Top 5 Tools For Car Maintenance - Vol.81
Cars are an expensive investment and whether your car is new, gently used or over-used, it's important to make sure you have the proper tools to fix your car and that you know how to use them.
Auto shops will charge you outrageous amounts to do some pretty simple fixes that you could have done with just a few minutes of your time, the know-how and the proper tools. These five simple tools can help you learn more about your car, help with minor repairs and save you lots of money!
Jack and Jack Stands
There shouldn't be a car owner out there that doesn't have a good jack and jack stands for their car maintenance. Most of the time when your car needs a repair, it must be elevated for easy access. If you have a jack, simple maintenance like rotating your tires, can be done at home in your garage. As well, you should also have a jack in your car because if you get a flat on the road, which you will at some point, you'll have the tools to change it. If you've got a good jack in your garage, you have access to every part of your car and can solve issues that might otherwise require an expensive trip to the repair shop.
Oil Wrench
Probably THE most important maintenance tip for your car is a regular oil change. If you want your vehicle to last, you need to replace the oil at least once every three thousand miles. Having an oil wrench will allow you to take the oil filter off and change the oil quickly. If you haven't got an oil wrench for this simple maintenance, you may have to head to the garage to throw away a little more money.
Funnel
When you change your oil, making sure you've got a good funnel, along with a bucket and some cloths, is a good thing. Oil changes are easy but if you don't have all the right tools and the proper know-how, you are going to end up spending extra money to have a garage do it for you. Funnels are important to ensure things don't get filled too much. You can also use it to top up your windshield washer fluid among other things.
3/8-Inch Socket Set
Cars can be a nuisance, as a lot of the spots you need to access to make repairs, are hard to reach. By having a 3/8-Inch Socket Set, you'll be able to loosen and tighten caps and bolts and you'll be able to access a little leverage if necessary. Again, having a socket set for your simple car maintenance will really save you a lot of time and money. Take a few minutes to learn the basics and you'll be a pro before you know it!
Vice Grips
Never leave home without them! Everybody should have a pair of vice grips, whether you own a car or not. They are handy for all sorts of simple jobs. When it comes to your car, a pair of vice grips will help you tighten parts that seem a little loose and loosen parts that need fixing. These simple adjustments can be made in a matter of minutes with a pair of vice grips. Saving you time and money from otherwise having to trek into the nearest garage for a simple fix.
Bottom line is, cars are an investment, an investment that requires constant maintenance. You never know when your tire will go flat or a bolt may need tightening. Having the proper tools to handle these somewhat expected situations, will save you a lot of headaches and money.
No excuses, make sure you've got these 5 tools and that you know how to use them. In the least it will save you a few trips to the repair shop and you can invest the money you save for a nice long vacation.