Get tools that are made from tough alloy steel which are light but incredibly strong. They may cost a little more but they last longer and are designed to the right specification. Purchase a set of flat and Phillips screwdrivers of various sizes. A strong screwdriver is capable of prying some auto assembly parts and can be used with a hammer if needed.

Always have box and open-end type wrenches in your toolbox. A 12-point box wrench gets a good grip on nuts and bolts but a 6-point box wrench gives the best grip on extra tight or damaged bolts and nuts. It’s best to have separate sets of these two types. Other useful tools in this division are the pipe and adjustable wrench.

Many automotive tools make hard tasks easier to manage. When you need to remove nuts and bolts fast, a ratchet and sockets set is what you’ll need. The sockets come in 6 and 12 points and three drive sizes for small, medium and large bolts. They also have extensions of varying length for use in hard to reach spots.

Car manufacturers give specific instructions for tightening bolts and nuts for most parts and components on your car. Whether it’s an idling pulley, a starter motor or a wheel assembly, mounting bolts need to be tightened to a specific torque to avoid damaging the component. A torque wrench is required for these tasks.

The other basic auto tools to keep in handy are pliers, vise grips, ball peen hammer, jacks, tire wrenches, hacksaws, files, chisels, punches and clamps. These are only a few basic tools but they can get almost any mechanical job done on your car.

Once you gain more experience, replace your used automotive tools with new and better ones. New and branded tools can be a bit expensive but are definitely a good investment. Learn to use them often and save a lot on car repairs and maintenance.

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