You can expect a medium-sized SUV to cost 10 cents to the mile in repairs. A small sedan will set you back just over 8 cents a mile.
Think about what kind of car you drive. Now, do the math on costs for a month or a year. Pricey, right?
If you’re already pretty handy with auto repair tools, there’s a simple way to reduce or even eliminate that budget line item. Set yourself up with your very own at-home mechanic’s garage!
Below, we list the auto mechanic tools and equipment you need to get started. Think of this list as a checklist for beginners. As you get more experienced, you can add even more toys!
Socket Set
Mechanics are constantly tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. They are, after all, what holds a car together.
A good quality socket set with various socket sizes is a must-have. That’s why it tops our list!
Socket sets are more versatile than buying individual components. Sets feature a range of sockets in different sizes that attach to a ratchet wrench—also part of this type of auto repair tool kit. Investing in a quality socket set will give you the correct size socket at your fingertips when needed.
You could try gripping bolts with a wrench, but risk damaging the heads. A socket slips over the head tightly, surrounding it. This means a better grip when you:
- Remove spark plugs
- Change tires
- Disassemble engine components
- Tackle suspension and brake repairs
And more!
Multimeter
Nowadays, almost every function in a car runs on electrics: windows, the AC system, the in-built navigation, seat warmers… the list goes on. Therefore, you must count a digital multimeter among your essential car mechanic tools.
A multimeter helps you diagnose electrical issues in your vehicle. It combines multiple measurement functions into one (hence the “multi” in the title): voltage, current, and resistance. All you need to do is connect the multimeter's probes to different points in the electrical system and set the dial to the desired mode.
Measure the voltage in a battery to determine its charge level, check for voltage drops in a circuit to pinpoint potential wiring problems, or identify faulty connections.
Wrenches
One wrench just won’t cut it for DIY car repairs. You need a complete set of combination and adjustable wrenches; they all serve different purposes.
Look for wrenches with good grip to ensure you get the necessary torque.
When it comes to specialist wrenches, a few stand out as must-haves. An oil filter wrench helps you remove oil filters more efficiently. A torque wrench enables you to tighten hard-to-reach bolts or those on critical components. If you’re really struggling, consider learning how to properly use an air impact wrench.
There are even wrench sets for specific tasks, such as fan clutch or crowfoot wrench sets, and abilities, like left-handed monkey wrenches.
Brake Bleeder Kit
There’s a reason why people in thrillers feel threatened when they find out someone’s cut their brake lines. Brakes are vital for safe driving. And that means regular brake maintenance is non-negotiable.
You'll need to get a brake bleeder kit to care for your vehicle’s brakes at home. It helps you remove air bubbles—which reduce braking efficiency and turn your pedal spongy—from the brake system.
Connect your kit to the brake bleeder valve and extract the air and old brake fluid. Once the system is clean, you can inject fresh fluid. After you’ve done this, don’t forget to check the brake pads (replace them if necessary) and readjust the brake pistons.
Jack and Jack Stands
A hydraulic floor jack and set of jack stands will help you lift and support your vehicle while you work underneath it. They ensure your car doesn’t accidentally fall on top of you. This is a genuine safety concern in mechanic workshops.
You can use the floor jack’s hydraulic mechanism to carefully lift your car to the desired height and keep it there. But you can’t use the hydraulic floor jack independently; you must also use jack stands to balance the vehicle's weight.
You can’t do much work on your vehicle without a jack and jack stands. So be sure to always have car jack replacement parts on hand.
OBD-II Scanner
Like a multimeter, an OBD-II scanner plugs into your vehicle's onboard diagnostic port to read and clear fault codes. (The “OBD” stands for On-Board Diagnostics.) This handy device gives you valuable information for troubleshooting.
To use your OBD-II, find the OBD port, usually under the dashboard. Plug your device into it. Once connected, the scanner can read and retrieve data from the vehicle's computer system. It displays fault codes and indicates problems or malfunctions in everything from the engine to the emissions system.
From there, you can make a more informed decision on how to repair your vehicle.
Pliers and Screwdrivers
If you don’t already have any pliers, start with a pair of slip-joint and needle-nose pliers. They’re perfect for gripping, bending, and cutting wires.
Slip-joint pliers have an adjustable pivot point. You can adjust the jaw width to suit various sizes of nuts, bolts, and components. Needle-nose pliers have long, slender jaws that enable you to reach into tight spaces, do precision electrical work, and grip small objects.
You’ll also need a set of screwdrivers. Most sets come with various flathead and Phillips head options. Look for screwdrivers with precision steel tips and handles of sturdy materials like composite plastic. The handle should have an ergonomic design that’s comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
Use your screwdrivers to remove screws from interior panels, engine covers, electrical connectors, and much more.
Stock Up on the Right Auto Repair Tools
Trust us; these are tools every mechanic needs—whether you’re a DIYer or a pro, or a bit of both.
A well-equipped garage is the key to unleashing your full automotive repair potential. The upfront costs of these auto repair tools might seem high, but you’ll save a lot on mechanic fees in the long run. So, grab those pliers, wield that torque wrench, and get that car on the road yourself!
Whether you’re looking for quality stock for your tool store, outfitting a new commercial auto garage, or just need some tools for DIY car repairs, HTI has you covered. Check out our collection of high-quality auto repair tools today.
