“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, where full-service stations still exist, meant I had to show him the fuel filler location 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, hoping karma wouldn’t punish my slight overconfidence.
The truth was, I had put considerable thought into potential mechanical issues for this trip. I had prepared a well-equipped tool kit, carried a few essential spare parts, and importantly, I knew this car intimately. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle much of the maintenance myself, giving me a good sense of what might cause trouble.
Of course, owning a pristine set of original factory tools, perhaps in a reproduction pouch acquired from swap meets and eBay, is a point of pride. These kits are perfect for showcasing at concours events or local car gatherings. However, the real joy of owning a classic car comes from driving it, not just displaying it.
While you might not use your classic for daily commutes or errands, you likely take it to club events a few hundred miles away, enjoy spirited drives on winding roads, or perhaps embark on a more ambitious road trip. For me, touring the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to Portland – about 1000 miles of scenic coastal roads – was the perfect way to spend a week with my vintage beauty. Long journeys in a classic car offer a uniquely visceral experience, far removed from the insulated, media-distracted travel in modern cars speeding along interstates.
So, leave that pristine factory tool kit in your garage. Instead, let’s focus on building a practical tool kit for travel, one that’s effective without being excessively heavy or bulky in your trunk. Before we delve into specific tools and where to find them, consider the nature of your journey. Are you planning a short weekend trip close to home, or a longer, multi-day adventure covering thousands of miles? This will influence the scope and contents of your essential car tool kit.
Where to Source Your Car Tool Kit Essentials
Before diving into the tools themselves, let’s address the question: “What Store Can I Find A Car Tool Kit?” You have several options when looking for the components of a comprehensive car tool kit, or even pre-assembled kits:
- Auto Parts Stores: Major auto parts retailers like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts are excellent places to start. These stores offer individual tools, tool sets, and sometimes pre-packaged emergency car kits. They often have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in finding specific items.
- Hardware Stores: Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware carry a wide range of hand tools, sockets, wrenches, and tool bags that are perfect for assembling your own car tool kit. These are great for general-purpose tools and organizers.
- Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and specialty automotive websites offer vast selections of tools and tool kits. Online shopping provides convenience and often competitive pricing, but ensure you are buying from reputable sellers.
- Big Box Retailers: Walmart and Target also have automotive sections that include basic tool sets and emergency kits, often at budget-friendly prices. These might be suitable for basic kits, but for classic cars and more demanding situations, higher quality tools from auto parts or hardware stores are recommended.
- Specialty Tool Suppliers: For high-quality, professional-grade tools, consider suppliers like Snap-on, Mac Tools, or Matco Tools. These are usually pricier but offer superior quality and durability, which can be a worthwhile investment for serious car enthusiasts.
Essential Tools for Your Car Tool Kit
Now, let’s break down the essential tools you should include in your travel kit. Think of this as building your own custom kit from components you can find at the stores mentioned above.
Screwdrivers: Yes, it seems obvious, but a couple of robust flat-head and Phillips head screwdrivers are indispensable. They are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps on fuel lines or various other minor adjustments. A small set with interchangeable bits is also handy, especially for tasks like fixing eyeglasses or small interior components.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: While it might seem small, a set of ¼” drive sockets covers many common tasks, such as battery terminal adjustments and interior work. They are compact and easy to pack. Be sure to include several extension lengths, a flexible extension for hard-to-reach areas (like lower hose clamps), and a screwdriver-style handle for better grip and control. Consider adding ¼” drive Torx bits for modern car components.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets for car-specific tasks. Prioritize a spark plug socket and a deep socket for your lug nuts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the versatility of your socket set. Always test access to the most challenging spark plug to reach on your car. If a universal joint is needed for removal, pack one.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes needed for various car adjustments.
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 the wire out of the connector.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar coupled with a socket for your lug nuts makes tire changes significantly easier. Beyond its mechanical use, a breaker bar can also serve as a robust self-defense tool if needed.
Tire Gauge: Another essential item. Along with a tire gauge, consider carrying a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime. A small 12V air compressor is also a valuable addition for inflating tires on the go.
Water Pump Pliers: Ten-inch Knipex pliers are highly recommended. They offer excellent grip and versatility, not just for car repairs but even for tasks like unclogging hotel shower heads!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with crimping capability are particularly useful. If you already carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, it likely includes needle-nose pliers, covering this need.
Pliers and Vice Grips: Include both regular pliers and Vice-Grip pliers in your kit for a range of gripping and clamping needs. Vice-Grips are especially useful for temporarily securing parts or acting as a makeshift clamp.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open-end/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For example, German cars often use odd sizes and 10mm wrenches. Japanese cars frequently use 12mm wrenches. You don’t need a full set for travel; focus on sizes known to be used on your vehicle. A simple organization tip is to use a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to keep your wrenches neatly stacked and together.
Wiring Essentials: Always pack diagonal cutters, a crimper/stripper tool, a selection of crimp connectors, and electrical tape. A basic test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly versatile. Use it for trimming fuel lines, opening packages, or even fashioning a makeshift funnel from a plastic bottle for adding oil or water, eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, carry jumper cables. They make jump-starting your car or assisting others much easier.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves, durable leather work gloves, and a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact and durable tool bag to organize your kit. Consider army surplus bags for ruggedness or even repurpose a stylish vintage bag like a Louis Vuitton (perhaps not one of high value!). The goal is practicality and portability.
While this list is comprehensive, it’s not exhaustive. Always consider any specialized tools specific to your car model and potential issues it might be prone to. As for spare parts to carry, that’s a topic for another discussion. Building a well-stocked car tool kit is an investment in peace of mind and ensures you’re prepared for minor roadside repairs, making your classic car journeys more enjoyable and less stressful.
