Last Updated: 16 April 2024, by Josh Reynolds
Here's a quick guide on how and why to create an emergency breakdown kit for your classic VW, based on the experience of the JK Team.
For many classic VW owners, an unexpected breakdown is a concern which is always in the back of our minds, which is why Mark Reynolds, who set up Just Kampers back in 1989, started creating small breakdown kits to go into his classic cars.
Having started Just Kampers as a small garage restoring campervans and Beetles, Mark definitely has the skills needed to get his VWs back on the road, but that’s no good if he doesn’t have the parts to hand!
Download this guide for free
We've also turned this guide into a handy, printer-friendly PDF which you can download for free, to help you create your own breakdown kit.
Just click here to download JK's Guide to Creating a Breakdown Kit for your VW, and use the information to put together the parts, tools, and safety equipment you'll need to assemble your own emergency breakdown kit.
Here's an example of a breakdown kit, based on what Mark has tucked away in his ’66 Beetle, and why he put his kit together.
Better safe than sorry
Mark drives his classic VWs every chance he gets, and is a firm believer that carrying the parts and tools to fix a problem is a great way to stop the problem presenting itself in the first place!
“I used to have one big breakdown kit, and then put it in the car when I set off. But I never really remembered to pick up the kit, so this winter I decided each car would have its own kit, and each kit would always stay in the car!”
Mark has now created smaller, individual breakdown kits for each of the classic VWs he owns, as well as the pool of VWs here at Just Kampers.
What parts go into a breakdown kit?
“I only carry parts that I can fit on the roadside, and that I can easily carry the tools for,” Mark told us.
In his Beetle Cabriolet, he carries:
• Accelerator cable and clamp,
• Clutch cable and wing nut,
• 2x rocker cover gaskets,
• Bulb kit,
• V Belt,
• Spacer washers,
• Fuel filter and 1 metre of hose,
• Distributor cap,
• Points,
• Condenser,
• Rotor arm,
• Coil,
• Fuel Pump and gaskets,
• Spare oil (now in 1L cans).
“I also have a box of ‘odds and ends’ nuts, bolts, fuses, cable connectors, some cable ties etc. just in case,” he added.
What tools go into a breakdown kit?
Mark says he carries the tools to match the spares, and keeps them in a tool roll so they don’t rattle about.
His breakdown kit includes:
• Spanners (8, 10, 13, 15, 17 and19 mm),
• Knife,
• Small screwdriver (for points etc.),
• Big screwdriver (for changing fan belt),
• Test light,
• Small hammer,
• 19mm wheel nut wrench,
• Mole grips,
• Pliers with a wire cutter,
• Plus a general screwdriver where you can change the ends over to save carrying too many tools.
“Depending on the car and state of the jacking points, I either carry an original jack, or I made up my own version of a bottle jack with some angle iron properly welded to the top”.
Extra safety equipment
It's also important to make sure you stay safe in the event of a breakdown, which is why Mark also carries a few essential safety items, including:
• Two warning triangles,
• Two high visibility vests,
• First aid kit,
• Strong tow rope
• A set of two flashing beacons.
This is all great safety gear for keeping safe in the event of a breakdown or some impromptu roadside mechanics.
Where does the kit then go?
“I keep the oil in a bag, in case it spills, and tuck it in the bonnet,” Mark said. “All the spares then go into a cloth sports bag and go under the bonnet of the cars. In our T2, it all sits on the rear parcel shelf.”
Feeling inspired?
If you feel inspired to create your own emergency breakdown kit, we’ve listed some of the parts which Mark used below:
Breakdown Cover from Just Kampers Insurance
Did you know that we offer vehicle insurance via Just Kampers Insurance?
We've been providing tailored insurance policies at really competative prices since 1998, and offer Breakdown Cover on our policies from as little as £22.50.
• Cars from £25.50
• Vans from £42
• Campers from £79
