With the popularity of do-it-yourself videos on YouTube and Tic Tok, vehicle owners are fixing their own cars and trucks. Many people hesitate to attempt small repairs for several reasons such as no tools or being unsure of what to do. We are highlighting just a few of the vital tools you’ll need to make repairs or maintain your vehicle yourself as well as what you need to have in your car for those just in case moments.
Tools to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies
So many people don’t keep even the basics in their car. What happens if your battery dies or you get a flat tire? Will you be able to afford a service that comes to you and gets you back on the road? Are you sure someone will always be a phone call away? If you aren’t certain about the answers to the questions, make sure you have the following in your trunk or truck toolbox:
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Socket & screwdriver set
- Duct tape
- Tow strap
- Flashlight
- Can of Fix-a-Flat
- Lug wrench & jack
- First aid kit
Why Its Important to Carry Your Own Tools
With everyone carrying a smartphone today, you will have access to Google and YouTube. It takes just a few seconds to search for a ‘How-To” video for just about any repair. If you have some essential tools in your vehicle, you may be able to trouble the issue and get yourself back on the road. Easy-fixes for even the “not so handy’ car owner are changing a flat, jump-starting your car (or someone else’s), changing a wiper blade or even swapping out a bad battery.
Hand Wrench Set
Get yourself a set of wrenches that ranges in size from 10mm to 18mm. This should cover most nuts and bolts that you will find on your car,m truck, van or SUV. These will help with most simple car repairs and maintenance.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Yes, we’ve mentioned tire pressure gauges already but this truly is the easiest check you can do. Pressure gauges are inexpensive and some repair shops or tire centers may even provide one free of charge. Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month to maintain the proper air pressure. Having the correct amount of inflation will extend the life of your tires as well as allow you to catch leaks or wear before it becomes a costly or dangerous issue.
Digital Code Reader
The check engine light can be one of the worst things that happens when you start your car or are already headed down the road. If you own your own code reader, you no longer have to stress yourself worrying about what could possibly be wrong with your car. Just plug it into your vehicle’s diagnostic port and you’ll be able to eliminate the unknown factor and the guesswork. The error code may indicate something as simple as an oil change is due or a repair that you can complete with your own tools.
Find Affordable Used Parts for Do-It-Yourself Vehicle Repairs
At Gardner Auto Parts, we offer customers an alternative to costly repair shops and expensive parts stores. With a little know-how and help from the internet, most people can manage to change out defective parts and save themselves some money in the process. Our quality used parts for European and Japanese import vehicles will help you save money on your vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Check out our online inventory or call us 954-972-9407 to speak with a team member. We can’t fix your car for you, but we may have some tips and tricks to share with you! We always welcome walk-ins at our junkyard and auto parts store located at 2090 NW 21st Street in Pompano Beach, Florida, just south of Copans Road on the east side of the road.
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