When it comes to basic car maintenance, there’s a selection of hand and power tools which prove to be essential. Whether you’re a new driver who’s just started tinkering under the hood, or a seasoned pro on the hunt for some new tools, buying a decent set is a must to keep your car in good condition.
Not only can a well-kept car retain its value better, but the right tools will enable you to make those quick checks and fixes which could stop you from failing your MOT. Take a look at our list of must-have tools below and see if there’s anything you’re missing…
Screwdriver Set
Whether you’re pimping your car’s interior or fixing something under the bonnet, a screwdriver is useful for a whole host of different tasks. Picking up a screwdriver set is a great way to make sure you’ve covered the bases in terms of size – just make sure it includes both Philips and flat-head bits.
Ratchet Wrench & Socket Set
Ideal for removing bolts quickly and efficiently, a decent ratchet wrench is a key addition to your car toolkit. These come in different sizes – and whichever size you choose, you’ll need to pick up a socket set to match. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend buying the 3/8 ratchet with the metric sockets to accompany it.
Spanner Set
Similarly, a spanner set is always a worthwhile investment for your home workshop. When you’re trying to remove a tricky bolt, and your ratchet just isn’t doing the trick, spanners are the solution! It’s worth spending a little more on a comprehensive set with sizes from 6mm right through to 22mm, like this 15-piece Milwaukee set.
Impact Driver
It’s our first power tool in the list. An impact driver is not only handy in the garage, but useful for a lot of different DIY tasks around the house in general too. Ideal for small or medium-sized bolts – even those that have corroded over time – this tool will save you a lot of elbow grease.
Crimping Tool
Once you’ve tracked down a frayed or broken wire, you’ll need to strip a new piece, and crimp it together to restore the connection. No need for separate bits of kit – a crimping tool can do both – and you can pick up a reliable one for under £20 here at Euro Car Parts. Head over to the shop to a look at our selection of affordable crimping tools.
Pliers and Wire Cutters
Crucial for any electrical upgrades you’re planning to make on your car, pliers and wire cutters are a valuable bit of kit you won’t be able to manage without. You’re likely to need several pairs of pliers in different sizes, but if you’re going for the basics, pick up some standard and long-nosed pliers, and a pair of wire cutters too.
Angle Grinder
Great for manipulating metal and other tough materials, a good angle grinder can cut, grind, sharpen and polish surfaces, depending on which discs you buy to go with it. At Euro Car Parts, our range of angle grinders starts from as little as £39.99, so you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a reliable tool.
Pry Bar
Sick of snapping your screwdrivers, or bending your spanners out of shape? A good pry bar is the solution. You can use a pry bar to safely apply an extra bit of leverage when you need to move a wheel, or a stubborn fitting. Take a look at our selection of budget-friendly pry bars – they vary from heavy to light duty, so you’re sure to find the right tool for the job!
Work Light
If you’re committed to working on your car into the evening, or you just need access to a hard-to-see part of your vehicle, you won’t regret investing in a work light. We stock several free-standing options to help you get visibility of the underside of your car, as well as flexible products which can throw light into small gaps, and even head torches, if you prefer.
Telescopic Mirror
Just as a torch makes everything that little bit easier when working under the hood, a telescopic mirror is an absolute godsend when working around the engine bay. Pick one up for less than £10 and never bump your head on the intake manifold again!
Test Probe
When it comes to working with electrics, such as headlights, dashboard lights and washer jets, a test probe can go a long way in helping you find whether you have a live, or a dud connection in your car’s circuitry.
Whether you’re kitting out your garage or upgrading your existing toolbox, these are some of the best car workshop tools you can include. If you’re missing any of these essentials, get fully stocked with our range of mechanics tools, or if you’d rather get everything you need in one convenient package, have a look at our collection of tool kits – we’ve got one for every budget.