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Auto Tools
Auto Tools Delivery or Pickup
About auto tools
Today's cars are complex, sophisticated machines with a variety of features. If you want to make repairs to your own vehicle, you'll need the right tools. Here's some more information about the types of auto tools you'll need to care for your ride and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about them.
Hand tools
A mechanic should have wrenches, pliers, and flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers. Commercial garages often use pneumatic wrenches, but you may not need these tools if you're working on your vehicle in your spare time.
You could also need to buy measuring tools such as pressure gauges and micrometers, grinders, and lathes via Instacart. With a digital brake micrometer, you can measure your brakes' rotors and brake pads and then replace them when they start to become too thin. People often use tire pressure gauges, steering wheel lock plate tools, clutch alignment tools, strut spring compressors, and spark plug, socket, and gauge tools in their home garages as well.
Lifts and hoists
Most commercial garages use pneumatic lifts to raise cars to a convenient height so that people can work on them. Private mechanics need an auto dolly or car jack. Otherwise, accessing parts of the vehicle could be difficult, and you won't be able to change a tire when needed.
Electronic diagnostic equipment
Modern mechanics can use sophisticated electronic diagnostic equipment to diagnose a problem with your vehicle. With a scan tool, you can connect it to an OBD-II or second-generation onboard diagnostic port. Some of these tools can connect to Wi-Fi, and others can interface with your smartphone. A code reader connects to the same port, but it gives an error code instead of a full diagnosis. You'll need to look up the meaning of the code for your vehicle.
A multimeter measures the amount of electric power going through a circuit or wire. It lets you identify faulty circuits, problems with your battery, and malfunctioning sensors. A non-contact infrared thermometer is also useful. It lets you measure the temperatures of locations that are too hot to touch or hard to reach while your vehicle is running.
A tool cabinet or box
Keeping your tools organized with a cabinet or toolbox will help you save time by avoiding a long search for what you need. It will also help you keep the rest of your garage neat and protect your tools from kids and pets.
Auto Tools Near Me
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FAQs about auto tools
In addition to the tools we mentioned already, you should buy a light through Instacart that you can hang under the hood and a ratchet extender. You can attach the extender to your socket wrench to reach bolts in tight spaces. A flexible socket wrench set could be useful as well. You can bend the end to work easily in cramped spaces, but it's more costly than a standard socket set.
A nut splitter lets you crack any nut that won't move without damaging the stem's threads or bolt it's attached to. You can slip the ring over the nut and then turn the tooth until the nut breaks. With a telescoping mirror and magnets, you can see around corners and pick up any parts you drop in tight spaces easily. An air ratchet can make removing nuts and bolts easy. However, you should be careful reinstalling them to avoid damage.
By keeping some tools in your vehicle, you can often make repairs on your own if you suffer from a sudden breakdown. If you can't fix the problem yourself, you'll be able to wait comfortably until help arrives. You should pack a battery-powered flashlight or lantern, a tire gauge to check your tire pressure, a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver, a set of wrenches and sockets, and a car jack. If your vehicle has space, carry a spare tire as well.
You should carry work gloves, safety glasses, a dust mask, and jumper cables. You can also get a portable battery pack through Instacart that lets you restart a dead battery without the assistance of another vehicle. Other useful supplies include an ice scraper, flares or reflective triangles, a charger for your phone, a blanket, kitty litter to add traction to slippery areas, and 2-3 gallons of water.
Your vehicle should also have a first aid kit with gloves, bandages, pain relievers, saline solution for washing contaminants out of your eyes, ointment, disinfectant, a digital thermometer, and other basic supplies. If you take prescription medication, keep 1-2 doses in your vehicle in case you become stranded. Hot and cold packs that you can bend to activate will help you stay comfortable while waiting for help. An easy-to-follow first aid manual will help you and your passengers understand what to do in an emergency.
The tools mechanics use are tough, but they're still vulnerable to rust and other damage. After you use your tools, clean them thoroughly before you put them away. You can use all-purpose oils like WD-40 to lubricate and clean auto tools. While you remove any debris or grease, look for handles with splinters, broken or cracked parts, or signs of corrosion. If you're not sure you can repair a broken tool, get a replacement rather than waiting for a dangerous failure.
Add a few silica gel packs to your toolbox or cabinet to keep moisture levels low. Clean your power tools after use and replace batteries regularly. If you're going to store a tool for a long period, remove the battery. If you notice frayed wires or other damage, have your power tools repaired by a professional or replaced.
For the convenience you need, order your auto tools through Instacart. You can save time and make your day a little easier by using the Instacart app. It's quick and easy to place an order from your smartphone.