Having the right tools to fix a car makes the difference between a smooth process and a frustrating ordeal. Different manufacturers require different tools and equipment to get the job done correctly. When fixing cars, individuals and professionals typically require a variety of tools, equipment, and resources. Here are some of the most useful tools needed to fix a car:
The more you work on customer vehicles or even your own car, the more tools you’ll gather to accomplish the various maintenance tasks before you. However, establishing a good foundation can ensure you won’t have to stop what you’re doing to purchase a tool. If you’re unsure where or what to start with to equip yourself, the list below includes essential tools you can invest in for most car maintenance projects.
From doing a simple oil change to overhauling the engine, removing and reinstalling the various nuts and bolts that hold a car together requires a quality socket set. Most socket sets include standard and metric sizes, with drive sizes ranging from one-quarter to one-half inch. High-quality socket sets feature extensions and universal joints that assist with reaching tight or tucked-away spots. Invest in a spark plug socket to carefully remove the plug without rounding or damaging the body in the process.
Quality wrenches provide the power necessary to remove, adjust, and reinstall practically anything you can fit between the jaws. Like a second set of hands, wrenches perform several tasks, from torquing down fasteners to removing stuck-on bolts. You can even purchase a specific wrench to remove old oil filters and adequately secure new ones.
While a general wrench set will help you tackle any auto repair in the shop or at home, a torque wrench and impact wrench remain a staple in almost every automotive shop. A torque wrench ensures you tighten a particular bolt or nut to the proper specification without exceeding it and risking premature failure. Impact wrenches save you muscle and time by applying tremendous force to larger, rusted, or seized fasteners. Tire shops wouldn’t be able to accommodate as many vehicles without the help of impact wrenches.
A collection of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers come in handy for all sorts of vehicle maintenance intervals. Flathead screwdrivers also act as small pry bars that easily wedge between components. Ergonomic screwdriver handles make applying elbow grease less painful, and Allen and Torx bits can help loosen and tighten specialty fasteners. Having screwdrivers of multiple lengths and sizes can also help you tailor your tools to the job at hand.
No mechanic toolbox is complete without the proper safety gear. Invest in disposable and durable gloves to protect your skin from harmful chemicals and sharp objects. Mechanic gloves keep your knuckles safe from hard contact. Disposable gloves, such as nitrile or latex, can protect your hands from hot liquids, grease, and grime.
Safety glasses are a must with any auto repair, professional or DIY. These glasses prevent any object or fluid from entering your eye. If you’re working overhead, they’re also critical for ensuring small particles don’t enter your eyes and cause permanent damage.
Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and close-toed shoes can also help protect your extremities. Invest in steel-toed boots for hefty vehicles, such as diesels or semi-trucks. It’s much less painful to replace a pair of gloves or pants than to sew up gashes and cuts.
Having the right tool for the job will only get you so far, especially if you can’t see your workspace. A work light (or several) provides the illumination necessary to accurately install or remove components, diagnose concerns, or troubleshoot an issue. When choosing the right work light for the job, you have many options available.
For example, under-the-hood work lights clamp to the hood and flood the engine bay with light. Handheld work lights direct light to a particular area for the most illumination. Stronger lights typically require direct power, but you can avoid the tripping hazard of extension cords with battery-powered or rechargeable lights. For a hands-free solution, invest in an easy-to-use headlamp.
Electrical systems within vehicles often require maintenance or repair, and for those jobs, a multimeter is a must-have. Multimeters measure current and voltage to help you identify which electrical components are functioning as designed and troubleshoot any electrical gremlins. With a multimeter, you can determine if and where you’re getting power and pinpoint the problem before you’ve disassembled the entire electrical loom.
As you know, motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid comprise some of the main liquids that keep cars running. However, maintaining the individual systems incorporating these fluids can result in a few drops or spills. Keeping one or two drip pans nearby ensures you catch those fluids before they stain. Drip pans make responsibly disposing of various car fluids easier to accomplish with solid and durable construction, a deep cavity, and a convenient pouring spout.
