Performing repairs and maintenance on your car for minor issues is possible. You don’t have to feel nervous about it. You only require basic knowledge about how to go about the repairs or maintenance, as well as have the necessary tools to make them happen.
It is extremely important to have your own car tools at home. For minor troubleshooting issues, basic car tools will help you save time and money, as well as keep your car functional and safe on the road. Activities such as checking your tyres can be done at home, provided you have the necessary tools and know how to use them.
When choosing car tools for your DIY kit at home, it’s recommended to pick multifunctional items that you can use to perform various things. For instance, there are tools that will not only be useful for car repairs but also for repairs on motorcycles, bikes, furniture, toys, gadgets, and other items around the house.
We have compiled a few basic tools that you should purchase for your home car repair kit.
- Impact Wrench
Also known as impactor or air wrench, this tool is a socket wrench power tool that is designed to deliver high torque output with minimal effort from the user. It stores energy in a rotating mass, delivering it effectively to the output shaft. An impact wrench is typically fitted with ½” socket attachments. For car repairs and maintenance activities, an impact wrench is used to loosen tight bolts and nuts from areas that are prone to rust, including calliper bolts and ball joints.
- Impact Driver
Another useful tool useful for car repairs and maintenance is the impact wrench. The design is similar to the impact wrench and is used for minor or smaller maintenance tasks. Unlike the impact wrench, an impact driver does not come equipped with a drill driver. Instead, an impact driver is outfitted with hex bit sockets where various adapters can be attached to help you in various tasks.
An impact driver is the ideal tool to remove small and corrosive medium-sized bolts. It may also be used for various household tasks; hence is a valuable tool of any toolbox. An impact driver is great for activities such as driving long screws into wood without the need to drill pilot holes, ensuring a wide range of capabilities.
- Torque Wrenches
Torque wrenches are inarguably essential tools that every DIY-er should own. Superior-quality torque wrenches come in various sizes. When shopping for torque wrenches, you must choose items that are certified calibrated. For torque wrenches, you need ¼” size for smaller bolts that are 0-30mm or so and a ½” for higher torque requirements.
A ¼’ torque wrench is quite useful in repairing and maintaining cars as they can be used when working on smaller bolts and nuts. Larger torque wrenches are a necessity as well for medium to large-sized bolts and nuts.
- Coloured Socket Sets
Save time by opting for coloured socket socks than traditional or conventional socket sets. Being familiar with the coloured wrenches and their size designation is a clever way to effectively undergo repairs and maintenance on vehicles.
- Tap and Die Set
A tap and die set are essential for your DIY toolbox as it will allow you to repair, clean, and create new threads for bolts and nuts. If you have corroded threads, you can use a thread gauge on the bolt to determine what tap or dye you should proceed to use.
On the other hand, if you are creating new thread holes for bolts, you must choose a drill-tap size chart to determine which is the best sized-drill for that particular tap. This ensures you have the right-sized hole ready for creating new threads.
- Brake Cleaner and WD40
A brake cleaner is not limited to the cleaning of brakes and discs. It’s a magical and useful solution for all types of gunks around the household. Make sure to use gloves when working with a brake cleaner. This solution contains various chemicals that can be hazardous to health. A brake cleaner can remove all types of grease and dirt from surfaces. While it is a trusted and effective product, it is recommended to use it sparingly due to its negative effects when used frequently and at larger concentrations. WD40 is yet another solution that is useful when repairing or servicing cars at home. It is developed to stop squeaking, frees bolts easily, and clean various car components.
Professional Auto Mechanic Shop in Sydney
If the car issue is beyond your basic DIY skills, it is best to seek professional help instead. For Sydney residents, HP Automotive offers a wide range of car servicing and repair services. With years of expertise in the automotive maintenance and repair industry, you can rest assured to receive timely, efficient, and affordable services here at HP Automotive. To schedule an appointment with us, do not hesitate to reach us on +61 2 9979 8372 today.