The “Must-Have” Tools for Repairing your Car at Home

There are different types of repairs you can do to each system in your car. They even have different maintenance tasks to ensure that they’re running at peak condition. When you sum it all up, car repair and maintenance can be daunting to a non-professional mechanic. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do minor repairs and maintenance tasks at home.
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Here are some car repair tools you need to have at home if you want to do minor repairs:

Screwdriver Set

You need to make sure you have the complete set of screwdrivers at home. Screwdrivers have different sizes of flat head and Phillips heads. Ensure that you have the right sizes when repairing your car or you risk “stripping” your screws and you may not be able to fasten them tight enough.

Socket Set

The socket set is probably the most basic tool set you need for at-home repairs. If you go to the hardware, you might find a starter kit that includes a variety of basic sizes and drives that will help you get the job done.

A Set of Wrenches

Having a set of wrenches will help you do many car repairs used at home. This tool set can replace sockets – in fact, sometimes they are the best option. They are available in different types and sizes. There are even specialty wrenches available. For most car owners, there are two sets of wrenches that matter:

• Metric Set: This set generally come in the 10-19mm size range which will pretty much accommodate most of your basic car repair needs.
• Standard Set: This set comes in 3/8-3/4 inches size range.

For most modern vehicles, you’ll need the metric set, but there are some bolts in some cars that use the standard size. Thus, having the standard set handy may help just in case.

Jack and Jack Stands

This tool set is not only used for a tire change but is also used to replace brakes and change the oil. Its proper use will be shown in the owner’s manual. It will show where you can lift the vehicle safely and where you can set the jack stand to secure the weight of your vehicle. You need to make sure that something will block the wheels so that the vehicle won’t roll.

If you’re not sure how to use this tool set, you can watch videos specific to your vehicle on the web.

Code Reader

You may not have thought about code readers being among the basic tool set you must have around. Little did you know that it’s as important as the rest of the tools we’ve listed here. There are various code readers available on the market today, from as cheap as $50 to as expensive as $7,000. But all you need is a decent one, even if it costs only $75.

With a decent code reader, you will be able to check the codes that have set off your “check engine” light and you can turn it off yourself. If the problem persists and the light comes back on again, you may need the help of an expert.

These are just basic tools that will help you save money. Having these must-have tools may surprise you at the many repairs you can do on your own at home. Remember thought that if you’re uncertain of what you’re doing, it is still best to call the experts.

Repairing your vehicle at home by yourself will surely save you thousands. But you know what else will help you save money on costly repairs? Auto insurance!

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