The bad news is that car repairs can be expensive. The good news is that many of the repairs you`re likely to need can be done with just a few basic tools. We`ll outline the essential tools you need to do basic car repairs yourself. If you have a little mechanical knowledge and know how to use these tools, you can save yourself a lot of money on basic car repairs. So let`s get started!
1. Wrenches
If you`re going to be doing any work on your car, you`re going to need a good set of wrenches. You`ll need both standard and metric wrenches to cover all of the different sizes of nuts and bolts on your car. Sockets are also useful for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. Look for a socket set that comes with a ratchet so you can easily loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. Wrenches for automotive mechanics need to be very durable so they don`t break or strip the nuts and bolts you`re working on. They need to be able to handle a lot of torque. Additionally, they need to be able to grip the nuts and bolts tightly so they don`t slip.
2. Pliers
A good set of pliers is essential for any car repair job. You`ll need needle nose pliers for getting into tight spaces, wire cutters for cutting wires, and regular pliers for a variety of tasks. A good set of pliers will have multiple uses so you can use them for a variety of tasks. For example, you can use needle nose pliers to remove a stuck bolt or to bend the wire.
3. Ratchet and Socket Set
A ratchet and socket set is essential for any car repair job that involves loosening or tightening nuts and bolts. A ratchet is a tool that allows you to quickly loosen or tighten a nut or bolt with just a few turns. A socket is a tool that fits over a nut or bolt head and allows you to apply torque to it with a wrench. A socket set will come with a variety of different-sized sockets to fit the different size nuts and bolts on your car.
4. Screwdrivers and Hammers
A good set of screwdrivers is essential for any car repair job that involves screws. You`ll need both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers to cover all of the different screws on your car. Sometimes you`ll also need a Torx driver, which is a special type of screwdriver that`s used for certain types of screws. A good set of screwdrivers will have multiple uses so you can use them for a variety of tasks. For example, you can use a screwdriver to remove a stuck bolt or to tighten a loose screw. A hammer is an essential tool for any car repair job that involves pounding or banging. You`ll need a hammer to pound out dents, bang on stubborn bolts, and for other various tasks. A good hammer will be made of durable materials so it can withstand a lot of abuse. Additionally, it should have a good grip so it doesn`t slip out of your hand when you`re using it.
5. Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential tool for any car repair job that involves working in tight spaces or low-light conditions. A flashlight will allow you to see what you`re doing so you can avoid making mistakes. Additionally, a flashlight can be used to signal for help if you`re stranded on the side of the road. Flashlights come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. You should look for a flashlight that`s durable and has a bright light. Additionally, you should look for a compact flashlight so it`s easy to carry with you.
6. Jack and Jack Stands
A jack and jack stands are essential for any car repair job that involves lifting your car. A jack is a tool that allows you to quickly and easily lift your car off the ground. Once your car is lifted, you`ll need to use jack stands to support it. Jack stands will prevent your car from falling off the jack and injuring you. For example, if you need to change a tire, you`ll use a jack to lift your car off the ground and then place jack stands under it to support it.
These are just a few of the essential tools you`ll need for basic car repairs. Of course, there are other specialized tools that you may need for certain jobs. However, if you have these tools, you`ll be able to do a wide variety of car repair jobs yourself. So don`t be afraid to get your hands dirty and save yourself some money!