“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, where I was, is a full-service state, and I anticipated needing to show him the fuel filler location. “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, feeling reasonably confident that my preparation would prevent any immediate karmic retribution for my slight arrogance.
The truth is, I had put considerable thought into potential mechanical issues on this trip. I had assembled a well-equipped Tool Kit For A Car, along with a selection of spare parts. Having a long-term relationship with this particular vehicle, and like many vintage car owners, doing much of my own maintenance, I had a good sense of what might cause problems.
You might own that pristine set of original factory tools, neatly arranged in a reproduction pouch, painstakingly collected from swap meets and eBay. These are undoubtedly impressive for display at concours events or local car gatherings. However, the true joy of owning a vintage car lies in driving it, not just parking it for admiration.
While your classic car might not be your daily commuter or errand runner, it’s perfect for club meets a few hundred miles away, spirited drives on winding roads, or even an extended tour like my journey up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland. Long road trips in a vintage car offer a unique and visceral experience, far removed from the insulated, media-distracted travel in modern cars speeding along interstate highways.
So, leave that factory tool set for show in your garage. Instead, consider what you truly need to bring for practical roadside repairs. Some essentials are obvious, while others might be less apparent. Let’s assemble a tool kit for a car that’s effective for travel without adding excessive weight or consuming valuable trunk space.
First, consider the nature of your trip. Is it a short weekend getaway, a couple of hours from home, covering a few hundred miles in total? Or is it a more ambitious, multi-day journey spanning thousands of miles? The length and remoteness of your trip should influence the comprehensiveness of your car tool kit.
Screwdrivers: Yes, it seems obvious. But a couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are invaluable for tasks like tightening a loose fuel line hose clamp. A small precision screwdriver set is also useful for minor adjustments or even fixing eyeglasses. These are fundamental components of any effective tool kit for a car.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: This might seem unconventional, but a set of ¼” drive sockets covers many basic automotive tasks, such as battery terminal adjustments and interior trim work. They are compact and easy to store. Include various extension lengths, a flexible extension for hard-to-reach areas (like lower hose clamps), and a screwdriver-style handle for added versatility. Consider adding ¼” drive bits in Torx and other drive types to your car tool kit for broader applications.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Complement your ¼” set with 3/8” drive sockets and a ratchet for larger fasteners. Focus on sockets specific to your car. Always include a spark plug socket and a deep socket for lug nuts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the usability of both sets. Check spark plug access; if a universal joint is needed, include one in your tool kit for a car.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes found in automotive applications. Essential for various adjustments and component fixes, these are a must-have in your car tool kit.
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, a crucial consideration for maintaining your ignition system on the road.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with your lug nut socket, makes tire changes significantly easier. The added leverage is invaluable for breaking loose stubborn lug nuts. Beyond its automotive function, a breaker bar can also serve as a robust self-defense tool if needed.
Tire Gauge: Another obvious but critical item. Regular tire pressure checks are essential for safety and fuel efficiency. Consider also carrying tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency repairs, and a small 12V air compressor for inflating tires on the go, all valuable additions to a comprehensive tool kit for a car.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch Knipex pliers are a personal favorite – versatile and strong. Beyond automotive uses, they can even be handy for unclogging shower heads in hotels! These are robust pliers ideal for various gripping and turning tasks in your car tool kit.
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle nose pliers with crimping capability add extra functionality. If you already carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, it may cover this need. Needle nose pliers are excellent for intricate work and accessing tight spaces.
Pliers or Vice Grips: Or both. Vice grips are incredibly useful for clamping, holding, or even temporarily repairing components. Having both standard pliers and vice grips in your tool kit for a car expands your repair capabilities.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For German cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, include a 12mm wrench. A full set isn’t necessary for a travel tool kit for a car; focus on essential sizes. Organize wrenches neatly by using a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to keep them together.
Wiring Supplies: Always pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. A test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues. These items are crucial for addressing wiring problems on the road, making them essential for your car tool kit.
Utility Knife: Folding utility knives are incredibly versatile. Use them for cutting fuel lines, opening packages, or even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle for adding oil or water, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel in your tool kit for a car.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, carry jumper cables. They make jump-starting your car (or helping someone else) much easier. A simple addition to your car tool kit that can be a lifesaver.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves. Nitrile gloves are also useful for cleaner tasks. Protecting your hands is important when working on your car, so gloves are a practical addition to your tool kit for a car.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to keep your car tool kit organized and portable. Consider surplus military bags or even repurposed vintage luggage for a unique touch. The goal is functionality and portability.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides a solid foundation for your travel tool kit for a car. Remember to customize it based on your car’s specific needs and potential issues. Spare parts are another crucial aspect of roadside preparedness, which we can explore in a future discussion.
