If you are a beginner, you might find it challenging to keep your car in good shape. There are many tasks to do and tools to use, and you might not know where to start. To make your DIY car maintenance easier, here are 9 essential car repair tools that you should have.
Car Repair Tools: The Essentials
1. Car Jack
Having a car jack is absolutely essential for any DIY car repair project. Without a car jack, it would be impossible to access some of the important parts underneath. This tool will open up a whole lot of potential for car repair. For example, changing tires, checking brakes, or replacing oil. You can also use a skateboard to slide under the car easily, and a flashlight to see better in the dark.
Since a car jack is a vital safety device, so you should buy a high-quality one that can support your car’s weight. good car jack can cost between $50 and $150, depending on your car model and your preference.
2. Ramps
Similar to a car jack, a good pair of ramps can go a long way. They can lift your car slightly, which is enough for some jobs that do not need a full car jack. I would recommend getting rubber ramps as they have more grip and prevent your car from rolling.
A good pair of ramps should cost somewhere between 30 – 80 bucks and the number can get higher if you want to go for metal ramps around $100 – $200. But at such a price point, I think getting a car jack would be much more beneficial.
3. Socket Wrench Set
A socket set is an essential tool for any garage. It helps you to easily loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. A complete socket set should include different sizes and types of sockets, such as standard, metric, shallow, deep, and extra deep. It should also have accessories like extensions, adapters, and universal joints that allow you to reach hard-to-access places and angles.
If you’re just starting out, you can get a small socket set for around $20 to $30. But if you have more experience and need greater variety, you can invest in a full socket and wrench set for around $100 to $200.
4. Torque Wrench
You’ll need a torque wrench if you want to tighten nuts and bolts to the correct amount of force (torque). Torque is measured in foot pounds (ft-lbs) or Newton meters (Nm), and it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working on your car. Because if you tighten too much or too little, you might damage the parts or create safety issues. A decent torque wrench should cost around $40 to $90.
5. Impact Wrench
An impact wrench proves to be a valuable tool, providing high torque through short bursts of compressed air or electricity. It assists in loosening or tightening stubborn bolts that have rusted, corroded, or become seized. This tool can significantly save you time and effort by expediting the process of either removing or installing nuts and bolts. It typically features a 1/2-inch square drive compatible with sockets and is available in both corded and cordless variations. For optimal results, consider investing between $100 and $200 in a cordless impact wrench.
6. Needle Nose Pliers
Needle nose pliers have long and thin jaws designed to grip small objects and reach narrow spaces. They’re handy for tasks like bending wires, cutting cables, removing fuses, or retrieving dropped screws. Comfortable handles and spring-loaded jaws make needle nose pliers easy to use. You don’t need to spend a lot on these; a $10 to $15 pair should suffice.
7. Spark Plug Socket
A spark plug socket is a specialized tool specifically designed to accommodate spark plugs. These plugs play a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture within your engine’s combustion chamber. In order to maintain peak performance and fuel efficiency, regular replacement of spark plugs is essential. The socket itself incorporates a rubber insert, effectively securing the spark plug to prevent any risk of it falling out. Additionally, the socket includes an extension, allowing for easy access to deeper areas within the engine bay. Despite their significance, these sockets are quite budget-friendly, typically priced around $10.
8. Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge serves as a crucial instrument that gauges the air pressure within your tires—a factor pivotal to handling, braking, fuel economy, tire longevity, and overall safety. Regular and meticulous evaluation and adjustment of tire pressure, aligned with the manufacturer’s specifications, carry significant weight. The measurement of tire pressure can be conveyed in pounds per square inch (psi), kilopascals (kPa), or bars (bar). These gauges are available in both analog and digital formats, and equipped with a valve stem connector to effortlessly attach to your tire valve. In terms of cost, a dependable tire pressure gauge can generally be acquired for a modest range of $10 to $15.
9. Car Battery Charger
A car battery charger plays a pivotal role in replenishing your car battery’s charge by drawing from an external power source, whether it’s an electrical outlet or another battery. Over time, car batteries can experience a loss of charge attributed to factors such as aging, temperature fluctuations, usage patterns, or parasitic drains. This depletion can result in a dead battery, leading to potential issues like failure to start or electrical malfunctions. Here, a car battery charger emerges as a solution, revitalizing your battery’s energy and thwarting the inconvenience of roadside immobilization. To ensure optimal performance, consider investing in a charger situated around the $100 price point.
Consider Your Budget
Before you buy anything, you should always have a plan. Your plan should think about how much you can spend, what tools you need to get, and what tools you can get later if you go over your budget. You should prioritize the tools that are essential for your car repair project first then the rest can be bought later. Here’s a table to help you make your plan and get started on your auto repair work.
| Tool | Usage | Price Range | Recommended Brand |
| Car Jack | Lifting the car for access underneath parts | $50 – $150 | Torin |
| Ramps | Lifting the car for certain jobs | $30 – $200 | Nilight |
| Socket Wrench Set | Loosening/tightening nuts and bolts | $20 – $200 | DEWALT |
| Torque Wrench | Precise tightening of nuts and bolts | $100 | CRAFTSMAN |
| Impact Wrench | Quick and powerful bolt removal/installation | $100 – $200 | RYOBI ONE+ |
| Needle Nose Pliers | Gripping and reaching small objects | $10 – $15 | CRAFTSMAN |
| Spark Plug Socket | Removing and installing spark plugs | Around $10 | CRAFTSMAN |
| Tire Pressure Gauge | Checking and adjusting tire pressure | $10 – $15 | ORIONMOTORTECH |
| Car Battery Charger | Reviving car batteries | Around $100 | NOCO GENIUS |
| Total Budget | $430-$940 |
In case you are from a low-income family, you can also see if you are qualified for a free car repair offer.
