“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant inquired as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, surprisingly, still offers full-service at the pump, and I knew I’d have to point out the fuel filler location on my classic vehicle. “LA,” I responded. “That’s quite a journey in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breakdowns?” “Not really,” I confidently stated, hoping karma wouldn’t immediately test my bravado.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential mechanical issues on this trip. I had meticulously assembled a well-equipped tool kit, packed a few crucial spare parts, and, importantly, I had a deep “relationship” with this car. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle a significant amount of maintenance myself, granting me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble.
Of course, owning that pristine, factory-original tool set, perhaps nestled in a reproduction pouch acquired through diligent searching at swap meets and eBay, is undeniably appealing. They serve as fantastic “trunk candy” at car shows and local meetups. However, the true essence of owning a vintage car lies in driving it, not just showcasing it.
While your classic car might not be your daily commuter or errand runner, it’s perfect for club gatherings a few hundred miles away, spirited drives on winding roads, or, like my adventure, a scenic tour along Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland – a 1000-mile coastal journey to savor over a week. Long trips in your vintage beauty offer a unique joy. The experience is far more engaging than in a modern car, where comfort and technology often isolate you from the road.
So, leave that factory-original showpiece tool kit in your garage and consider building a practical tool kit for the road. The goal is to create a comprehensive yet compact kit that addresses common roadside issues without adding excessive weight or consuming valuable trunk space.
Consider the nature of your trip. Are you embarking on a short weekend getaway, a few hours from home and under a couple hundred miles total? Or is it a more ambitious, multi-day adventure covering thousands of miles? The length and remoteness of your journey should influence the contents of your car tool kit.
Essential Tools to Include in Your Car Tool Kit
Let’s delve into the essential tools that should form the core of your car tool kit. These are items that address common roadside repairs and maintenance tasks, ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected situations.
Screwdrivers: Versatile Hand Tools
“Screwdrivers, yeah I know, ‘Duh!’” It might seem obvious, but a couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are indispensable. They are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps on fuel lines, adjusting carburetor settings (on older vehicles), or tackling various minor fixes. In addition to standard sizes, a small precision screwdriver set is also beneficial. These sets, often featuring interchangeable bits stored in the handle, are ideal for delicate tasks like adjusting interior trim, fixing eyeglasses, or working with small electrical components.
Socket Sets: Quarter-Inch and Three-Eighths Inch Drives
1/4-inch drive sockets: This might seem unconventional, but a ¼” drive socket set is surprisingly versatile for many common car tasks. These smaller sockets are well-suited for tasks like tightening battery terminals, working on interior components, and accessing fasteners in tight engine bay spaces. Their compact size makes them ideal for a travel tool kit. Ensure you include several extension bars of varying lengths to reach recessed fasteners. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle further enhance their versatility, especially for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, hex, and other specialized types, for broader application coverage.
3/8-inch drive sockets: Complement your ¼” set with a 3/8” drive socket set and ratchet. Focus on sockets specific to your vehicle. Always include a spark plug socket of the correct size and a deep socket matching your lug nut size. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the usability of both sets. Pack one or two extensions for added reach. Critically, assess the accessibility of your most challenging spark plug. If a universal joint is required for removal, include one in your kit. This proactive approach ensures you’re prepared for essential maintenance tasks on the go.
Allen Wrenches: Hex Key Essentials
Allen wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches (hex keys) is a compact and comprehensive solution for dealing with Allen head fasteners commonly found throughout vehicles, particularly on European and some Japanese models. Folding sets keep the wrenches organized and prevent loss.
Specialized Pliers: For Specific Tasks
Ignition wire pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip spark plug boots, not the wires themselves, when removing spark plug wires. This prevents damage to the wires and ensures reliable electrical connections. Using standard pliers can often lead to pulling the wire out of the connector, causing misfires and performance issues.
Water pump pliers: Ten-inch water pump pliers, especially Knipex brand, are incredibly versatile. Their wide jaws and strong grip are useful for a variety of tasks beyond just water pumps, such as loosening stubborn hoses, gripping oddly shaped objects, and even, as humorously mentioned in the original article, clearing a blocked showerhead in a hotel!
Needle-nose pliers: Needle-nose pliers are essential for delicate tasks like retrieving dropped parts, manipulating wires in tight spaces, and reaching into confined areas. Electrician-style needle-nose pliers, which include a crimping function, add further utility for electrical repairs. Alternatively, a multi-tool like a Leatherman often incorporates needle-nose pliers and other useful tools, saving space and weight in your kit.
General Purpose Pliers and Wrenches
Pliers and Vice Grips: A set of standard pliers and locking pliers (Vice Grips) are invaluable for clamping, bending, and holding components securely. Vice Grips are particularly useful for temporarily securing damaged parts or acting as a makeshift clamp in various repair scenarios.
Wrenches: Carry a selection of combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For German vehicles, focus on odd-numbered sizes and 10mm. For Japanese cars, include 12mm. Avoid carrying a full set to save weight and space; instead, select wrenches based on known fastener sizes on your vehicle. A practical organization tip is to use a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to neatly bundle your box-end wrenches, keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Electrical Repair Essentials
Wiring tools: Always pack diagonal cutters and a crimper/stripper tool for electrical repairs. Include a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of high-quality electrical tape. A simple test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues, tracing circuits, and identifying power problems.
Utility and Safety Items
Utility knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly handy for various tasks, from cutting fuel lines or hoses to opening packages. In a pinch, it can be used to fashion a funnel from a plastic bottle for adding fluids, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are a must-have. They are essential for jump-starting your car in case of battery drain, and you might even be able to assist another motorist in need.
Tire maintenance: A tire pressure gauge is crucial for maintaining proper tire inflation. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for temporary puncture repairs. A small 12V air compressor is a worthwhile addition for inflating tires after using sealant or topping them up as needed.
Gloves: Include mechanics gloves for general repairs and heavier leather work gloves for tire changes or more demanding tasks. Nitrile gloves are useful for cleaner tasks and protecting your hands from fluids and grease.
Tool Bag: Organize Your Kit
Tool bag: Select a compact and durable tool bag to organize your kit. The goal is to keep it tailored to your car’s needs and space constraints. Consider surplus military bags for their durability and practicality. While a designer bag might add style, a functional and robust bag is paramount for a car tool kit.
Conclusion: Preparedness is Key
This list provides a solid foundation for assembling your travel tool kit for the car. Remember to personalize it based on your vehicle’s specific needs and potential issues. Consider adding any specialized tools unique to your car model. While we’ve focused on tools here, spare parts are equally crucial for comprehensive roadside preparedness, a topic we’ll explore in a future discussion. Being well-equipped with the right Tool Kits For The Car ensures peace of mind and the ability to handle minor breakdowns, keeping your journey enjoyable and uninterrupted.
