“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, where they still offer full service, meant I’d have to show him the fuel filler on my classic car. “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 confidence, hoping karma wouldn’t prove me wrong as I restarted the engine.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential issues on this trip. I’d assembled a well-equipped tool kit and packed a few essential spare parts. Having a long-term “relationship” with this car, like many vintage car owners, means I handle a lot of the maintenance myself. This hands-on experience gives me a good sense of what might cause trouble.
Sure, owning that pristine set of factory tools in a reproduction pouch, meticulously collected from swap meets and eBay, is a point of pride. They’re great for showing off at concours events or car meets. But the real joy of owning a classic car lies in driving it, not just parking it for admiration.
You probably don’t use your classic car for daily commutes or errands. Instead, you might take it to club gatherings a few hundred miles away, or seek out winding roads for some spirited driving. Or perhaps, like me, you believe that a road trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland, hugging the scenic coastline, is the perfect way to spend a week with your car. There’s a unique pleasure in long journeys with a vintage beauty. The experience is far more engaging than cruising in a modern car with all the distractions – windows up, AC blasting, stereo on, and everyone glued to their screens, speeding down the interstate.
So, leave that factory-original tool kit in your garage. It’s time to think practically about what you really need to carry. We’re going to create a functional tool kit for travel, one that’s effective without adding excessive weight or taking up all the trunk space.
First, consider your journey. Are you planning a short weekend trip a couple of hours from home, covering a few hundred miles in total? Or is it a longer adventure spanning thousands of miles? The type of trip will influence the tool selection in your car tool kit.
Screwdrivers: Yes, it might seem obvious, but a couple of good quality flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are essential in any tool kit for cars. They are perfect for simple tasks like tightening a loose fuel line hose clamp or adjusting interior trim. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set, the kind with interchangeable bits stored in the handle. These are invaluable for delicate tasks, even for fixing your glasses on the go.
Socket Sets (1/4-inch and 3/8-inch Drive): A ¼-inch drive socket set might seem small, but it’s surprisingly versatile for a car tool kit. These sockets handle many common tasks, such as battery terminal adjustments and interior component fixes. Their compact size is ideal for saving space. Ensure you include several extension bars of varying lengths. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are also incredibly useful – the flexible extension is excellent for reaching труднодоступные hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of ¼-inch drive bits, including Torx, hex, and other specialized types, to enhance the versatility of your car tool kit.
For larger tasks, a 3/8-inch drive socket set and ratchet are necessary. Focus on sockets specific to your car. Always include a spark plug socket and a deep socket that fits your lug nuts. A 3/8-inch to ¼-inch adapter expands the usability of both sets. Pack an extension or two and check access to your most difficult-to-reach spark plug. If a universal joint is needed for removal, make sure to include one in your tool kit for cars.
Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most of your needs for hex-head bolts and screws found throughout vehicles.
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 avoiding pulling directly on the wire and separating it from the connector.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with a socket that fits your lug nuts, is crucial for changing a tire. It provides the leverage needed to loosen stubborn lug nuts. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can also serve as a deterrent in an emergency situation.
Tire Inflator and Tire Gauge: A tire pressure gauge is a must-have for maintaining correct tire inflation. Consider also carrying a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency puncture repairs. A small 12V portable air compressor is a worthwhile addition to your car tool kit, allowing you to inflate tires on the go.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch Knipex water pump pliers are incredibly versatile. They’re excellent for gripping and turning various components, and as a humorous aside, they can even be used to clear a blocked shower head in a hotel by removing and cleaning it!
Needle-Nose Pliers: Needle-nose pliers are essential for reaching into tight spaces and manipulating small parts. Electrician-style pliers with a crimping function are even more versatile, useful for basic electrical repairs in your car. If you already carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, it likely includes needle-nose pliers, covering this need in your tool kit for cars.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include a selection of pliers and Vice-Grips in your car tool kit. Vice-Grips are invaluable for clamping, holding, or even temporarily repairing damaged parts.
Wrenches (Combination Wrenches): Choose a few open-end/box-end combination wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For example, German cars often use odd-sized metric wrenches in addition to 10mm. For Japanese cars, be sure to include a 12mm wrench. You likely don’t need a full set for a travel tool kit. Identify specific wrench sizes needed for common adjustments or repairs on your car and include 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 at each end and secure them with the wing nut. This creates a neat and compact wrench set for your car tool kit.
Wiring Tools and Supplies: Always pack a sharp set of diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper in your car tool kit. Include a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of good quality electrical tape for basic wiring repairs. An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical problems.
Utility Knife: Modern folding utility knives are incredibly useful. They’re perfect for cutting fuel lines (in emergencies), opening packaging, or even preparing snacks on the road. In a pinch, you can cut a plastic bottle to create a makeshift funnel for adding oil or water, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel in your car tool kit.
Jumper Cables: Even if your car battery is relatively new, always carry jumper cables in your car tool kit. They make jump-starting your car much easier if needed, and you might even be able to help out another motorist in need, making a new friend in the process!
Gloves: Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves and a pair of heavier leather work gloves in your car tool kit. Adding a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves is also a good idea for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your car tool kit. The goal is to keep it small and tailored to your car’s needs. Be creative with your choice of bag. An army-navy surplus bag works well, or you might find a stylish vintage bag that fits the aesthetic of your classic car, like my friend who famously used a Louis Vuitton bag before realizing its value!
While it’s impossible to anticipate every possible roadside repair, this list provides a solid foundation for building your travel tool kit for cars. Remember to consider any specialized tools specific to your car model. Spare parts are another crucial aspect of roadside preparedness, and we’ll explore that topic in a future article.
