Mech Mode: 5 Essential Tools for Working on Cars

Are you the kind of person who prefers DIY car fixes? Your home garage must have the essentials! Here are 5 must-have tools for working on cars.

Taking your car to the repair shop can be a drag. They bill you for unnecessary fixes and overcharge you for parts and labor.

Your best defense against untrustworthy mechanics is taking matters into your own hands. You can make basic repairs at home with just a few essential tools for working on cars.

But how do you know which must have garage tools are worth the investment? Keep reading for five of our favorite car tools that every home mechanic needs to add to their toolbox.

1. Car Lifts

If you plan on doing any repairs to your vehicles, you’re going to need a tool to get it off of the ground.

Car lifts come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles, so be sure you’re choosing the right one for your needs.

If you don’t plan on repairing much more than a flat tire, you can probably get away with a scissor jack. More in-depth car repairs will require the use of a floor or bottle jack. Serious home mechanics may even wish to consider investing in 2 or 4 post car lift for their garage.

2. A Socket Set

A socket set is one of the most basic garage essentials you’ll need. The sockets can be paired with other tools like ratchets, torque wrenches, or impact wrenches. They’ll help you tighten or loosen bolts and nuts on your vehicle.

A great socket set will come with ratchet arms and driver handles to make a cost-effective all-in-one kit.

3. OBD-II Scanner

An OBD-II scanner is a must if you’re not sure how to immediately discern what is wrong with your vehicle. These handy and inexpensive devices are as simple as plugging them in. Once connected, the scanner will then display codes to let you know what’s wrong with your car.

There are two main types of OBD-II scanners.

OBD-II code readers are the most affordable. They’re made to clear and read codes from your car. Because it’s so no-frills, these devices do have limitations.

Scan tools are more expensive than code readers but they have access to more useful features. They can read codes that are manufacturer-specific. They’ll also allow you to access more detailed troubleshooting options.

4. Hand Tools

There’s something to be said about using good old-fashioned hand tools.

A good wrench set can get you far. Opting for a set that provides a ratcheting side and an open-ended side means you get more bang for your buck.

Every household needs screwdrivers. Make sure you get a set with a larger flathead that can double as a prying tool. Look for tiny screwdrivers, too, as they can be used for delicate electronic work.

5. Work Light

Garages are often very dark places. You’ll need another source of light so you can see what you’re working on.

You can outfit your garage with high-quality overhead LED bulbs. You’ll never have to worry about working in low light if your garage is always well lit.

If that feels like overkill, underhood lights might work. These are designed to illuminate your engine when you’re working under the hood.

Clamp lights will attach to your work station to give you more light in a concentrated area.

Tools for Working on Cars: A Necessary Investment

Buying tools is expensive. But so is taking your vehicle to the auto mechanic over and over. You only need a few tools for working on cars at your disposal to save yourself money in the long run.

Keep reading our blog for more money-saving car repair advice.