Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Important car tools you should have

By Cheryl L. True

Let's face it. No matter how good you take care of your car, you'll have problems sooner or later. This is inevitable no matter what car you're driving. To deal with the unexpected, act like a boy scout. Be prepared.

There are some great tools out there that can help you. Every mechanic has his or her own list of the most important tools, so let's take a look at the common ones:

Screwdriver - a Phillips head screwdriver is better than a flat head screwdriver when it comes to auto screws. It's easier and faster to work with and there's less chance of it stripping the screw head. This is a must item because you'll be using it all the time.

Allen wrench - when a bolt needs to be tightened, this is sometimes done with a hex key or Allen bolt. It has a hexagon-shaped hole in the top. The Allen wrench matches that hole with its six-sided steel construction. Allen wrenches usually come in sets and can be loose or held together on a sort of keychain, as they are often found.

Open end wrench - is the wrench of all wrenches.

Oil filter wrench - if you need an oil change, an oil filter wrench is a must. Doing an oil change without an oil filter wrench isn't recommended, but it happens. An oil filter wrench is an essential part of any auto repair tool box.

Ratchet wrench and sockets - the wrench has interchangeable ends, called sockets, that allow it to fit to almost any sized bolt. It also has a switch that allows you to either loosen or tighten a bolt. They come in lots of sizes. A good tool box will have at least a 1/4" and 3/8" wrench, and should probably have a 1/2" wrench for larger jobs.

Torque wrench - as you tighten a nut or bolt, your torque wrench will tell you when to stop, either by indicating the tightness on a dial or by giving you a nice clicking sound when it's right. It's a must-have tool if you plan to do any mid-level repairs.

Auto repair manual - not only is your manual full of how-to articles, it's packed with important technical information that will help you repair your car correctly and efficiently. As you work on your car, you'll be surprised at how often you have to refer to your repair manual.

Adjustable pliers - another tool box necessity, adjustable pliers are universal in that they can be used all over the place. It's always better to use a tool that exactly matches a bolt's size, but if that's not practical, channel locks can probably adjust to get a good grip on things.

For all your RV needs and excellent after sales service, go to the premiere dealer in Ohio - RV Dealers Cleveland

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment