“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, where I was, is a full-service state, and I anticipated having 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 responded, feeling reasonably confident that my karma wouldn’t punish me for such self-assuredness.
The truth was, I had put considerable thought into potential mechanical issues during this trip. I had prepared a well-organized tool kit and a few crucial spare parts, thanks to my intimate “relationship” with this particular car. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle much of my car maintenance myself, giving me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble.
Sure, owning that pristine, factory-original tool set in its reproduction pouch, meticulously assembled from swap meets and eBay finds, is a point of pride. It’s fantastic for showcasing at concours events and car meets. However, the real joy of owning a vintage car lies in driving it, not just parking it for admiration.
You likely don’t use your classic car for daily commutes or errands. Instead, you take it to club gatherings a few hundred miles away, or seek out winding roads for an exhilarating drive. Or, perhaps you share my idea of a perfect week: touring up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland, staying as close to the scenic coastline as possible – a 1000-mile journey of pure vintage motoring bliss. Long trips in your classic car offer a unique, visceral experience, far removed from the insulated, media-saturated environment of modern family vehicles speeding along interstate highways.
So, leave that factory-original showpiece tool kit in your garage. Let’s focus on assembling a practical, Recommended Tool Kit To Keep In Car – one that’s genuinely useful for travel without adding excessive weight or consuming valuable trunk space.
Consider the nature of your journey. Is it a short weekend trip, a few hours from home and under a couple hundred miles total? Or are you embarking on a more ambitious, multi-thousand-mile adventure? The length and remoteness of your trip will influence the comprehensiveness of your recommended car tool kit.
Screwdrivers. Yes, it seems obvious, but a couple of sturdy flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in medium sizes are invaluable. They are perfect for tightening a loose fuel line hose clamp or adjusting various components. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set with interchangeable bits for tasks like tightening eyeglasses or working on delicate parts.
1/4-inch drive sockets. This might seem counterintuitive, but a set of sockets in ¼” drive is surprisingly versatile for many common roadside fixes. They handle things like battery terminals and small fasteners effectively. These sockets are compact, but ensure you include several extension bars of varying lengths to reach recessed nuts and bolts. A flexible extension and a screwdriver-style handle are also excellent additions; the flexible extension is particularly useful for those hard-to-reach hose clamps. Consider adding a set of ¼” drive bits, including Torx, to cover a broader range of fasteners.
3/8-inch drive sockets. Include a ratchet and sockets specifically for your car’s critical components. Keep this selection focused: a spark plug socket is essential, along with a deep socket for your lug nuts. A 3/8” to ¼” adapter expands the versatility by allowing you to use your ¼” drive sockets with the 3/8” ratchet for increased leverage when needed. Pack an extension or two as well. Before your trip, check accessibility to the most challenging spark plug. If a universal joint is required for removal, make sure to include one in your recommended car tool kit.
Allen wrenches. A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most of your needs for Allen head bolts and screws commonly found in automotive applications.
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 its connector.
Breaker bar. A 24-inch breaker bar coupled with a socket that fits your lug nuts makes tire changes significantly easier. The added leverage can be crucial for breaking loose stubborn lug nuts tightened by impact wrenches at tire shops. As a bonus, a 24-inch solid bar can also serve as a deterrent if needed!
Tire gauge. Another obvious but critical tool. Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safety and fuel economy. Consider also carrying a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime for emergency flat tire repair. A small 12V air compressor is a worthwhile addition for inflating tires after using sealant or topping off pressure.
Water pump pliers. I highly recommend 10-inch Knipex pliers. Their robust design and excellent grip make them incredibly versatile – not just for car repairs, but also for unexpected situations like unclogging a hotel showerhead!
Needle nose pliers. Electrician-style needle nose pliers with a crimping function add extra utility, allowing you to handle wiring tasks. If you already carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you may already have this function covered.
Pliers or Vice Grips, or both. A set of Vice-Grip pliers is a valuable addition to your recommended car tool kit. Their locking mechanism provides a powerful grip for clamping, turning, or even temporarily holding parts together.
Wrenches. Select a few combination open-end/box-end wrenches in specific sizes relevant to your car. For example, German cars often use odd metric sizes and 10mm. For Japanese cars, a 12mm wrench is essential. You likely won’t need a full set, but identify specific wrench sizes for common adjustments or repairs on your vehicle and include those in your kit. A tip for organizing wrenches: use a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt, a couple of fender washers, and a wing nut to create a compact wrench holder. Stack the box ends on the bolt, secure with washers and the wing nut – neat and organized.
Wiring supplies. Always carry diagonal cutters and a small crimper/stripper, along with a selection of crimp connectors and a roll of quality electrical tape. A simple test light with a pointed probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues – chasing power problems becomes much easier with this tool.
Utility knife. Modern folding utility knives are incredibly handy. From trimming fuel lines to opening snack packages, their versatility is unmatched. In a pinch, you can even use it to cut a plastic bottle into a makeshift funnel for adding oil or water, minimizing spills and eliminating the need to carry a separate funnel.
Jumper cables. Even if your car battery is relatively new, pack jumper cables. They are essential for jump-starting your own car or assisting others. Having cables makes getting a jump start much easier, and you might even make a new friend by helping someone else in need!
Gloves. Include a pair of mechanic’s gloves for general protection and a pair of heavier leather work gloves. Throw in a few pairs of disposable nitrile gloves as well for cleaner tasks or when dealing with fluids.
Tool bag. Choose a small, durable bag to organize your recommended car tool kit. The goal is to keep it compact and tailored to your car’s needs. Be creative with your bag selection – an army surplus bag works well, or you might even find a stylish vintage bag at a yard sale, like my friend did (before he realized its value!).
While it’s impossible to anticipate every potential roadside repair, this list provides a solid foundation for your travel tool kit. Remember to consider any specialized tools specific to your car model. We’ll delve into essential spare parts to carry in a future article.
