As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
With the following list of 12 tools that everyone should have in their car, you’ll learn precisely why it is so important to have them, and how you can get the most of them. So, head down for more!
Top 12 Essential Tools for Car
1. Ball Joint Press
A Ball Joint Press is an arm-like device that helps you press the ball joint down to get it off. You won’t be able to do so with other tools unless you don’t care about damaging the rest of the pieces or the control arm.
If you want to get a ball joint fast and effectively out of the control arm, then this is the tool you need.
2. Spark Plug Gap Tool
The Spark Plug Gap Tool is a super simple piece that keeps the spark plug at the perfect gap from the engine. When you install one that doesn’t have the ideal size or design to fit on the engine, then the gap tool becomes pretty handy.
This tool will improve your spark plug performance, making it easier for the combustion to start. It will also set the spark plug at the right position, and even prevent burnt electrodes with this alignment. For anyone who wants maximum spark plug performance, the gap tool won’t let them down.
3. Anti-Seize
Corrosion is one of the worst enemies of auto parts – especially bolts and fasteners. That’s why many people use anti-seize compounds, to keep them from corroding too fast.
This compound works especially well in situations where the fastener meets with other parts made with different materials. The anti-seize compound secures the screw tightly while adding a layer of anti-corrosion on the threads. And that’s something you don’t get with other tools.
A single stick of compound can last several months up to years, as you’re going to use it only for screws and bolts when needed. Yet, it will also provide a durable result.
4. Fender Covers
Fender Covers are plush-like pieces of fabric or protective polyester that you can use to prevent any unwanted damage to your car. Some fender covers are even made with fleece and microfiber, making them softer and impact-absorbent.
Having one of these will protect your car’s fenders from bumps, scratches, rubs, and grease stains. You won’t have to worry about them when working on your vehicle anymore.
5. Header Paint
People often use header paint on surfaces like the exhaust system and the engine headers that are exposed to heat. This will improve the durability of the pieces and make them look amazing.
If you want to give an exciting look to your engine, header paint is also the perfect tool to have. You can pick between many different colors available, from basic tones to metallic and other interesting options. It will make your car much more practical and long-lasting.
6. Double Flare Tool
When you need to make steel brake lines for your car, you use a double flare tool instead of going to an expensive mechanic. There’s no other way around it.
The whole purpose of this tool is to flare the hole of a tube into itself. For that, it is necessary for the double flare tool to come with various openings so you can open the flare twice without causing damage.
It is a simple job, yet it is essential for brake lines. So, this is an important tool that you can’t overlook.
7. Wheel Wrench / Extension
The wheel wrench will help you get rid of the nuts that keep the tire attached to the wheel. So, you must have one of these obligatorily, even if you don’t know how to use it. Otherwise, you may get stranded with a flat tire and with no way to replace it – and that’s something you don’t want.
Don’t forget about an extension, though. Especially if you get a small wheel wrench, and extension can help you get the flat tire out quickly. If a wrench is not available, you can use other tools like pliers as a replacement for tightening nuts, bolts, and pipes.
8. Socket Wrench / Screwdriver Set
A socket wrench (with a combination of point socket and point nut set) and a screwdriver set are things you will probably use more at home than in your car. They can be used in different repairs and replacing specific parts like tires, CV axles, etc. But they’re still essential if you want to be prepared for any situation.
While they’re not the same thing, having a mixed set will be ideal. You don’t need to have one of each that will take a lot of space in your car. Just get a combo set with a socket wrench and a few screwdrivers, and that will be enough.
9. Jack Axle / Stands
Lifting your car off the floor when a tire flat out, or when you need to do a repair under the vehicle is only possible with a jack axle. Also called trolley jack, it is the easiest and most reliable way to lift your trailer or your car.
If you don’t want the jack axle to hold the entire weight of the car, you may always use some stands to maintain it up from other points. And that will keep the vehicle off the ground even more reliably.
10. Jump Starter / Jumper Cables
When the problem of your car is electrical and involves the battery, there’s sometimes not much to use apart from replacing it.
However, sometimes, the battery just dies in the middle of the road. Or it doesn’t want to turn on after several days, weeks, or months without working. In that case, you need a jump starter.
In case a jump starter seems too expensive, you can also get jumper cables. This is the perfect way to connect another car’s battery to yours and get the starting energy the battery needs to turn on the vehicle.
11. A Knife
Another super useful tool to have in your car is a knife. You could use one for a wide array of things, going from cutting rope, duct tape, and more. In some cases, it may even help to cut debris stuck in your wheels or axles, and probably also get rid of nails or things stuck in the tires.
Talking about knives, there is always an option to make one yourself.
12. Headlight / Flashlight
Finally, there’s nothing more helpful than a headlight to illuminate the hood while you’re working on it. If a headlight is too expensive, or you prefer something slightly more practical, then a flashlight also works.
Whether you pick a headlight or a flashlight, we recommend getting the most practical model possible. And for that, focus on models with magnets or hooks, things that will let you hang the light when working on the hood.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a wide array of tools you can get to make your car repairs and maintenance way easier than average. Even minor dents will be prevented, but can easily remove by using regular glue to pull out dents from your car. Getting at least one of each will be enough to be always safe and ready for even the hardest of inconveniences.