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Essential Tools for DIY Auto Maintenance and Repairs

Wondering what tools you need for DIY auto maintenance?

You probably face several unexpected mechanical issues that you don’t know how to solve as a vehicle owner, especially if you own a used vehicle. You may handle menial issues like changing tires or replacing the oil with the minimal car knowledge you have.

However, if you want to handle more complex issues, you’ll need to get the right tool to assist you. Gaining more knowledge and buying these tools will prevent you from visiting a mechanic for issues you can solve yourself, thus saving you time and money.

DIY automotive repairs and maintenance can be quite challenging without the right tools. This guide provides insight into several auto repair equipment you will need to conduct thorough and substantial maintenance checks and repairs on your vehicle.

Here are seven essential tools for DIY auto maintenance and repairs.

Hood Struts

A hood strut helps you hold up the hood of your vehicle. The mounts give you access to several components of your car, such as the engine, battery, brake fluid, and oil reservoirs. 

All cars come with preinstalled hood struts; unfortunately, these struts are prone to breaking as time goes by. Buying a new pair of struts will prevent you from falling victim to the bonnet falling or having to hold up the hood with your hands the entire time. 

Hood struts are easy to replace. You need a screwdriver and prop to hold up the bonnet while inserting the new hood struts.

Vehicle Jack

A jack is a valuable tool for a DIY mechanic. The tool allows you to access the components underneath your vehicle. With a jack, you get easy access to your car’s brakes and oil filter.

The essential role that a jack serves is acting as a prop that allows you to change your car tires without any hassle. The elevation will enable you to change your tires without damaging axles, rotors, and driveshaft.

Jump-Start Kit

If you have an older model or a used car or regularly experience trouble with your car battery, a jump-start kit is what you need. A jump-start kit will prevent you from being stranded by eliminating the need for another car to jump-start your vehicle.

The electrical storage tool is easy to move and comes with jumper cables to connect to the engine. Not only can a starter kit jump-start your vehicle, but it can also charge the battery.  

Socket Driver Set

A socket driver set will help you loosen, loosen or remove screws, bolts, or nuts on various components in your car. A socket driver set will assist you in tightening a loosened battery terminal or a slipped hose clamp. It is also an essential DIY auto maintenance tool!

Driver sets are available in a variety of screw types, including flathead and hex and Phillips screws.

Fluid Drain Pan

Cars are complex mechanisms that require various fluids to function correctly. These fluids need to be changed or refilled from time to time. The drain pan will assist you in collecting the oil and transmission fluid and other fluids when doing your regular repairs.

A fluid drain pan will limit the number of oil spillages and thus avoid intense clean-ups.

Car Diagnostics Test

A car diagnostics test assists you in identifying problems with your car’s engine, electrical system, transmission, oil tank, and more. Although it may sound confusing, a diagnostics test is easy to conduct, takes a minimal amount of time, and is reasonably inexpensive.

What’s excellent about conducting regular diagnostics tests is that they can reveal problems before they become catastrophic. You have to buy a diagnostic scan tool and a code reader to perform the test.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Although many DIY auto maintenance and repair tasks are relatively simple to conduct, they pose several health and safety hazards. Some possible threats you may face while doing repairs may include inhaling dangerous fumes and electrocution.

Therefore it is crucial to practice safety by using and wearing personal protective gear to manage the risks.

Safety goggles, mechanic gloves, welding helmets, and overalls and boots are all crucial types of PPE that all auto repair DIY mechanics need. 

DIY Auto Maintenance Tools for You!

Cars are incredible assets to have; they offer you a great deal of convenience and save a lot of time. However, the maintenance and repair costs can get out of control, especially for older cars. 

Doing your vehicle repairs and maintenance checks can assist in offsetting high service costs usually charged by professional mechanics. To ensure that you’re not compromising the safety and integrity of your vehicle, you must invest in quality DIY tools that are essential for successful home repairs.