Once you have a basic set of automotive tools. You’ll want to start getting some automotive specialty tools to help you when doing some basic automotive repair jobs. Here is a list of automotive specialty tools that I’ve found over the years every mechanic should have.
Code Reader/ OBII Scan Tool
If you have a car made after 1996 then you are going to need scan tool of some sort to check the codes. Your car sets a code when then the check engine light turns on. It’s takes an automotive specialty tool to read these codes.
There are two basic types of tools that will read the engine codes. There is your basic code reader. All they do is read generic engine trouble codes. Then there is an OBII scan tool. There will not only read engine codes but they do other things. Depending on the scan tool you buy they will give you live engine data, and read other codes like ABS and Air Bag codes.
Launch makes a lot of good inexpensive scan tools, and code readers. Plus they offer unlimited free updates so when you buy a newer car, your vehicle is still covered. The Launch CRP123 is a great scan tool that will give you live data, plus ABS, Air Bag, and transmission codes. While the Launch CR319 is your basic code reader with very limited live data. Both are great automotive specialty tools.
Multi-meter
You’ll need a good multimeter. You don’t need to buy a Fluke but they are one of the best. What you need is a meter that will auto range, with the ability to read Ohm’s, Voltage, and Amperage. With all the new computer controlled systems you’ll want one with a very high internal resistance. This prevents the risk of damage to a PCM.
Test Light
A test light is another automotive specialty tool for checking power and ground on electrical circuits. You need to avoid using a simple test light on computer controlled circuits. They can cause voltage spikes that ruin a PCM.
Simple test lights useful but personally I suggest getting a Power Probe instead. Not only will it tell you if you have power or ground, while being PCM friendly. The power probe is able to put power to circuits making it really easy to figure out electrical problems.
Coolant Funnel
If you do work on any part of your coolant system, you’ll have to bleed the air out of the system. This coolant funnel is worth every penny of the $30 they sell them for on Amazon. These funnels will it save you time trying to get the air out of the system. They also save you tons of money on coolant that is no longer getting spilled all over your garage floor.
Magnetic tray
A magnetic tray is one of those things you don’t know need it until you don’t have it. Personally I use two trays when working under the hood. One holds all my sockets and wrenches. The other holds all my bolts and what not. I’ve found over the years this saves a lot of time while working on a cars. When you’re done it helps making picking up your tools simple. You just grab the tray and take it you’re tool box to put it away.
Jack and Jack stands/Ramps
Eventually you will need to remove your tires or lift your car up high enough to slide underneath it. For this you’ll need a good floor jack. You can try to use the jack that comes with your vehicle but it’s not really meant for that. For safety reasons any time you use a jack you want to use a jack stand. Even that best jack can fail and you don’t want to be under the car when it does. Most jack stands are sold in pairs. Buy 2 pairs, that way you have four and can rotate your own tires.
Pry Bars
Most of us have used a flat head screwdriver as a pry bar at least once in our lives. Using an actually pry bar is the correct tool for the job. The longer the pry bar the better off you’ll be. Of course as long as you have the room to use it.
Access to Service Information
Almost every repair you make on a car is going to take some sort of specialty tool. The most important thing you’ll need for any automotive repair, is service literature of some sort. You can look repair videos on YouTube, or just about anywhere on the internet. The problem is you run the risk of someone less skilled than you made the video. So you run down to your local parts store and buy a Chilton’s or Hayes manual for your make and model of vehicle. An online subscription to ALLDATA, is an even better option. The only problem with any online information is having your computer in your garage or spending a lot money in paper, printing everything out.
Conclusion
Remember with any tool you usually get what you pay for. So if you go cheap you get cheap. Some of these automotive specialty tools you won’t use very often so the temptation to buy extremely cheap is there. The problem is when you need them you will need to rely on them so make sure you get good quality tools.
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