Spills happen, but reaching for a desiccant can help reduce the amount of fluid that seeps into your garage, driveway, or shop floor. A desiccant works to absorb liquids and encapsulate them in an easily removed form, compared to soaking up only a portion of the fluids with shop rags or paper towels. While you can purchase specialized automotive fluid desiccants, cat litter offers a more affordable option. The granule size and clumping action of most cat litter make disposal a simple task.
If you’re looking for the manipulating power of a wrench without all the torque and force, pliers can assist with more delicate operations. Pliers can also hold a part in place while you adjust or manipulate other components. Needle-nose pliers easily reach into the tightest spots without sacrificing grip, while adjustable pliers can help you size the jaws for the job at hand.
Many other pliers (besides needle-nose) incorporate different designs to accomplish a particular task. For instance, spark plug pliers help remove plug wires without damaging the spark plug boot. Diagonal pliers, slip joint pliers, and groove joint pliers also make versatile tools to have around the shop.
A typical wirecutter has a similar design to pliers, albeit with sharp teeth instead of serrated jaws. Wirecutters may be simple snipping tools or incorporate wire-stripping abilities for versatility. Depending on the size of the wire you’re cutting, you may need smaller or larger wirecutters.
Diagnostic tools are used to identify and troubleshoot car problems. This may include a tool like an OBD-II scanner, which plugs into the car’s onboard diagnostic port to retrieve error and warning codes. It also should include access to a database of technician-confirmed repairs for codes and more about your specific vehicle that helps guide you through the most difficult diagnoses. With over 500,000 testing shortcut procedures and over 3 million confirmed fixes across all major manufactures, Identifix Direct-Hit® is a great place to find repair information specific to your vehicle.
A jack is used to lift the car off the ground to access components underneath, such as tires or the exhaust system. Jack stands are used to secure the car at an elevated position for safety during repairs. For lower vehicles, getting them elevated is often essential to being able to complete simple repairs.
Repair manuals or online resources provide detailed instructions, diagrams, and specifications for specific car models. These resources guide individuals through the repair process and help them understand the necessary steps. Identifix Direct-Hit® DIY offers a complete database containing your specific vehicles OEM manuals, guides and wiring diagrams, along with helpful shortcut testing procedures and confirmed fixes to get you to the right fix faster.
Depending on the nature of the repair, individuals may need replacement parts such as filters, belts, hoses, brake pads, or electrical components. These parts can be purchased from auto parts stores or ordered online. Solera | Identifix proudly supports the recycled auto parts industry and offers easy access to browse over 5 million recycled auto parts.
Lubricants and fluids such as engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid may be required for various maintenance tasks or repairs.
Identifix Direct-Hit® is an online resource that includes valuable information and support. It contains step-by-step guidance, troubleshooting, OEM manuals and guides, wiring diagrams, labor guides, and maintenance schedules for professional mechanics and DIY vehicle owners.
Experience the power of Identifix Direct-Hit® today and revolutionize your approach to vehicle repair and maintenance.
Having a suitable workspace is important. A garage or a well-ventilated area with proper lighting and access to power outlets is ideal. Safety measures, such as chocking the wheels, using proper lifting techniques, and ensuring a stable work surface, should be followed.
Fixing a car requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. It’s important to approach repairs with a calm mindset and be prepared to invest time and effort in the process.
WARNING: It’s important to note that while do-it-yourself (DIY) auto repairs can be a viable option for certain maintenance tasks and minor repairs, complex or safety-critical issues are best left to professionals. It’s essential to have a good understanding of one’s own skill level and limitations to ensure that repairs are done safely and effectively. Complex repairs or those involving safety-critical systems should be entrusted to qualified professionals!
We’re here to help you find the right fix. Find your specific vehicle’s auto repair information, OEM manuals, labor guides, automotive wiring diagrams, and maintenance schedules with the Identifix product suite.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your vehicle repairs? Explore Identifix Direct-Hit® DIY today and empower yourself with the knowledge and resources needed to tackle any automotive challenge with confidence.
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