
When I was working as a mechanic, I racked up quite a bit of debt with SnapOn and Matco tools (if you know, you know). However, after retiring from working in the shops and taking on content development, I’ve realized that I can still work on my car without the thousands of dollars in tools. Even if you’re not a pro, working on your own car can be incredibly rewarding and save you a bit of money. But you need to have the right tools. The list of eight tools below is narrowed down to the must-haves.
It’s important to note that if your car is newer or European, you may need some very specific tools to work on it. As always, you should consult your vehicle’s manual, and when in doubt, chat with a professional mechanic before diving in. That said, let’s break down the tools you absolutely need if you’re going to DIY any car repairs.