Presidents’ Day is just around the corner! This holiday is a great opportunity for families to have a road trip since it’s always held on a Monday. The long weekend is a perfect time for a quick vacation.
That said, you should check your vehicle before every long drive. It might have faulty components that might cause a breakdown or increase the risk of an accident. Your vehicle must be in tip-top shape to keep you and your passengers safe. Usually, conducting a visual inspection of your vehicle in your garage and checking your vehicle’s tires will be sufficient.
If you’re an experienced DIY mechanic, you might be able to fix some issues that you find yourself. Do you have the right tools for the job?
JC Whitney has a great selection of high-quality maintenance tools that can help in your DIY fix. Here are some tools that you should have in your garage to help you with your next DIY fix or road trip:
If you’re working on your vehicle’s wheels, suspension, or undercarriage, then raising your vehicle is going to be a must. A jack stand will make this task much easier compared to using a scissor or bottle jack.
Remember that if you’re going to be repairing something for an extended period, you’ll also need a sturdy jack stand. Over time, the jack might slip or fail because of the vehicle’s weight. Always use jack stands with a floor jack to ensure a safe and stable working environment.
A simple garage stool is useful because you can sit in a comfortable position if you’re working on a repair that takes some time. This can be the case if you’re detailing some paint or if you’re working on the wheel hub. It allows you to access parts without kneeling, which might create some strain over time.
Working under your vehicle can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful if you don’t have proper support. Reaching for the vehicle while lying down is going to require you to extend your arms for a long period. A creeper seat provides a padded and mobile platform so that you can slide beneath the vehicle, avoiding the dirty and potentially hazardous floor during inspections or repairs. Forget about kneeling or crawling, which can cause back, knee, and shoulder strain. A creeper seat will make repairs more efficient and comfortable.
Demolition drivers are flathead screwdrivers meant for more than unscrewing fasteners. Demo drivers have reinforced shafts and strike caps so that you can hammer them onto stubborn screws or chip away at rust.
A wheel chock is a necessary tool whenever you park your vehicle on an incline or grade. You can use a large rock instead of this tool, but having one that can properly wedge itself and prevent your tires from rolling is especially important if you’re working on a vehicle that’s parked on an uneven surface. In these situations, any unexpected movement can cause an accident.
A pair of jumper cables can come in handy if you’re going on a road trip. Sometimes, your vehicle’s battery or alternator might have issues and you’ll end up with a flat battery while being unable to start your vehicle. Jumper cables are a good investment because you’ll be able to start your vehicle with the help of a stranger. Most importantly, it can save you from getting stranded and paying for an expensive tow truck ride.
You might not need these tools all the time, but having them in your arsenal ensures you’ll be well-prepared whenever you need to do a specific task.
Remember to always prioritize safety when working on your vehicle. If you’re unsure about any repairs, consult a qualified mechanic. Happy travels this Presidents’ Day!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.