“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” asked the gas station attendant, a common question when you’re driving a classic car. “LA,” I replied, as he peered at my vintage Porsche. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” He had a point. Long trips in classic cars come with a unique set of considerations, and breakdown anxiety is definitely one of them. My confident “Not really” was partly bravado, but also rooted in preparation.
The truth is, before embarking on any significant journey in my vintage car, I meticulously consider potential issues. I’ve assembled a well-thought-out tool kit, carry a selection of spare parts, and most importantly, I have a deep understanding of my car’s mechanics. Like many classic car enthusiasts, I relish the hands-on aspect of ownership, performing much of the maintenance and repair work myself. This intimate knowledge gives me a good sense of what might cause trouble on the road.
Of course, there’s a certain allure to owning a pristine, factory-correct tool kit, complete with its original pouch, painstakingly assembled from swap meets and online auctions. These kits are fantastic for showcasing at concours events and local car gatherings. But the real joy of owning a vintage car isn’t just displaying it; it’s driving it.
While your factory tool kit might be visually appealing, it’s often not practical for real-world roadside repairs. You probably aren’t using your classic for daily commutes or grocery runs. Instead, you’re taking it on weekend club drives, perhaps a couple of hundred miles away, seeking out winding roads for some spirited driving. Or maybe, like me, you dream of longer adventures – a scenic tour up the Pacific Coast Highway, for example. There’s an unmatched pleasure in long-distance journeys in a classic beauty. The experience is far more engaging than in a modern car, where you’re often insulated from the road, surrounded by technology, and speeding down the interstate.
So, leave that show-piece factory kit in your garage. Let’s focus on building a best tool kit for car travel – one that is genuinely useful, without being excessively heavy or consuming valuable trunk space.
When planning your best tool kit for car, first consider the type of trip you’re undertaking. Is it a short weekend jaunt a few hours from home, or a more ambitious multi-day, multi-state adventure? The length and remoteness of your journey will influence the comprehensiveness of your best tool kit for car.
Let’s start with the essentials for your best tool kit for car:
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but crucial. A couple of robust flat-head and Phillips head screwdrivers are invaluable for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. Consider also including a small precision screwdriver set with interchangeable bits. These are surprisingly handy for delicate tasks, even something as simple as tightening your eyeglasses.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a 1/4-inch drive socket set is incredibly versatile and perfect for many common automotive tasks, such as battery terminal adjustments. These sockets are compact and easy to pack. Be sure to include a variety of extension bars, including a flexible extension for reaching those awkwardly placed hose clamps. A screwdriver-style handle for your 1/4″ drive adds further versatility. Consider adding a selection of 1/4″ drive bits, including Torx, to your best tool kit for car.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Supplement your 1/4″ set with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and sockets tailored to your specific car. Prioritize sockets for spark plugs and lug nuts. A 3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter expands the usability of both sets. Always check accessibility to your car’s spark plugs, especially the most difficult one. If a universal joint is needed for removal, include it in your best tool kit for car.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes you’ll encounter on a classic car.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip spark plug boots, preventing damage to the wires when removing them. Protecting your ignition wires is crucial for reliable engine performance.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with a socket that fits your lug nuts, will make tire changes significantly easier. Its added length provides leverage to loosen even stubborn lug nuts. As a bonus, it can serve as a deterrent in an emergency.
Tire Gauge and Inflation: A tire pressure gauge is essential for maintaining optimal tire pressure. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for minor punctures. A small 12V air compressor can be a lifesaver for roadside inflation.
Water Pump Pliers: 10-inch water pump pliers, like Knipex pliers, are incredibly versatile. They offer a strong grip for various tasks, from hose clamps to even, as the original article humorously suggests, unclogging hotel shower heads!
Needle Nose Pliers: Needle nose pliers are excellent for delicate work and reaching into tight spaces. Electrician-style needle nose pliers with crimping capability add extra functionality for electrical repairs. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you might already have this covered in your best tool kit for car.
Pliers and Vice Grips: A selection of pliers, including Vice-Grips, are incredibly useful for clamping, holding, and manipulating components during repairs. Having both regular pliers and locking pliers in your best tool kit for car expands your repair capabilities.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For European cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. Japanese cars often use 12mm wrenches. You don’t need a full set; focus on the sizes most relevant to your vehicle. Organize your wrenches by using a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to keep them neatly together.
Electrical Repair: Always include wiring essentials in your best tool kit for car. Pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. An inexpensive test light is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly versatile. It’s useful for cutting fuel lines, opening packaging, and even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle for adding fluids.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are essential. They’re not just for your car; you might be able to help out another motorist in need, potentially making a new friend in the process.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves to protect your hands. Nitrile gloves are also useful for cleaner tasks and when dealing with fluids.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your best tool kit for car. Consider military surplus bags for their robustness or get creative and repurpose a stylish vintage bag, just be sure it’s practical and sturdy enough for tools!
This list provides a solid foundation for building the best tool kit for car travel in your classic vehicle. Remember to personalize it further based on your car’s specific needs and potential quirks. And while tools are essential, spare parts are the next crucial element for road trip preparedness – a topic we’ll explore in a future article. Building your best tool kit for car is an investment in peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy the open road in your classic car.
