Has the thought of doing DIY car care ever crossed your mind? If you’re pretty confident with what goes on under the hood, then you likely have tossed around the idea of doing some of your car maintenance yourself. However, before you cross that bridge you should 1) be comfortable with your car’s inner workings and 2) have the right tools to get the job done efficiently. Toyota of N Charlotte is here to assist.
Which tools should you own for DIY car maintenance?
But what tools should you add to your arsenal before tackling car maintenance? We got suggestions straight from our Charlotte auto service techs so you know exactly what to invest in to save yourself time, money, and stress.
Tool #1: A work lamp AND a headlamp.
Our workshops are professionally lit here at Toyota of N Charlotte, but your garage probably isn’t as equipped as ours. Invest in a good work lamp to cast light into the engine bay and ensure you can easily see what you’re doing. And while you’re at it, buy a headlamp. You’ll need to see down into the engine bay and sometimes an overhead light won’t cut it, but you don’t want to have to hold a flashlight. A headlamp will keep both hands free to work.
Tool #2: A jack stand.
You’ll need a jack stand to get your car up off the ground if you’re going to be working under it, which you’ll do for car maintenance like oil changes. However, invest in a QUALITY jack stand and avoid the hydraulic options. They have higher failure rates and are more dangerous to use. And before you use it, make sure you’re completely familiar with how it works so you don’t injure yourself.
Tool #3: An air compressor.
Power tools make life a lot easier, and that goes for car maintenance - you’ll be able to get things taken care of a lot more quickly and efficiently. Our Charlotte auto service techs recommend that you Invest in an air compressor to power them. Remember, you won’t just be powering tools - you can also use an air compressor to inflate your tires and for detailing hard to reach spots inside your car.
Tool #4: A stubby screwdriver.
Things can be tight in the engine bay and normal-sized tools might not fit into those spots. Invest in a couple of stubby screwdrivers - they’re shorter than normal screwdrivers but still give you the control you need when doing your own repairs and maintenance.
Tool #5: Socket wrench extensions.
Just like some tools will be too big to reach those tight spots in the engine bay, some will be too short to get down in those hard-to-reach spots. Consider investing in socket wrench extensions to give you a little extra reach down into the engine.
Let our Charlotte auto service experts help you shop today
Want more advice when it comes to DIY car maintenance, or feel like maybe you should start shopping for tools? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today - we’re ready and waiting to help you get going at (704) 659-2025.
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