Designing The Ultimate Home Garage Workshop
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Wondering how to make the ultimate home garage workshop? Read on to find out more!
55% of Americans spend around at least a couple of hours in the garage working on projects or hobbies every week. Whether you work on cars professionally or as a hobby, vehicle maintenance is likely a big reason you spend time in your garage.
Not only that, but by creating your own garage workshop, you’ll have the space and equipment needed to easily look after your car. In turn, you can fix any problems that crop up without having to make lengthy and expensive trips to the mechanic.
Devise a Layout
Begin by drawing up a plan for your workshop layout; it should be able to accommodate all the activities you plan on using the space for. If you don’t have much room to work with, you’ll likely just use it for storing a workbench and basic tools.
If, on the other hand, you have plenty of floor space, you can use it to store your car, along with power tools, spare parts, and other necessary items.
You may also want to consider budgeting extra space for additional tools and even a second vehicle bay if you plan on expanding your garage in the future.
Install Useful Equipment
The right equipment is essential to make your garage workshop a success. A car lift, for example, may be a big investment, but it ends up saving a lot of time and hassle while working on your car. Since a car lift raises the vehicle up, you can access all parts of the underbelly without having to get down on the floor.
When it comes to home garage lifts, there’s a number of different types to choose from depending on your needs. A four-post lift is great for routine maintenance; it lifts the vehicle (essentially doubling your floorspace) so you can get on with jobs like oil changes or part swaps.
Alternatively, unlike standard garage lifts, a portable scissor lift doesn’t require permanently mounting parts to the ground. This means you can easily move it out the way after you’ve completed your work and give yourself more room.
Stock Up on the Right Tools
Completing your own car repairs will save you a lot of money in the long run, but it’s crucial to first invest in the right tools needed to successfully take care of the most common car-related jobs. An impact wrench, for example, will be essential when you need to change your tires.
Around 11,000 road accidents every year in the United States are caused by poor tires, yet 35% of American drivers are unable to tell if their tires are bald. Additionally, 40% say they can tell if their tires are under-inflated just by sight, while only 17% know how to assess tire pressure.
Replacing old or worn car tires is essential for staying safe on the road, and an impact wrench can help you do this by effectively loosening even the most stubborn lug nuts or bolts. Ideally, opt for a battery-powered impact wrench if it’s within your budget; this means you’ll be able to take it with you on the go.
A vacuum pump is another useful garage workshop tool that comes in handy in a number of car-care situations, such as, testing your car’s vacuum sensors or identifying potential vacuum leaks — simply spray either carburetor cleaner or WD-40 on places that may be leaking and the pump’s gauge will be set off when you hit the site of a leakage.
You can even use a vacuum pump to bleed your own brakes. All you need to do is connect the pump to a fluid transfer bottle and vinyl tube before using the refill adapters to ensure the master cylinder stays full. Next, you simply start pumping brake fluid from the bleeder screws until it runs clear.
Lastly, your garage workshop simply won’t be complete without an automotive stethoscope — another crucial tool, which can help identify and fix any strange sounds your car may be making. Keep in mind, conventional stethoscopes can’t help if the noises you’re experiencing only happen while driving. As such, a wireless stethoscope may be a wiser investment; typically, these wireless kits feature microphones, transmitters, receivers, and headphones.
You simply need to attach the microphone as close as you can to the source of the noise and take your car for a drive. You can then play back the recording until you identify the sound.
Prioritize Comfort and Safety
Don’t leave garage safety as a mere afterthought — especially since it’s where you’ll be working with hazardous tools. Good lighting, in particular, is key for creating a safe work environment. Natural lighting can be maximized with large windows and a translucent roof, while ample artificial lighting can ensure you have good visibility around the clock (never rely on just a head lamp if you’ll be working at night).
Similarly, it’s important to ensure your garage is comfortable. In colder months, a space heater can be used for warmth (just be sure to follow safety instructions to prevent fire), while a fan can keep you cool during the summer.
Home Garage Workshop of Your Dreams
With your own home garage workshop, you’ll have everything you need to take even better care of your vehicle. By first evaluating your workspace, installing useful equipment, stocking up on essential tools, and prioritizing comfort and safety, you can design the perfect garage workshop to suit your unique needs.
