There are a lot of specialized tools that help our mechanics get your vehicles repaired and back on the road - but there are a lot of tools that can be used on every vehicle. I asked Dicky what he believed were the top five most essential tools for a mechanic and this is the list that he provided:
1. Wrenches
There is a reason people associate wrenches with mechanics - they are an indispensable tool! Especially when it comes to removing rusty bolts, a good old-fashioned wrench is your best bet for applying torque without harming the tool.
2. Ratchets and sockets
Standard and metric - you are going to need these to fit all of the many sizes of nuts and bolts that are found on a vehicle. Deep sockets are great when you need to get to recessed fittings, like spark plugs, that wouldn't be possible with a regular wrench.
3. Computer
Have an engine light on your dash? With how many electronic parts are in modern cars, that engine light could quite literally be a thousand different things. Without a computer to scan the codes in your vehicle, there would be an impossibly long troubleshooting list to make an accurate diagnosis.
4. Screwdrivers
There may not be anything fancy about it, but sometimes a basic tool is the perfect thing to cover a basic need - removing screws (like on an engine cover, or other parts) to get to the repair.
5. Stethoscope
Call them the car doctors, because sometimes they use a stethoscope, too! They help locate various noises that your vehicle might be making to pinpoint what repair is needed. They amplify sounds that the unaided ear would have a hard time detecting.
Do you agree with Dicky's list? Are there any other tools that you think are important and should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Don't forget that this post is part of our final anniversary celebration giveaway. You can read the rules in our first post here. Comments and shares earn you entries in the drawing - the more you participate, the better your chances of winning!