Cars are getting more complicated each year. As they become more computerized and complex, the number of tasks that a non-mechanic owner can handle themselves decreases. However, there are still plenty of basic maintenance and repair tasks that almost anyone can do in their own garage. All you need is the right equipment.
And that doesn’t necessarily mean thousands of dollars’ worth of specialty equipment to maintain your car. In fact, a handful of well-chosen tools can handle the vast majority of basic jobs. If you’re building a garage from scratch or looking to upgrade your current setup, these are the five items that are considered essential.
5
Basic socket set
One tool, hundreds of uses, and a lifetime of projects
If you only buy one thing on this list, make it a quality socket set. And by quality, I don’t mean taking out a loan for an expensive set. I have used my simple Craftsman set for over 20 years, and it has never failed me, from replacing a battery and changing spark plugs to removing engine covers and installing aftermarket parts.
Start out small. A basic set that includes both metric and standard sizes, a few extensions, and a quality ratchet will handle most jobs around the house and garage. As your skills and confidence grow, you can always add specialty tools later.
A starter set with 50-100 pieces is more than enough to get you started. And the whole thing should cost you less than $100. Just make sure you have a 10mm socket (or two) in your kit, as that is likely the one you will use most.
- Type
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Sockets & Ratchets
- What’s Included
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(10) Specialty Bits, (16) Hex Keys, (2) Ratchets, (5) Accessories, (50) Sockets
All-in-one set contains a full assortment of sockets, ratchets, and specialty bits for automotive enthusiasts and mechanics.
4
Battery maintainer
Cheap insurance for your car’s electrical system
Modern vehicles are packed with electronics, and many of them continue to draw power even when the car is parked. If you own a sports car, collector car, weekend cruiser, or seasonal vehicle, a battery maintainer can be one of the smartest investments you make. Even if you just have a regular daily driver, the battery can drain surprisingly fast, so it is best to keep it topped off if you will not be driving for a couple of weeks.
Unlike a traditional charger, a maintainer continuously monitors the battery and supplies only the power needed to keep it fully charged without overcharging it.
The benefits go beyond simply preventing a dead battery. Consistently maintaining a proper charge can help extend battery life, improve reliability, and reduce the likelihood of electrical gremlins after long storage. That’s especially important for modern vehicles, which often rely on dozens of computers and sensors.
A battery maintainer is also easy to use. Most models connect directly to the battery or a dedicated charging port, allowing you to plug the car in whenever it will be sitting for more than a few days. This simple piece of equipment comes in handy more than you think.
3
Portable air compressor
The easiest way to improve safety, performance, and tire life
I bought my portable air compressor about 10 years ago, and I found myself using it way more often than I thought I would. It doesn’t matter whether you have a gasoline-powered car, a hybrid, or an EV; they all need air in their tires.
For every 10° Fahrenheit change in air temperature, tire pressure will change by about 2%. Pressures rise in warmer temperatures and fall in colder temperatures. Under and overinflated tires can affect gas mileage (or electric driving range), braking, accelerating, and handling. Improperly inflated tires will also wear out faster.
Having your own portable air compressor is convenient and will quickly pay for itself by keeping your car tires properly inflated in all conditions.
- Maximum Pressure
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150
- Air Flow Capacity
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2.6 Cubic Feet Per Minute
The Porter-Cable 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor offers reliable performance at a value that makes pneumatic tools accessible for DIYers and light contractors alike.
2
New torque wrench
Because “good and tight” isn’t a torque specification
A torque wrench is another tool that comes in handy more often than you think. It is designed to tighten fasteners to a specific torque specification, helping ensure that critical components are neither too loose nor too tight. It has many uses, but I find myself using it mainly for torquing wheel lugs.
Anytime you need to remove a wheel, you need a torque wrench to make sure the lugs or bolts are tightened properly. Any time that I change my brake pads, rotate my tires, or plug a flat, the wheel comes off, and I need my torque wrench to get it back on properly.
A quality torque wrench isn’t cheap, but you can get them for around $200. They are super easy to use, and having one can expand the range of maintenance and repair tasks you can perform.
1
Floor jack / jack stands
The gateway to DIY car maintenance
If you plan to do any work on your vehicle beyond washing it, a quality floor jack and a set of jack stands are essential. Together, they provide safe access to the underside of your vehicle, opening the door to countless maintenance and repair projects. Many common DIY jobs simply aren’t possible without them.
Just be sure to always use those jack stands. I don’t care if you spent $2,000 on a fancy floor jack; never trust it. Always support the car with jack stands for your safety.
With your car in the air and properly supported, there is almost nothing you can’t do. From oil changes to installing an aftermarket exhaust. It all becomes possible with a floor jack and jack stands.
Five tools, countless possibilities
The best part about these five garage essentials is that they don’t require years of experience or a professional workshop to use. For less than $1,000, you can purchase everything on this list. And that will come back to you as you save money doing many routine maintenance tasks on your own.
More importantly, you’ll gain confidence and develop a better understanding of how your car works. That’s a rewarding feeling, no matter what you drive.
