What Important Tools Do You Need to Keep Your Car Alive Longer?
Cars don’t live forever. We might like to pretend they will but eventually that battery will sputter out on us, or the engine will simply decide it’s had enough. There are plenty of things you can do, however, to keep your car around as long as possible. Chief among them is, of course, regular maintenance.
Regular car maintenance, such as oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations, helps keep your vehicle running smoothly and, as with most things in life, prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than the cure. Replacing a worn-out brake pad, for example, is far less costly than repairing a completely damaged brake system. Well-maintained vehicles are not only safer to drive but more economical. They also perform better and are less likely to conk out on you at the most inopportune moment.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just want to keep your pride and joy in good shape to save money, having the right tools on hand is essential and today, we’ll be taking you through some of the absolute necessities to keep ready in your toolbox at all times.
Remember, however, that while it’s important to carry out regular maintenance yourself, it’s also crucial to regularly get a full car service to identify and address any complex issues early on, preventing them from worsening.
Car Jack: Essential for Lifting Your Vehicle
A car jack is an indispensable tool used to lift your vehicle off the ground. It’s crucial for tasks like changing a tyre or inspecting the undercarriage. When using a car jack, ensure you park on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to find the appropriate jack points, then position the jack and raise the car until the tyre is off the ground.
A car jack allows you to perform essential maintenance tasks safely, such as tyre changes and undercarriage inspections. For added safety, always use jack stands to support the vehicle securely once it’s lifted.
Using the Right Wrench: Essential for Tyre Changes and Repairs
Wrenches are versatile tools essential for various maintenance tasks, especially when dealing with tyres. A standard wrench is useful for loosening or tightening bolts and nuts, making it crucial for replacing a tyre or adjusting components. For tougher jobs, such as loosening stubborn lug nuts, an impact wrench is ideal, using high torque to quickly remove or secure bolts.
Having a wrench set in your car ensures you’re prepared for emergencies and basic repairs. This is particularly useful if you need to fit a spare wheel, allowing you to address tyre issues swiftly and safely.
Tyre Pressure Tools: Maintaining Proper Tyre Inflation
Keeping your tyres inflated to the correct pressure is critical for safety and performance. Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased wear. Essential tyre pressure tools include a tyre pressure gauge to measure the pressure and a portable tyre inflator to pump up the tyres to the required pressure.
Regularly checking and adjusting tyre pressure ensures your vehicle remains safe and efficient on the road. Properly inflated tyres provide better traction and handling, improving overall driving safety and fuel economy.
Socket Sets: Versatile and Essential for Vehicle Maintenance
A socket set is a collection of tools with various socket sizes and accessories, essential for many maintenance tasks. It’s versatile and suitable for a wide range of repairs, including engine work, battery replacement, and suspension adjustments. A socket set provides the correct size and fit for different nuts and bolts, reducing the risk of damaging components.
Investing in a quality socket set ensures you’re equipped to handle various maintenance tasks, from simple adjustments to more complex repairs. It simplifies the process of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, making maintenance tasks quicker and easier.
Image by Rinald Rolle