Whether you know a lot about cars or absolutely nothing at all, there are some tools that every car owner needs. Some tools are made for emergency situations, others are just good to have for the general upkeep of your vehicle. A small but well-packed tool kit can come in handy in any situation, whether it’s an unexpected breakdown on the road or just some simple maintenance
We’ve put together a shortlist of items that cover the most functional and likely items you’ll need while requiring minimal mechanical knowledge to employ.
1) A good pair of jumper cables
A dead battery can happen to any of us, which is why you should always have a pair of jumper cables available. If you can’t find them at your local auto shop, there are plenty of places that sell them online. If you accidentally leave your headlights on, or park your car with one of the doors unlatched, having jumper cables ready to start your car’s dead battery will be less of a hassle than it usually is.
2) Ratchet and socket set
For minor repairs, a ratchet and socket set is essential. If you know how to use them, they can be used on all sorts of things. Whether you need to remove a wheel and replace a flat tyre or dislodge the car’s oil pan to change the oil in the engine, they will come in handy. The basic ones you will find at auto shops should definitely be in your garage, but the fancier ones come with an assortment of extensions that are great for getting into tight spaces.
3) Trolley jack
While the jack that comes with your car is fine for changing the wheels, a trolley jack has a much greater lifting capacity and allows you to lift the vehicle higher than you could with a normal car jack. This makes it far easier to change tires, lower a car that’s too high and other tasks.
4) A torch or worklight
No matter how often you detail your car, when it comes time for some major work, a worklight is the perfect tool. Whether it’s the underside of the engine or under a wheel that needs to be removed, a worklight will come in handy.
5) Tire pressure gauge
In a perfect world, the air pressure in all four tires would be the same regardless of which type of vehicle we were using. In reality, every vehicle has its own unique characteristics when it comes to handling and riding efficiency. That’s why having a tire pressure gauge is a must-have when travelling long distances. It allows you to keep an eye on tyre pressure while you’re driving and makes sure that you don’t run into any problems with your car’s suspension and handling.
Your car is a major investment, and you should always do what you can to protect it. Being prepared with these tools that every car owner needs will make life easier in any situation, whether it’s as simple as fixing a flat or something more serious.
