If you are a typical car owner, you probably spend a good amount of money each year on maintenance and repairs unless you can do it yourself. Although the need to maintain most modern car models is diminished, prices for services and parts are constantly rising. Because of this, many drivers started to maintain and repair their cars on their own. Not only do they save on paying professionals and parts (depending on the price they buy), they also feel the satisfaction of having done something themselves.
Caring for your own car has other benefits. You do not have to seek expert help or wait for every little repair, and when a car mechanic has to do the work for you, you will know a lot better what has been done and what parts have been replaced. In addition, you will regularly have an insight into the condition of the car, allowing for the timely detection of minor breakdowns.
More complex repairs, such as engine overhaul, valve and transmission repairs, front wheel alignment, and the like, require considerable expertise, special tools, and equipment. That kind of jobs leaves to an expert.
What to know before starting?
What is your real potential for car maintenance and repair? It depends on your abilities, knowledge, and will. If you are determined to do a job in a category that exceeds your present capabilities, it is better to wait until you have more experience repairing easier faults, and only then try to solve more complicated problems. Most of the maintenance and minor repairs require no knowledge of the mechanic craft. You only need goodwill and willingness to work. You may need to lie down under the car and work hard to get to the part hidden in the engine compartment. Even if the job itself is not very difficult, the physical exertion can be greater than it suits you. So be realistic.
Tools
The extent to which you will succeed and how satisfied you will depend on whether you have the right tools and the right places to work.
Help yourself by providing the tools you need, even for the tiniest of jobs, then a clean and well-lit workspace, plenty of time and the proper instruction. First of all, make sure that everything you do is done safely.
When the weather is nice, many jobs can be done in the yard, in daylight. If you do not have a desk, you can set up a camping table near the car. Even on such a makeshift table, parts and tools can be neatly arranged. When working outside, arrange a workspace near where you can turn on the lamp if you continue your work in the dark. Also, be prepared to protect parts and tools in case of sudden rain, so if you work outside, do not move too far from the garage. You can start doing that by having an under tray tool box. A toolbox is necessary to organize and carry your tools easily.
Many amateur mechanics find pleasure in this primarily because they enjoy working with good tools. Others enjoy checking how much they can achieve with as little help as possible. What is clear is that you can do nothing without tools. Even worse is having low-quality tools that will do extra damage. You may already have some of the tools you need. Make a list before you buy and make sure you have one in good condition.
Before you begin collecting the tool, check out the following list to see what you need.
Screwdrivers
You should have several standard and cross screwdrivers. An ideal toolset should have at least three standard screwdrivers with a length of 40 to 200 millimeters. Therefore, if you intend to buy a good set, opt for one that has screwdrivers with several thicknesses and several lengths. When you think about the price, remember this: the more solid the better, the more durable it will be. There are several types of cross screwdrivers, and they look the same at first glance. However, the difference is that some of them are much more obtuse than others. Crosshead notch allows for better tightening or unscrewing. The ability of the cross screwdriver to slip out of the screw head is less than that of standard screwdrivers. As the screws are differently constructed, the risk of damage will be minimized.
Pliers
You need to have plain pliers. But that’s just the beginning. In addition, they may need universal water pump pliers that can take many different positions and be used for different applications. They are a valuable part of any toolkit and are the most useful pliers you can buy. There are various variations, but you will find out for yourself over time if you need it.
Wrenches
You can use one of six different types of wrenches to unscrew the nuts. It is nice to open a tidy toolbox and choose the most suitable wrench, but this choice is not necessary for the amateur. We suggest you buy a good set of combination wrenches, as well as a cordless impact wrench and this will meet your initial needs. Buying a cordless model can be more challenging than buying ordinary wrenches, and for more information visit cordlessdrillguide.com
You probably already have one or two hammers at home. Whether they are suitable for work on your car depends on their size and usage. If you plan to do bodywork, you will need several types. The grip is most often made from wood or artificial materials. A cheap hammer with a weak handle is not worth it. Check that the handle is firmly fixed and there is no crack on it. Wear safety goggles on a regular basis.
Pressure gauges
Improperly inflated tires wear out quickly, so you should absolutely have this. And even carry with you when you go for long rides. Also, check the tire pressure at least every 6 months.
Carjack
If you do a lot of work on your car alone, you will not be enough to just have a car jack that belongs to the accessories you need to have in your car. For faster and safer work you should have a hydraulic one.
Conclusion:
We hope we have helped you with these tips. As you learn more about cars, you will be able to do more and more complicated repairs and, over time, buy more advanced tools.
