From gas or diesel to seemingly-endless trips through the car wash, the true cost of owning a vehicle only increases as the years go by. However, one of the largest expenses is the general upkeep and repairs that every car requires, no matter what its make, model or age. Before you resign yourself to paying a mechanic or technician to care for your beloved car or truck, use your natural skills to transform yourself into a home grown mechanic. The first step in this transformation is to stock your garage with the essentials, including:
A Stellar Workspace
Before you purchase a single tool or quart of oil, it's essential to create an amazing workspace. Creating an ideal environment will help you stay organized and allow you to store your car, tools and accessories correctly.
According to Popular Mechanics, every homegrown mechanic's garage workshop should include the following elements:
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Upgraded Flooring – A concrete slab is inexpensive and easy to maintain, but if you want a better option, Popular Mechanics urges mechanics to splurge on an epoxy finish or floor tiles that are designed for use in the garage. Not only do they look better, these upscale finishes are softer and will cause less damage to any falling tools.
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A Great Workspace – You need something to work on, which is why purchasing or constructing a workbench is key. Choose a bench that is sturdy, made for use in the garage and is the correct size for your garage.
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You Need to See What You're Doing – It's nearly impossible to change your oil or replace your carburetor without the right lighting. This is why Popular Mechanics recommends installing inexpensive, durable fluorescent lighting. Don't forget to pick-up a few shop lights, which will prove invaluable when you're climbing under the car or searching under the hood!
In addition to these essentials, it's important to invest in quality storage. A quality tool bench and some durable storage shelving intended for use in the garage are two great pieces to start with.
Air Compressor
Investing in a quality air compressor can serve several purposes in your homemade garage beyond simply pumping-up your tires. However, before you invest in a high quality unit that is intended for use on a job site by contractors, it's vital to learn which type of air compressor is right for you.
For example, if your air compressor will prove handy, but won't necessarily be used daily or for larger jobs, a smaller, consumer-grade model is the most cost effective, appropriate option. However, if you're planning to act as a full-service garage for your vehicles, consider splurging on a commercial-grade air compressor, instead. Check out sites like http://www.compressor-pump.com for more information.
A Creeper and a Jack
Far and away, there are two tools that every mechanic, professional or otherwise, cannot live without: a creeper and a jack.
When it comes to choosing a creeper, or that cart mechanics use to wiggle under a vehicle, choose a model that features plenty of padding, including a nice headrest. In addition, make sure the creeper features at least six to eight casters, which will allow you to easily move around the garage without feeling like you're constantly about to fall over.
Once again, the right jack for your garage is dependent on several factors – including the size and weight of your vehicle. However, if you're planning to work under a car, no matter if it's once-a-day or once-a-year, it's vital to invest in a quality hydraulic jack. In addition, also pick up quality jack stands, which are stationary and work along with the jack to keep the car firmly and safely in place.
Now that you've got all the right equipment and storage, it's time to invest in tools. Once again, it's best to invest in quality, which includes a full set of standard and metric sockets. Whether your car was built in Germany, Japan or the United States, chances are you'll need both types to complete the job!
