Buy Basic Automotive Tools
Broken down on the side of the road, you stare at the flat tire and wonder if the spare is inflated. Perhaps you jump into your vehicle and realize you left the lights on and now the battery is dead. Either of these scenarios -- as well as a dozen others -- can result in a tow truck service call with an average charge of $200. Many of these service charges, however, can be avoided if you think ahead about what can happen and buy basic automotive tools. You can easily find everything you need in a variety of retail venues. Well-stocked automotive supply, home renovation, department and discount stores - as well as some online sites - are complete with every tool you need to avoid unexpected expenses in relation to your vehicle.
Steps
- Consider why you are buying automotive tools. This would be in order to avoid service calls for minor emergencies. Remember to keep quality in mind because you want the tools to last several years.
- Reflect on your purchase options. All of the necessary tools are sold at automotive supply stores such as Auto Zone. If you want to go this route for purchase, you will slash your shopping time in half, because everything is in one location. These specialty stores have parts catalogs that include the specific tools you will need for the year, make and model of your vehicle.
- Beware of big box stores such as Sam's Wholesale Club or automotive departments in discount stores such as K-mart when thinking of quality. When you spend a few extra dollars for a quality set of automotive tools, they will last many times longer than a similar looking set that is made with inferior materials.
- Compare the best option you find at a few different places. Research online sites such as Chilton for automotive tool information specific to your vehicle needs. Precise brand names are a good place to start the comparison. If one brand is different, but sounds good, what does it offer to make it a viable option?
- The tools you find at automotive supply stores are often the same grade that are used by professional mechanics. However, the better ones may be kept behind the counter due to their higher costs.
- Those on the shelves are still good, but a level below the professional versions. The difference in cost is worth resisting, because you are not going to use them daily on a variety of vehicles.
- When you find a good price on automotive tools, however, weigh the quality and monetary outlay against your needs and expected use. Many salespeople will explain the differences between differing grades of tools.
- Face reality about department and discount store tool sections. If they have an automotive department, look around to see if their offerings are gift sets for kids to give their dads on Father's Day or if they cater to real-world automotive tool needs.
- The screwdriver kits sold in gift boxes may not be what you can use under the hood.
- A 12-volt portable air compressor is an easily available tool to help out in flat tire emergencies. A knowledgeable salesman at an auto supply, big box, home improvement or discount store can advise you as to its quality.
- Research your needs and choices on the Internet. You will not only run across aniline automotive retail sites such as O'Reilly (www.OReillyAuto.com) that offer everything you need, but also links to informative data pertaining to your specific requirements.
- Think about increased usefulness and productivity in your work. As an example, a 4-way lug wrench and hydraulic floor jack purchased at an auto supply store are much easier to use than those supplied with your automobile. Consider what the tool offers to make a specific job easier than what you already own.
Tips
- Spur of the minute purchases of lesser quality automotive tools may entail your buying whatever the store nearest to you has available. This works as long as you realize the socket set you purchase may not be of the best quality.
