“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon’s full-service stations always lead to this; explaining the fuel filler location on a classic car is a common ritual. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I answered, hoping karma wouldn’t immediately prove me wrong.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential mechanical issues on this trip. I’d assembled a well-equipped Car Tools Kit, packed a few essential spare parts, and, importantly, I have a deep “relationship” with this car. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle much of the maintenance myself, giving me a good understanding of what might cause problems.
Sure, having that pristine, factory-correct tool roll, meticulously assembled from swap meets and eBay, is impressive. It’s perfect trunk candy for concours events and cars & coffee gatherings. But the real joy of owning a vintage car lies in driving it, not just displaying it.
However, your classic car probably isn’t your daily commuter or errand runner. It’s for club meets a few hundred miles away, spirited drives on winding roads, or, like my trip, a scenic tour up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland – a 1000-mile coastal journey. Long trips in a vintage beauty offer a unique, visceral experience. It’s a stark contrast to modern family cars, where windows are up, AC is blasting, stereos are loud, and everyone is lost in their own digital world, speeding down the interstate.
So, leave that factory tool kit for show and consider building a practical travel car tools kit. It should be effective for roadside repairs without adding excessive weight or consuming valuable trunk space. This guide will help you assemble a car tools kit that’s ready for the road.
First, consider your trip: a short weekend getaway within a couple hours of home, or an extended journey covering thousands of miles? The length and remoteness of your travel will influence the comprehensiveness of your car tools kit.
Must-Have Tools in Your Car Tools Kit
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but essential. A couple of robust flat-head and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. Also, include a small precision screwdriver set, ideal for delicate tasks like adjusting carburetors or even fixing eyeglasses. These are fundamental components of any good car tools kit.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a ¼” drive socket set is incredibly versatile for many common roadside fixes. They handle battery terminals, small fasteners, and various adjustments. Ensure you have a range of extensions, including a flexible extension for hard-to-reach spots like lower hose clamps. A screwdriver-style handle enhances control. Consider adding ¼” drive Torx bits to your car tools kit for broader applications on modern and some classic components.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Supplement the ¼” set with a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets tailored to your car. Include a spark plug socket (the correct size for your car), a deep socket for lug nuts, and a 3/8” to ¼” adapter. Extensions are crucial here too. Before packing, test access to the most difficult spark plug. If a universal joint is needed, include one in your car tools kit.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes for adjusting various components on classic cars, from carburetors to trim pieces. This is a space-saving addition to your car tools kit.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip spark plug boots, not the wires themselves, preventing damage when removing spark plug wires. Protecting these wires is crucial for maintaining engine performance on the road, making these pliers a valuable part of your car tools kit.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with a socket for your lug nuts, significantly eases tire changes. Stuck lug nuts are a common roadside frustration, and a breaker bar provides the leverage needed to loosen them. Plus, its robust construction can serve as an impromptu security tool if needed! This is a must-have for roadside tire emergencies in your car tools kit.
Tire Gauge: Another no-brainer, but regularly checking tire pressure is vital for safety and fuel efficiency. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for minor punctures. A small 12V air compressor is also a worthwhile addition to inflate tires if needed, making your car tools kit truly comprehensive for tire issues.
Water Pump Pliers: Versatile and strong, 10-inch water pump pliers (like Knipex) are excellent for gripping various shapes and sizes. They’re useful for hose clamps, plumbing adjustments, and even unexpected tasks like unclogging hotel shower heads! Their versatility makes them a great addition to a car tools kit.
Needle Nose Pliers: Needle nose pliers are essential for delicate tasks, reaching into tight spaces, and manipulating small parts. Electrician-style needle nose pliers with crimping capability add extra functionality for basic electrical repairs. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you might already have this covered, but dedicated needle nose pliers are still a valuable addition to a comprehensive car tools kit.
Pliers and Vice Grips: A selection of pliers, including slip-joint pliers and Vice-Grips (locking pliers), expands your gripping and clamping capabilities. Vice-Grips are particularly useful for temporarily clamping hoses, securing parts, or acting as a makeshift wrench in emergencies. Having both types of pliers significantly enhances the versatility of your car tools kit.
Wrenches: Carry a selection of combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For German cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, 12mm is often essential. Avoid carrying full sets to save space; focus on sizes known to be used on your vehicle. Organize wrenches neatly by using a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to create a compact stack, keeping them easily accessible in your car tools kit.
Wiring Tools and Supplies: Electrical issues are common in older cars. Always pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper tool, crimp connectors, and electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical problems, tracing circuits, and identifying power issues. These electrical tools are crucial for roadside electrical repairs and should be a standard part of any car tools kit.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly useful for various tasks, from trimming fuel lines to opening packaging. In a pinch, it can cut a plastic bottle to create a funnel for adding fluids, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel in your car tools kit.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are essential. They allow you to jump-start your car if needed, and you might even assist another motorist, turning a potential breakdown into an opportunity for camaraderie. Reliable jumper cables are a non-negotiable item in a car tools kit.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and heavier leather work gloves. Mechanic’s gloves protect hands from grease and grime while maintaining dexterity, and leather gloves provide protection for tougher tasks. Nitrile gloves are also a good addition for quick, disposable hand protection, ensuring your hands stay clean while working on your car. Gloves are a simple but crucial comfort and safety item in your car tools kit.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact, durable tool bag to organize your car tools kit. Consider surplus military bags for their robustness or get creative – one enthusiast famously used a vintage Louis Vuitton bag before realizing its value! The goal is a practical, portable, and well-organized car tools kit.
While no car tools kit can cover every possible breakdown, this list provides a solid foundation for roadside preparedness. Remember to include any specialized tools specific to your car. Future articles will discuss essential spare parts to complement your car tools kit, further enhancing your vintage car road trip readiness.
