16 Old-Fashioned Car Maintenance Tools That Are Gone
This list looks back at 16 old car maintenance tools that used to be common but have mostly disappeared over time.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Many tools people used to keep in the trunk or glove box are now gone. These old maintenance tools once helped drivers fix flats, check oil, or do quick repairs on the go. Today, most are replaced by modern gear or professional service. This list brings back memories of how cars used to be maintained.
1. Classic Open-End Wrenches
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These sturdy wrenches were a must-have in every old garage and glove compartment. They came in fixed sizes and were perfect for quick tightening jobs on bolts and nuts. Long before adjustable wrenches became popular, these were the go-to tools for car repairs.
2. Leather Tool Rolls
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Before plastic cases, drivers used leather tool rolls to keep their gear organized and easy to carry. The leather softened with age and gained a character all its own. These rolls were practical and stylish, often passed down through generations.
3. Multi-Tip Screwdriver
DiversionForARainyDay on Wikimedia Commons
This was the clever solution before multi-bit screwdrivers were common. With a twist of the shaft, you could change tips to handle different screws in your car. It saved space in the toolkit while still giving you options for small repairs.
4. Hand-Crank Tire Pump
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If you had a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, this pump was your best friend. It relied completely on manual effort, and people often kept it behind the seat or in the trunk. Though slow to use, it got the job done when nothing else was available.
5. Articulating Oil Can
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This small can with a long spout could reach tight spots under the hood with ease. It was perfect for greasing joints, hinges, and moving parts that needed a precise touch. Before aerosol sprays became the norm, this was the tool for the job.
6. Tire-Pressure Gauge (Dial Type)
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Drivers used to carry this little gadget to check if their tires had enough air. The analog dial gave a clear reading without any batteries or digital screens. It was reliable, compact, and easy to use during quick stops at the gas station.
7. Cross-Shaped Lug Wrench
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This heavy wrench made it easier to remove stubborn lug nuts on the roadside. Its shape gave you extra leverage and allowed you to use both hands. Most cars today come with smaller tools, but these were once standard in every trunk.
8. Siphon Oil Pump
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This bulb-shaped pump helped transfer fuel, oil, or coolant without making a mess. It was especially useful for backyard mechanics and anyone who worked on engines at home. Simple in design, it was one of the handiest tools around.
9. Screw-Type Jack
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This mechanical jack lifted your car a little at a time using a threaded rod. You had to crank it manually, which took effort but gave you full control. It may have been slow, but it was sturdy and dependable in emergencies.
10. Metal Oil Funnel
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Made of steel or tin, this funnel helped guide oil smoothly into the engine without spills. The metal held up to heat and repeated use better than plastic ones. Many older drivers trusted it to keep their engines clean and topped off.
11. Feeler-Gauge Spark-Gauge
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This thin set of metal blades was used to measure the spark plug gap precisely. It also doubled as a feeler gauge for checking tight clearances in engines. Every toolbox used to have one, especially for tuning up older cars.
12. Manual Grease Gun
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This tool pushed grease into small fittings where hands could not reach. It was essential for keeping parts like suspension joints in working order. You had to pump it by hand, but it delivered grease exactly where it was needed.
13. Telescoping Inspection Mirror
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Mechanics used this mirror to see into dark and hidden areas under the hood. It could extend and swivel, making it easier to spot leaks or loose connections. Before cameras were common, this tool gave you a better view in tight spaces.
14. T-Handle Spark-Plug Wrench
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This wrench made removing spark plugs easier, especially in hard-to-reach engines. The T-shaped handle gave a better grip and control without needing extra tools. It was lightweight, simple, and worked well for basic tune-ups.
15. Manual Valve-Grinding Tool
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This tool had a suction cup on the end that attached to a valve for hand-grinding. Mechanics would twist it back and forth to smooth out the valve seat. It took time and skill but was once a regular part of engine rebuilds.
16. Coil-Spark Tester Clip
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This small device helped check if the ignition coil was sending power to the spark plug. You would clip one end to the coil and hold the other near a ground to see a visible spark. It was a simple but effective way to diagnose ignition problems.