Granted, many motoring fix-it tasks require a laptop and diagnostic tool rather than a screwdriver but there are many little jobs that still demand actual tools.
These jobs can be as simple as removing a battery or number plate, but a small job though it is, tools are crucial and fingernails are useless.
What tools to looks for
When starting from an empty shelf, the basics to look for in a tool kit for your car include screwdrivers, a ratchet and sockets, spanners, allen keys and pliers.
Additional items you may need – particularly for more involved jobs at home – include a hammer, car jack, axle stands, tyre pressure gauge and inflator, battery jump-starter pack and hand degreaser such as Swarfega.
We’d suggest storing all of the above in your garage or shed, then keeping a portable tool kit in the car (see our favourite below). Either way, a ready-made kit should be easy to carry, with its own case or bag providing easy access to the tools inside.
Professional tool kits are better quality, but vastly more expensive. So consider whether you will likely reap the benefits of a professional-grade set. Remember, there are perfectly decent sets for casual users. You can gradually upgrade your tool collection over time.
The best car tool kits
Editor's pick
This tool kit knows its market and caters perfectly to it. Ideal for the home mechanic, this comprehensive kit from German brand WZG Werkzeug is a great addition to any garage. The sturdy aluminium carrycase contains 102 pieces, secured in place by Velcro or rubber straps.
The kit comprises a variety of spanners, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers and allen keys. Other useful tools include a file, 8-inch adjustable wrench, ratchet handle, 300g hammer, zip ties and measuring tape. The quality is very good, especially given the affordable price. Note these tools are metric (rather than imperial) sizes, so won’t be suitable for some classic cars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • All the basic tools you need | • A bit large to keep in the car |
| • Well made and organised | |
| • Strong aluminium case |
Best portable tool kit
Unlike the large WZG kit, this fits in your car's glove box or spare wheel well and contains the essentials for emergency repairs. It could prevent a call to a breakdown service or provide peace of mind when driving in rural areas, where mobile phone signal is limited.
Although not comprehensive, Black + Decker has still squeezed no less than 77 pieces into a roll-up bag. These include spanners, sockets and allen keys, plus flat-blade and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers and a ratchet. The components are well made and should last for many years of occasional use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Portable for the car | • Only basic tools included |
| • Affordable | |
| • Good quality |
Lifetime durability
Bearing most essential tools, there is the added and significant benefit of a lifetime warranty. The case isn't the best quality, but crucially, the tools are very good. Those who would see the greatest return are those who would use this kit frequently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Lifetime durability | • Only one spark plug socket |
| • Best hard case out there | • Pricey for occasional use |
| • Wide selection of tools |
Best budget tool kit
Containing the most reached for sockets by car mechanics, this value-priced kit comprises 67 pieces made from chrome-plated steel alloy. As well as the expected spanners and sockets, handy extras include a voltage tester and earthing lead, plus no less than 28 screwdriver bits.
The plastic case feels a bit flimsy but this is an affordable tool kit that you could store at home or in the car boot. The tool sizes are metric, making it suitable for the vast majority of cars – and plenty of jobs around the house, too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Budget price | • Trade-off with low price is lower quality |
| • Easy to carry around | |
| • Good range of tools |
For serious DIYers and tinkerers
uk.rs-online.com
RS RRO is one of the world's leading names in industrial and electronic products. Its 94-piece mechanic's tool kit is fairly self-explanatory: if you have a workshop at home or a serious home mechanic, this set bears all the frequently used tools you need and at the level of quality you expect.
In addition to the 1/4" and 1/2" sockets, you get deep spark plug sockets (1/4"), and extension bars, to name but a few. While it's a relatively hefty kit containing heavy-duty tools, it remains portable if needed thank to the hard case.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Professional-grade quality | • Not worth it for casual DIYers |
| • Portable | |
| • A worthy investment for those who will benefit |
Even a car tool roll is too bulky for carrying on a motorcycle. Help is at hand, however, in the shape of this slimmed-down kit from Sealey. It's small enough to fit beneath your motorbike seat.
The Sealey name dates back to 1978 and the company is one of the leading suppliers to the garage trade. The zip-up bag contains pliers, sockets, mole grips, cable ties, a ratchet and a magnetic screwdriver. The kit is of a decent quality and won’t weigh you down unnecessarily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Ideal for bikers | • Flimsy bag |
| • Very compact | • Limited tool selection |
| • Good quality tools |