Basic Tools for A Vehicle Tune Up

Since most mechanics work on their cars to save money, you'll want to buy the least expensive tools that will effectively be able to perform the desired work. As a rule of thumb, you'll find that the very cheapest tools are almost always so inadequate that buying it is a waste of money and time, and the very best is so super adequate for your purposes that buying it is also a waste. Your best bet, then, is the moderately priced tool.
Any specialized tools should be purchased as they're needed. When you think you need a special tool, first ask yourself if there's a way to get the job done-and done correctly-without it. If there is, you don't really need it. When buying tools, strive to be a money saver, not a tool collector.

Screwdrivers. You need at least three flat blade types-small, medium, and large. A short or stubby screwdriver helps you work in tight places. You can usually get by with two Phillips head screw drivers.

Pliers. Don't buy cheap pliers. They are awkward to use. They slip, spread their jaws, do not work smoothly at all. Buy a few good ones. A 6- to 8-inch should be among them.

Adjustable wrench. One's enough. Use it when you can't carry a complete set of fixed-opening wrenches with you or for turning nuts and bolts for odd sizes.

Ratchet wrenches and sockets. Actually you'll need only one or two ratchet handles to turn your many sockets. Sockets come in standard depths for most nuts and deep sizes for removing spark plugs and nuts that have a lot of bolt sticking out of them. Check your cars plugs and then get the right sockets.

Combination wrenches. One end is a box wrench, the other an open-end wrench. With a box wrench, you can apply more torque to a tight nut or bolt without the risk of the wrench slipping off. An open-end wrench however, slips easily over a nut or bolt and does not have to be lifted off every time it is repositioned. It pays to buy a set of wrenches.

Ball-peen hammer. This is the basic hammer for auto mechanics. Get one with an 8-, 12-, or 16-ounce head. Never hit a hardened surface with it, which can chip or slit the head.

Fender cover. It's expensive, but useful to have. If you don't want to spend the money for the professional type, use an old shower curtain, blanket or beach towel.

Droplight. For working directly on your car, you'll need either a standard droplight or a fluorescent tube droplight, which is usually more expensive, but easier and safer to work.

Oil changing gear. You'll need a drain pan (one large enough to hold all your car's oil and then some is suggested) an oil filter wrench, a flexible-neck funnel (for transmission fluid), and a combination opener and pour spout.