“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” asked the attendant as I got out of my car. Oregon is still a full-serve state, and I knew I was going to have to show him where the filler is on my vintage Porsche. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I could say, reasonably sure that karma wasn’t going to smite me for hubris upon start up.
The truth is, when you own a classic car, preparation is key, especially for longer journeys. A well-thought-out car kit tool selection becomes your best companion. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I enjoy working on my car myself, giving me a good sense of potential issues and the right tools to address them. While a pristine factory tool kit is a beautiful addition for car shows and local meetups, the real purpose of owning a vintage car is to drive it and experience the open road.
However, classic cars are not typically daily commuters or errand runners. They are for weekend club meets, spirited drives on winding roads, or, for the adventurous, epic road trips. Imagine cruising down scenic highways, feeling the raw connection to the road – a world away from modern, tech-laden cars where the journey is often muted. For these adventures, leaving the show-ready factory tool kit at home and assembling a practical car kit tool selection is paramount. Let’s focus on creating a travel-ready car kit tool set that’s effective without being cumbersome, saving space and weight in your classic ride.
First, consider the nature of your trip. Is it a short weekend jaunt close to home, or a multi-day, cross-country tour? The demands on your Car Kit Tools will vary accordingly.
The Core Car Kit Tools: Hand Tools
Screwdrivers: Obvious, but indispensable. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tasks like tightening hose clamps on fuel lines. A small precision screwdriver set is also a wise addition for minor adjustments, even for eyeglasses repairs on the go.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: Compact yet versatile, a set of ¼” drive sockets handles many common tasks, including battery terminal adjustments. Ensure you include various extension lengths. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are particularly useful for accessing hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for broader compatibility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: For more specific tasks, include a 3/8” drive socket set and ratchet. Prioritize sockets tailored to your car, such as a spark plug socket, a deep socket for lug nuts, and a 3/8” to ¼” adapter, along with extensions. Test access to the most challenging spark plug to determine if a universal joint is needed and include it in your car kit tools if so.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most needs for cars using these fasteners.
Specialty Car Kit Tools for Engine Management & Electrics
Ignition Wire Pliers: Essential for safely removing spark plug wires, these pliers grip the plug boot, preventing damage to the wire itself.
Wiring Essentials: Always pack diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper in your car kit tools. Include a selection of crimp connectors and quality electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Tools for Tire Emergencies in Your Car Kit
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar combined with a lug nut socket significantly eases tire changes. Its length provides leverage for breaking stubborn nuts, and it can double as a robust self-defense tool if needed.
Tire Gauge: A must-have for maintaining correct tire pressure. Consider adding tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or slime and a small 12V air compressor to your car kit tools for comprehensive tire care.
Versatile Pliers for Your Car Kit Tools
Water Pump Pliers: 10-inch Knipex pliers are highly recommended for their strong grip and versatility. Beyond automotive use, they can even be handy for unclogging shower heads in hotels!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with crimping functionality are a great multi-purpose tool. If you carry a Leatherman or similar multi-tool, you might already have this covered within your car kit tools.
Vice Grips/Locking Pliers: Include Vice-Grips or locking pliers in your car kit tools for their clamping and holding power in various repair scenarios.
Wrenches: Size Specificity is Key in Car Kit Tools
Wrenches: Select a few combination open/box wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For European cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. Japanese cars often use 12mm. Avoid carrying full sets; focus on essential sizes. Organize wrenches neatly using a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to keep them compact in your car kit tools.
Utility and Convenience Items for Your Car Kit Tools
Utility Knife: Folding utility knives are incredibly useful. From trimming fuel lines to opening packaging, and even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle for adding fluids, a utility knife is a versatile addition to your car kit tools.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are crucial in your car kit tools. They provide self-sufficiency if your battery does fail and allow you to assist others in need.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and leather work gloves in your car kit tools. Disposable nitrile gloves are also a good idea for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: The Heart of Your Car Kit Tools
Tool Bag: Choose a compact, durable bag to house your car kit tools, keeping it organized and car-specific. Surplus stores or even repurposed luxury bags (like a vintage Louis Vuitton found at a yard sale – as long as you know its value!) can work well.
This list provides a solid foundation for assembling your essential car kit tools. Always consider any specialized tools unique to your specific vehicle. Future discussions will delve into essential spare parts to complement your car kit tools, ensuring you are even more prepared for the road ahead.
