The amount of vibration to which a car is subjected to is quite remarkable. Add in the constant pumping and spinning of the engine, the extremes in temperature, and sudden changes in road condition from smooth to washboard, and it’s a wonder the car doesn’t shake itself apart. It doesn’t take expensive car tools to keep the car “tight”, for example hoses in place and doorknobs doing their jobs.

Cheap car tools will work ok, but where car tools are concerned, you get what you pay for. If you plan to do any of your own work, at a minimum, you’ll want to obtain the car tools listed below:

A Set of Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers come in two types: flat head and Phillips head. The flat head has a straight blade that fits in screws that have one slit across the center of the screw head. The Phillips head screwdriver has a crossed blade that fits into a screw that has a crossed slit in the head.

Screwdrivers are essential car tools. Many air-filter housings are held on by screws. If you ever change your own oil, it’s good to check the air filter at the same time. You’ll need a screwdriver to open the air filter housing. All the clamps under the hood, the clamp between the air breather and the engine, and clamps on the hoses use a flat blade fitting. Inside the door, door panels are held on with trim screws. These and some window cranks are held in place by Phillip screws. Also, the dashboard is held in place by Phillip screws and some plastic clips. As you can tell, screwdrivers are a vital part of any set of car tools.

A set of Torx Bits or Torx Head Screwdrivers: These car tools are great for newer cars. In fact, newer automobiles are using a new style of opening on some screws. The opening is shaped like a fat star, called a torx head. They are designed to allow for more torque (more twist) to be applied to a screw with less likelihood of a screwdriver slipping. There may be no other place save the family car where you’ll use torx bits car tools, but if your car is new or nearly new, you may need a torx bit in the interior.

A High Quality Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench should be on your next list of car tools wish list. Anywhere there is a bolt, you can apply an adjustable wrench. If you do invest in an adjustable wrench, make sure to get a good one. An adjustable wrench has a screw-type mechanism that you work with the thumb to make it fit tight around a bolt. With cheaper ones, that tightening mechanism seems to work itself a little looser with each turn, until the wrench slips and a pair of catastrophes happen all at once: the head of the bolt gets ever-so-slightly rounded, so you won’t be able to grip it with a wrench; and you’ll scrape your knuckles when the wrench slips. Make sure that your car tools are the utmost in quality.

Author - Keith Winton

Keith Winton writes regular articles on many and varied Automotive topics…Find more of his articles at drive-werks.com