Workshop equipment can include a really wide variety of tools, apparatuses and interesting solutions, but some of them are even mandatory equipment for any good mechanic. A workshop engaged in the repair and maintenance of cars, motorcycles and even bicycles should have on hand some of the most basic automotive tools, without which it would be difficult to perform any diagnostics or quick troubleshooting. Here are our top 10 tools that must be in every self-respecting workshop.
Batteries and chargers
Quickly firing up a car that has been sitting in the garage and has completely discharged its battery, checking the vehicle's electronics, or even diagnosing the battery's state of wear will require the workshop to have access to working battery chargers, digital testers or larger starting devices to work on any vehicle. This is one of those items that should not be missing not only in a professional workshop and diagnostic station, but also in a home garage - an uncharged battery in a car can surprise you at the least expected moment.
Brake system work kit
An efficient car must have a well-functioning brake system. It is problems with the fluid and discs that are among the most frequently reported problems in auto repair shops, which is why the next position on the list of the top 10 automotive tools is occupied by brake work kits. A good workshop should especially include: kits for collecting and replacing brake fluid, calipers for measuring brake discs, mounting pliers for brake springs, and pneumatic instruments for turning and reversing left and right brake caliper pistons.
Repairing and replacing wheels and tires
Every workshop experiences at least twice a year a siege of customers requiring replacement of tires, and often entire wheels. Mechanics should therefore always have at their disposal tools for tire removal, wheel wrenches, wheel studs, valve screwdrivers or specialized pliers for balancing weights. After all, every customer expects to leave the workshop with perfectly prepared wheels - the more tools on hand, the greater the chance that the car won't come back in a while for adjustments.
Working with motorcycles
Not every auto repair shop deals with complex work on motorcycles, but by adding a few basic tools and aids to the equipment it will easily handle simple work and diagnostics. First and foremost, a motorcycle stand for stable positioning and lifting of the motorcycle during work will be necessary, as well as a tool for connecting and disconnecting motorcycle chains.
Tools for engine repair
Working on an engine requires a great deal of precision and knowledge of the construction of the entire fuel system, so it is in this category that the most tools necessary for any workshop appear. Among the most interesting tools available at BHP Gabi, when repairing an engine, you can't miss specialized tools for setting the timing belt tensioner, pliers for putting on piston rings, valve spring squeezers with straight and curved jaws, an air grinder for lapping valves, kits for locking and setting timing, pullers for ignition coils, as well as kits dedicated to work on engines of specific car brands.
Spark plug maintenance and replacement
Another category of frequently repaired automotive parts is spark plugs, for the replacement of which the workshop will find it useful to use, among other things: spark plug cap removal pliers, glow plug pliers, spark plug wrenches and sockets, as well as complete kits for removing blocked, broken or damaged spark plugs.
Refrigeration system
Pliers for crimping flexible hoses are one of the most important tools on an auto repair shop's equipment when working on a car's cooling system. Kits for working on air conditioning systems may also be necessary here, as well as gauges for checking the coolant system for leaks and filling.
Steering system
Crucial to the safety of the vehicle, the steering system requires very precise adjustment and the utmost care in any maintenance work. Therefore, tools such as a coaxial clutch disc alignment tool, an assembly lever for dual-clutch transmissions, special tools for the safe removal of seals, an oil-filling tool for manual and automatic transmissions, as well as a variety of pliers, pullers and hub nut sockets may be necessary here to make disassembling and reassembling the transmission a breeze.
Exhaust system
Unlike the steering system, working on the exhaust does not require the mechanic to use a wide variety of tools. If we were to find one that is indispensable in any auto repair shop, it would certainly be exhaust pipe expander and pliers for removing the exhaust flange.
Suspension
The last category of tools necessary for any automotive workshop are any aids used when working on a vehicle's suspension. Here you may need shock absorber mounting and dismounting kits, spring compressors, ball joint pullers, as well as tools for mounting and dismounting bearings.
Working on a car requires extensive technical knowledge and familiarity with the construction of the various components of the vehicle well enough that disassembling and reassembling them won't just cause major problems with the use of the vehicle. The above-mentioned categories of automotive tools that are indispensable in the equipment of any workshop are only the beginning of building a proper equipment base. Thanks to them, every repair can end successfully.
