“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. “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 hint of confidence, hoping not to tempt fate before even starting the engine again.
The truth is, I had given considerable thought to potential issues on this road trip. My car wasn’t just equipped with a beautifully curated factory tool set – the kind you painstakingly assemble from swap meets and eBay, perfect for show but less so for go. This was a practical, well-thought-out tool kit, complemented by a few crucial spare parts, all for a car I know intimately. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle much of my own maintenance, giving me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble.
While those original tool kits look fantastic at car shows, the real joy of owning a classic car is driving it. Not just admiring it parked.
Most of us don’t use our classics for daily commutes or errands. We take them on club outings, weekend drives, or, like me, embark on longer journeys. My trip up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland—a stunning 1,000-mile coastal route—was a perfect example. There’s a unique pleasure in these extended drives in a vintage car. You’re more connected to the journey, feeling the road, hearing the engine, experiencing the environment directly, unlike the insulated experience of modern cars with all the distractions.
So, leave that pristine factory tool kit in your garage. Let’s focus on building a practical tool kit for your car that’s genuinely useful for travel. This guide will cover the essential items to include without overburdening your trunk or adding unnecessary weight. Some of these items might seem obvious, while others are often overlooked.
Before we dive into the specifics of What Should Go In A Tool Kit For Your Car, consider the type of trip you’re planning. Is it a short weekend jaunt a couple of hours from home, or a more ambitious multi-day adventure covering hundreds or even thousands of miles? The length and remoteness of your journey will influence the comprehensiveness of your ideal automotive toolkit.
Essential Categories for Your Car Toolkit
To effectively prepare for roadside repairs, your car tool kit should cover several key categories. Let’s break down the must-have items:
Basic Hand Tools: The Foundation of Any Car Tool Kit
No car tool kit is complete without a solid set of basic hand tools. These are your go-to for a wide range of minor repairs and adjustments.
Screwdrivers: It might seem obvious, but having a couple of good quality screwdrivers—both flathead and Phillips head—is indispensable. They’re perfect for tightening loose hose clamps on fuel lines or adjusting various components. Consider also a small precision screwdriver set for finer tasks, like adjusting interior fittings or even fixing your sunglasses on the go!
Sockets (1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive): A set of 1/4-inch drive sockets is surprisingly versatile for many car tasks, including battery terminals and smaller fasteners. They are compact and lightweight, ideal for a travel kit. Be sure to include various extension lengths, including a flexible extension for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. A screwdriver-style handle enhances control for socket use. For more specific car needs, a 3/8-inch drive socket set is also beneficial. Include a spark plug socket, a deep socket for lug nuts, and adapters to use with your ¼” drive set. Always check spark plug access in your car – if a universal joint is needed for removal, pack one. Consider adding ¼ drive bits in Torx and other drive types for broader compatibility.
Wrenches (Combination Wrenches): Select a few open-end/box-end combination wrenches in sizes specific to your vehicle. For European cars, odd sizes and 10mm are common. For Japanese cars, 12mm is crucial. You likely won’t need a full set for a travel kit. To keep wrenches organized, use a simple method: a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut. Stack the wrenches, secure with washers, and tighten the wing nut for a compact, rattle-free bundle.
Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes you might encounter on your car.
Pliers: Several types of pliers are essential in a roadside toolkit:
- Ignition Wire Pliers: Specifically designed for safely removing spark plug wires by gripping the boot, not the wire itself, preventing damage.
- Water Pump Pliers (Slip Joint Pliers): Ten-inch Knipex pliers are a great choice – robust and versatile for gripping various shapes and sizes.
- Needle-nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with a crimping function are even more useful, combining gripping and electrical repair capabilities. Alternatively, a Leatherman or similar multi-tool already covers this and more!
- Vise-Grips (Locking Pliers): A set of vise-grips, or locking pliers, is incredibly handy for clamping, holding, or even temporarily replacing broken parts.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is surprisingly versatile. It’s useful for cutting fuel lines, opening packages, or even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle to top up fluids, saving space by not carrying a separate funnel.
Electrical Tools & Supplies: Addressing Electrical Issues On-the-Go
Electrical problems are common culprits for roadside breakdowns. Having the right tools and supplies to address these is vital in your essential car tools list.
Wiring Supplies: Always carry diagonal cutters and a crimper/stripper. Include a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of good quality electrical tape. These items will enable you to repair damaged wiring or make temporary fixes to get you back on the road.
Test Light: An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues. It allows you to quickly check for power and ground, helping to troubleshoot problems efficiently.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are a must-have in any emergency car kit. They are crucial for jump-starting your car or assisting others.
Tire Repair & Inflation: Handling Flat Tires
Flat tires are an inevitable part of driving. Being prepared to handle them is crucial for roadside safety and convenience, making these items key components of your car tool kit.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar paired with a socket for your lug nuts makes tire changes significantly easier. The added leverage is essential for loosening tight lug nuts. As a bonus, a breaker bar can also serve as a robust self-defense tool if needed.
Tire Gauge: A tire pressure gauge is a basic but essential tool for maintaining correct tire pressure, which is critical for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
Tire Inflator & Sealant: Consider a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for temporary puncture repair. For inflating tires, a small 12V compressor is a worthwhile addition, allowing you to inflate tires to the correct pressure after a repair or if you experience slow leaks.
Safety & Convenience: Protecting Yourself and Staying Organized
Beyond repair tools, certain items enhance your safety and make roadside work more comfortable and organized, and should be considered when thinking about what should go in a tool kit for your car.
Gloves: Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves for general protection and a pair of heavier leather work gloves for tougher tasks. Throw in a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves for cleaner jobs or when dealing with fluids.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to keep your car tool kit organized and portable. An army-navy surplus bag is a rugged and affordable option. Get creative – even a repurposed designer bag can work, as long as it’s functional!
Building Your Personalized Car Tool Kit
This list provides a solid foundation for what should go in a tool kit for your car. Remember to tailor it to your specific vehicle. Consider any specialized tools your car might require. While this article focuses on tools, spare parts are equally important for comprehensive roadside readiness, and we’ll delve into those in a future discussion.
By assembling a well-equipped car tool kit, you gain peace of mind and the ability to handle common roadside issues, ensuring your journeys are safer and more enjoyable. Whether you drive a classic car or a modern vehicle, being prepared is always a smart move.
