“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked, intrigued by my vintage Porsche. Oregon’s full-service pumps meant I had to show him the hidden fuel filler. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I said, with a touch of confident optimism, hoping not to tempt fate.
Truthfully, I had put a lot of thought into potential roadside issues for this trip. I wasn’t relying on luck; I had a carefully curated tool kit, a few essential spare parts, and most importantly, a deep understanding of my car, built from years of hands-on maintenance. Like many classic car enthusiasts, I handle a significant portion of my car’s upkeep, giving me a good sense of what might cause trouble.
Sure, that pristine factory tool set, meticulously assembled from swap meets and eBay finds, looks fantastic in its reproduction pouch. It’s perfect for showing off at concours events or weekend car meets. But the real joy of owning a vintage car comes from 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 a few hundred miles away, seek out winding roads for spirited drives, or embark on grand tours. For me, a road trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland, staying as close to the Pacific coast as possible – about 1000 miles – was the perfect way to spend a week with my car. There’s an unparalleled joy in long journeys in a vintage car. The experience is far more engaging than in a modern vehicle, where you’re often insulated from the road with windows up, AC blasting, and everyone engrossed in their own digital worlds, speeding down the interstate.
So, leave that show-piece factory kit in the garage. Let’s focus on building a practical and efficient tool box for car travel. We need a kit that’s effective for roadside repairs without adding excessive weight or taking up all the trunk space.
First, consider your trip: Is it a short weekend jaunt close to home, or a longer adventure covering thousands of miles? This will influence what you include in your Best Tool Box For Car.
Must-Have Tools in Your Car Tool Box
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but essential. A couple of sturdy flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers in medium sizes are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set with interchangeable bits. These are invaluable for delicate tasks, even fixing your eyeglasses on the go.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: Perhaps not the first thing you think of for a car tool box, but a set of ¼” drive sockets is surprisingly versatile for many basic automotive tasks, like battery terminals and smaller fasteners. They are compact and easy to pack. Be sure to include several extension lengths for reaching recessed bolts. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are also incredibly useful, especially for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, to your kit for added flexibility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Along with a ratchet, 3/8” drive sockets are crucial for specific car components. Prioritize sockets that fit essential parts on your vehicle. Always include a spark plug socket and perhaps a deep socket sized for your lug nuts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the versatility of your socket set. Pack an extension or two. Crucially, test access to your most difficult spark plug beforehand. If a universal joint is needed for removal, make sure to include one in your best tool box for car.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes you’ll 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 – a common mistake and a potential roadside headache.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with the correct socket for your lug nuts, makes tire changes significantly easier. Struggling with tight lug nuts with a small tire iron is frustrating and time-consuming. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can offer a sense of security as a self-defense item if needed.
Tire Gauge and Inflation: A tire gauge is a must-have for any car tool box. Consider including a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency repairs. For more comprehensive inflation on the go, a small 12V air compressor is a worthwhile addition.
Water Pump Pliers: I highly recommend 10-inch Knipex Cobra pliers. These are incredibly versatile for automotive tasks, from hose clamps to gripping irregular shapes. (Bonus tip: they’re also great for fixing a low-flow showerhead in a hotel by removing and cleaning the nozzle!).
Needle Nose Pliers: Needle nose pliers are essential for intricate work and reaching into tight spaces. Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function add extra utility. If you carry a Leatherman or similar multi-tool, you likely already have this covered.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include a selection of pliers and vice grips in your best tool box for car. A set of vice grips is invaluable for clamping hoses, temporarily securing parts, or acting as a makeshift wrench in a pinch.
Wrenches: Pack a curated selection of combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For European cars, this often means odd sizes and 10mm. For Japanese cars, 12mm is crucial. Avoid carrying a full, heavy set. Instead, identify the wrench sizes most common on your vehicle and include only those. To keep wrenches organized, use a simple method: take a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut. Stack your box-end wrenches on the bolt with a washer on each end and secure with the wing nut – a neat and compact wrench organizer.
Wiring Repair Essentials: Always carry diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper tool for electrical repairs. Include a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of high-quality electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a sharp probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues and tracing power problems on the road.
Utility Knife: Modern folding utility knives are incredibly versatile. They’re useful for trimming fuel lines, opening packaging, and countless other tasks. In a pinch, you can even use a utility knife to cut a plastic bottle and create a makeshift funnel for adding oil or coolant, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are essential in your best tool box for car. They are crucial for jump-starting your own car in an emergency, and you might even be able to help out another motorist in need, making a new friend along the way!
Gloves: Pack a pair of mechanic’s gloves and a pair of heavier-duty leather work gloves. Consider adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your kit. The goal is to keep it small and tailored to your car’s needs. Be creative with your choice of bag. While I use a robust army surplus bag, a friend famously used a vintage Louis Vuitton bag he found at a yard sale – until he realized its actual value!
This list provides a solid foundation for building the best tool box for car travel. Always consider any specialized tools unique to your vehicle and add them to your kit. In a future article, we’ll discuss essential spare parts to complement your travel tool kit, ensuring you’re even more prepared for your next classic car adventure.
