage to the wire itself.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, combined with your lug nut socket, makes tire changes significantly easier. Its length also provides considerable leverage.
Tire Gauge: Another essential for your car tool box. Regularly checking tire pressure is vital for safety and fuel efficiency. 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: 10-inch Knipex pliers are a personal favorite – excellent for hose clamps and versatile enough for other unexpected tasks.
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle nose pliers with crimping capability enhance functionality. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you may already have this covered.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include both in your tool box for working on car. Vice grips are incredibly useful for clamping and securing components temporarily.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open/box wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For European cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, 12mm is essential. Organize wrenches neatly using a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to keep them compact and accessible in your automotive tool box.
Wiring Tools and Supplies: Always pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. A simple test light with a probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly handy for cutting fuel lines, opening packages, or even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle for adding fluids.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, carry jumper cables. They are essential for jump-starting your car or assisting others.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves. Nitrile gloves are also useful for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable bag to organize your tool box for working on car. Consider army surplus bags or repurposed containers to keep your tools organized and easily portable.
Conclusion: Your Road-Ready Car Tool Box
This list provides a solid foundation for your travel tool box for working on car. Remember to personalize it based on your vehicle’s specific needs and potential issues. Consider adding specialized tools unique to your car model. Stay tuned for a future article discussing essential spare parts to complement your roadside preparedness.
