Essential tools every truck driver should carry on the road

Every experienced driver has a story about being stranded roadside with a simple mechanical issue that could have been resolved in minutes – if only they'd had the right equipment on board. I spoke with four seasoned interstate drivers to discover what they consider the absolute essentials for any truck driver's toolbox.

There's remarkable consistency among professional drivers when it comes to the fundamentals. Tim Cossia, who runs multi-combination fuel tankers along the east coast, emphasises the importance of covering your bases with a basic spanner tool kit, screwdriver set, side cutters, electrical tape and a tyre pressure gauge.

Dale Clay, operating road train tippers across Victoria and NSW, keeps his list refreshingly simple: zip ties, a shifter and screwdrivers. Meanwhile, Dennis Atkinson rounds out the traditional toolkit with spanners, screwdrivers, a hammer and a grease gun – proving that sometimes the old-school approach remains the most reliable.

These basics handle multiple roadside difficulties drivers encounter. A loose mirror bracket, a rattling mudguard, a blown fuse or a disconnected airline are all fixable with these fundamental tools. The key is having quality equipment that won't let you down when you need it most.

While traditional hand tools remain essential, modern technology has revolutionised roadside repairs. Both Tim and Laurence Forster, who drives multi-combination fuel tankers in WA, are adamant about one particular investment: a battery-powered impact gun.

Tim puts it plainly: if you can afford it and you're doing long distance work, a battery-powered impact gun to change tyres "is worth every cent.”

Laurence elevates it to his number one essential tool, and his reasoning is simple: “Changing a tyre the old-fashioned way in 45 degrees isn't much fun.”

Anyone who's wrestled with wheel nuts using a manual tyre bar in the scorching Australian heat understands exactly what he means.

The investment – typically between $300 to $800 for a quality unit – pays for itself the first time you need to change a tyre on a remote highway in summer. What might take 45 minutes of exhausting manual labour becomes a 10-minute job with the right equipment.

Tyres are your connection to the road, and they demand regular attention. A tyre bar for checking tyres and a tyre pressure gauge appear on multiple drivers' lists for good reason

Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption, cause irregular wear and generate excessive heat that can lead to blowouts. Overinflated tyres reduce your contact patch and handling capability.

Regular checks with a quality gauge – not the cheap servo variety that gives different readings every time – keep you safe and save money on fuel and premature tyre replacement.

The humble tyre bar serves double duty, allowing you to check tread depth and remove stones or debris wedged between duals before they cause damage.

If there's one item that appears on every experienced driver’s list, it's a zip tie. The simple plastic strip is the trucking industry's equivalent of duct tape – capable of temporarily fixing almost anything.

A loose wiring harness vibrating against the chassis? Zip tie. Broken mudguard bracket? Zip tie. Tarp corner that's come loose? Zip tie. Damaged airline that needs securing until you reach a workshop? You guessed it – zip tie.

Smart drivers carry assorted sizes, from small cable ties for electrical work to heavy-duty industrial-strength ties that can secure larger components. At only a few bucks for a pack of 50, they're cheap insurance against minor problems becoming major headaches.

WD-40 earns its place in Laurence's top three for good reason. This versatile spray loosens seized bolts, displaces moisture from electrical connections, prevents rust and quiets squeaks. Many drivers also carry a small can of brake cleaner for removing grease and grime when making roadside repairs

Dennis's inclusion of a grease gun reflects the proactive maintenance mindset that separates successful owner-operators from those constantly battling breakdowns. Regular greasing of fifth wheels, turntables and suspension components during your pre-trip inspection prevents wear and extends component life significantly.

However, I'd argue there's one tool more critical than anything in your physical toolbox: your mobile phone.

While it can't physically tighten a bolt or change a tyre, your phone's ability to call for assistance or access repair instructions makes it invaluable. Whether you need to video call a mechanic to diagnose an unusual noise, search YouTube for a tutorial on bleeding air from a fuel system, or simply call roadside assistance when a problem exceeds your capability, your phone connects you to expertise and help.

In remote areas, that connection can literally be lifesaving. Modern smartphones also serve as your GPS navigation, logbook, documentation camera for accidents or damage, and communication link to dispatch, making them arguably the most versatile tool in your cab.

Start with the basics – spanners, screwdrivers, zip ties, and electrical tape – and then add specialised tools based on your specific vehicle and routes. If you're doing long-haul work in extreme conditions, prioritise the battery-powered impact gun. If you operate in remote areas, consider carrying additional spare parts like fuses, globes and airlines.

Quality matters more than quantity. One professional-grade tool will outperform several cheap alternatives that fail when you need them most. Invest wisely, look after your gear, and it’ll pay dividends over the long haul.

The right tools won't prevent every breakdown, but they'll ensure that when problems do arise, you’re prepared to deal with them quickly and get back on the road, which is exactly what sets experienced professionals apart.