“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” The question from the gas station attendant in Oregon was a familiar icebreaker when driving a classic car. My vintage Porsche, a labor of love and countless hours in the garage, often sparked conversations. “LA,” I replied, knowing the miles I’d clocked from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest were more than just a Sunday drive. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” he asked, voicing a common concern. My answer, “Not really,” wasn’t just bravado. It was rooted in preparation.
Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I’m no stranger to turning wrenches. Years of DIY maintenance have given me a sixth sense for potential issues. Beyond the pristine factory tool roll – more for show than go – I’d assembled a practical car tool kit, designed for real-world road trip scenarios. While those original tool kits are perfect for concours events, showcasing your car’s authenticity, the true joy of owning a classic lies in driving it. Not just admiring it parked.
Let’s face it, your classic car probably isn’t your daily commuter. It’s for weekend adventures, club meets, and scenic drives. Perhaps, like my Pacific Coast Highway journey, you crave the open road. These vintage beauties offer a driving experience modern cars simply can’t match – a visceral connection to the road, unmediated by layers of technology. But this also means a greater chance of needing to address minor issues on the go. That’s where a well-thought-out car tool kit becomes indispensable.
Forget leaving that pristine factory kit in the garage. Let’s talk about building a travel-ready car tool kit, focused on functionality, portability, and addressing common roadside hiccups without turning your trunk into a mobile garage. The key is to anticipate potential problems and pack tools that are versatile and efficient.
Consider your trip: a short jaunt versus a cross-country adventure? The distance and remoteness of your travel will influence the contents of your car tool kit.
Screwdrivers: Obvious? Yes. Essential? Absolutely. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are vital. Think tightening hose clamps on fuel lines or adjusting minor fittings. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set. These are invaluable for delicate tasks, even something as simple as tightening screws on eyeglasses.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: These might seem small, but a ¼” drive socket set is surprisingly versatile for basic automotive tasks. They handle battery terminals, small bolts, and various fasteners. Crucially, they are compact. Include several extension bars of varying lengths to reach into recessed areas. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle add even more versatility, perfect for accessing those awkwardly placed hose clamps. Consider adding a selection of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, for added adaptability.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Complement your ¼” set with a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets tailored to your car. Prioritize a spark plug socket (the correct size for your engine) and a deep socket matching your lug nut size. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the range of your ¼” sockets. Pack an extension or two for deeper reach. Crucially, test access to your most challenging spark plug. If a universal joint is needed for removal, include one in your kit.
Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): A folding set of Allen wrenches covers most common metric and imperial sizes. These are essential for various components on many classic cars, from interior trim to engine parts.
Ignition Wire Pliers: Protect your spark plug wires! Ignition wire pliers are designed to grip the boot of the wire, not the wire itself, preventing damage when removing spark plug wires. This small tool can save you from accidentally pulling a wire out of its connector.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar paired with your lug nut socket makes tire changes significantly easier, especially if lug nuts are overtightened or corroded. Beyond its primary function, a breaker bar can offer a sense of security on the road.
Tire Gauge and Inflation: A tire pressure gauge is a must-have for maintaining correct tire inflation. Consider adding a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for minor punctures. For more comprehensive inflation capability, a small 12V portable air compressor is a worthwhile addition to your car tool kit.
Water Pump Pliers (Slip-Joint Pliers): Ten-inch Knipex water pump pliers are a personal favorite. Their versatility extends beyond automotive use – as the original author humorously notes, they can even be handy for unclogging hotel shower heads! In a car context, they are excellent for gripping hoses, adjusting linkages, and general clamping tasks.
Needle Nose Pliers: Needle nose pliers are invaluable for intricate tasks, reaching into tight spaces, and manipulating small parts. Electrician-style needle nose pliers, which include a crimping function, add further utility. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you likely already have this covered.
Vice Grips (Locking Pliers): Include a set of vice grips. These locking pliers are incredibly useful for clamping, holding, and even temporarily patching leaks in a pinch.
Wrenches (Combination Wrenches): Instead of a full wrench set, select a few open-end/box-end combination wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For German cars, odd metric sizes and 10mm are common. Japanese cars often use 12mm. Focus on the sizes you know you’ll need for routine adjustments or potential problem areas on your vehicle. To keep wrenches organized, use a bolt, washers, and a wing nut to create a compact and rattle-free wrench set.
Wiring Tools and Supplies: Electrical issues are common in older vehicles. Pack diagonal cutters, a wire crimper/stripper, a selection of crimp connectors, and electrical tape. An inexpensive test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical problems, tracing circuits, and identifying power issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is surprisingly versatile. From trimming fuel lines to opening packaging, it’s a handy tool. In an emergency, you can even use it to fashion a funnel from a plastic bottle for adding fluids.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, jumper cables are essential. They are a compact safety net if your battery does fail, and you might even be able to assist another motorist in need.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves for general protection and heavier leather work gloves for tougher tasks. A few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves are also useful for keeping hands clean when dealing with oil or grime.
Tool Bag: Choose a small, durable tool bag to keep your car tool kit organized and portable. An army surplus bag works well, or get creative – just ensure it’s robust enough for tools and compact enough for your trunk.
Building the perfect car tool kit is an ongoing process, tailored to your specific vehicle and travel needs. This list provides a solid foundation. Remember to consider any specialized tools unique to your classic car. And while tools address mechanical issues, spare parts are the next level of preparedness, a topic for another discussion.
