“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked, intrigued by my vintage Porsche. Oregon’s full-service tradition meant explaining the fuel filler location. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I answered with a confident shrug, hoping karma wouldn’t challenge my statement the moment I restarted the engine.
Truthfully, I had given considerable thought to potential mechanical issues on this journey. My car wasn’t just equipped with a meticulously curated tool kit; it was armed with a travel-ready Car Tool Roll Kit, a selection of essential spare parts, and something even more crucial – a deep understanding of my vehicle. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I’m no stranger to DIY repairs, possessing a solid grasp of what might cause trouble on the road.
Yes, owning that pristine set of factory tools, nestled in its reproduction pouch, acquired piece by piece from swap meets and eBay, is undeniably satisfying. They’re perfect for showcasing at concours events and weekend car meets. But the true essence of vintage car ownership lies in driving them, not just displaying them.
However, your classic car probably isn’t your daily commuter or errand runner. It’s for those special occasions – club gatherings a few hundred miles away, spirited drives on winding roads, or perhaps, like my adventure, an epic road trip. Cruising up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland, embracing the scenic coastal route, is my idea of a perfect week with a vintage beauty. Long drives in a classic car offer a raw, visceral experience absent in modern, tech-laden vehicles where occupants are often insulated from the journey itself, cocooned in air conditioning, surrounded by entertainment, and speeding along interstates.
So, leave that factory-perfect tool set for show. For the road, you need a practical, efficient car tool roll kit. Let’s assemble a travel tool kit that’s both effective and compact, avoiding unnecessary weight and maximizing precious trunk space.
Consider your trip’s nature: a short weekend escape a couple of hours from home, or an extended cross-country adventure spanning thousands of miles? This will dictate the comprehensiveness of your car tool roll kit.
Screwdrivers: Seemingly obvious, but essential. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are ideal for tightening loose hose clamps on fuel lines and various other adjustments. A small precision screwdriver set, with interchangeable bits stored in the handle, is also invaluable, even for tasks as minor as fixing eyeglasses.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While seemingly small, a set of 1/4″ drive sockets is surprisingly versatile for roadside repairs. They handle common tasks like battery terminal adjustments efficiently and are space-saving. Ensure you include various extension lengths, a flexible extension for hard-to-reach spots like lower hose clamps, and a screwdriver-style handle for added leverage. Consider adding a selection of 1/4″ drive bits, including Torx, to your car tool roll kit for broader compatibility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Complement your 1/4″ set with a 3/8″ drive ratchet and sockets tailored to your car. Prioritize specific, frequently needed sizes. A spark plug socket is a must, along with a deep socket for lug nuts. A 3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter expands the versatility of both sets, and extensions are always useful. Assess the most challenging spark plug access point on your engine; if a universal joint is needed for removal, include one in your car tool roll kit.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches covers most common needs efficiently and compactly in your car tool roll kit.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip the spark plug boot, not the wire itself, preventing damage when removing spark plug wires. Protecting these wires is crucial for maintaining engine performance on the road.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar coupled with your lug nut socket makes tire changes significantly easier. Its length provides the leverage needed to loosen stubborn lug nuts. Bonus: it can serve as a robust, if unconventional, self-defense tool if needed!
Tire Gauge: Another essential no-brainer for your car tool roll kit. Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for safety and fuel efficiency. Consider adding a can of tire inflator like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency flat repairs. A small 12V air compressor is also a worthwhile addition for topping off tire pressure.
Water Pump Pliers: 10-inch Knipex pliers are a personal favorite – their versatility extends beyond automotive repairs. They’re excellent for gripping and adjusting various components, and, as the author humorously notes, even for unclogging shower heads in hotels!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with crimping capability offer added functionality. If you already carry a Leatherman or similar multi-tool, its pliers function may suffice, saving space in your car tool roll kit.
Slip Joint Pliers or Vice Grips: Or both. A set of Vice-Grips adds significant clamping and gripping power to your car tool roll kit, useful for temporarily securing hoses or other components.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open-end/box-end wrenches in specific sizes relevant to your car. For German cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. Japanese cars often require a 12mm wrench. Avoid carrying a full set; instead, focus on wrenches known to fit critical components on your vehicle. A simple organization tip: use a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, fender washers, and a wing nut to neatly stack and secure your box-end wrenches.
Wiring Essentials: Always include diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper in your car tool roll kit. A selection of crimp connectors and a roll of quality electrical tape are essential for addressing wiring issues. 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 versatile. They’re useful for tasks ranging from trimming fuel lines to opening snack packaging. In a pinch, a utility knife can help you fashion a plastic bottle into a funnel for adding oil or water, eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel in your car tool roll kit.
Jumper Cables: Even with a relatively new battery, jumper cables are a must-have in any car tool roll kit. They provide self-sufficiency in case of a dead battery and offer the opportunity to assist other motorists in need.
Gloves: Pack a pair of mechanic’s gloves for general tasks and heavier leather work gloves for tougher jobs. Consider adding disposable nitrile gloves to your car tool roll kit for cleaner tasks or when dealing with fluids.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact, durable bag to organize your car tool roll kit. An army-navy surplus bag works well, or get creative – one friend repurposed a vintage Louis Vuitton bag (until realizing its value!). The goal is functionality and portability.
While no car tool roll kit can cover every conceivable roadside repair, this list provides a solid foundation. Remember to personalize your kit with any specialized tools specific to your car. Spare parts are another crucial aspect of road trip preparedness, a topic we’ll explore in a future article.
