22 Dec 11 Five Auto Repair Tools You Shouldn’t Be Without

We can’t live without our cars, they are an indelible part of our lives. Our society is built around them. Our cities are laid out so we can’t really walk anywhere, and bus services are an interesting experience to say the least.

That makes keeping your car on the road vital, and knowing how to perform basic auto repair tasks a real bonus. Auto repair shops are great, but can be expensive. As you generally pay for time and not the job, even the most basic repairs can cost a lot. That’s why you should know the basics of what your car needs to stay healthy.

To that end, we have put together a list of the five auto repair tools you should have in your garage. They don’t cost much and will save you an awful lot of money compared to taking the car into the shop.

First up is the jack and axle stands. The jack often comes with the car, but should be partnered with a pair of axle stands to secure the car while you’re working on it. You need these tools when checking brake wear, rotating tires, checking wheel bearings and other simple tasks.

While a jack comes with the car, it’s basic to say the least. If you’re serious about doing your own automotive repairs, invest in a trolley jack. They are stronger, more robust and offer a much stronger lift.

An oil wrench is another essential auto repair tool you should have. If you drive in the city, or in bad weather, you should change your oil every 3-5,000 miles at a local Naples car repair shop. While there are plenty of places offering oil changes, it’s cheaper to do it yourself. An oil wrench is essential to remove the oil filter, so appears on the list.

Third in our list is the humble screwdriver. A basic but essential auto repair tool that has a million and one uses in the garage and around the home. You will need one to free fuses, change filters, deflate tires and a whole host of other tasks.

Fourth is the trusty socket set. If you have ever opened your hood, you know there are a dizzying array of fixings and bolts securing everything in place. A basic socket set is enough for most automotive repairs.

Finally, but certainly not least are the trusty vice grips. Sometimes, parts simply won’t come undone, or need to be held together while you work on them. That’s where vice grips show their worth. Get a good, strong pair to give you good purchase and leverage while working on the car.

Repairing your own car is a rewarding, if messy pastime. With money tight, it’s something every car owner should learn. Even covering the basics like changing oil, filters, tires and fuses could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. We have some of the best auto repair shops in the world, but you pay for the privilege.