16 Essential Automotive Tools for DIY Car Repair: Save Money & Time (2025 Guide)

Whether you are repairing an old car or have a brand new model, with the right car tools you can start doing your car maintenance instead of going to an auto repair store.

Using your automotive tools saves you time and money, and if something breaks down, you have the confidence and know how to fix it. But you can't just haul your basic home tool kit to the garage; an auto mechanic's car tools are not the same as a woodworker's tools.

Here are the best automotive tools you need to get started.

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16 Essential Automotive Tools

 

1 Socket Set

Any automotive tool list begins with a great socket wrench set. A proper mechanic's tool set will include standard and metric sizes and 3/8-inch, 1/4-inch, and even 1/2-inch drivers and sockets. Extensions and thin-walled sockets are also useful in some situations. This DeWalt socket wrench is fully functional and is a great tool for beginners and mechanics alike.

2 Pliers and wire cutters

There are tons of electrical projects you can do on your vehicle, such as installing a stereo mainframe, and speakers, or connecting new headlights. As a result, you'll need pliers of all sizes, as well as wire cutters and wire strippers. Craftsman and Milwaukee Tool offer a full range of hand tools to get the job done.

3 Torque Wrench

Beginners often neglect to set nuts to the proper torque. Over-tightening the nut can cause the bolt to break and also make it harder to remove when needed. Use a hairspring-type torque wrench to make sure you tighten to the correct specification.

To adjust the torque, simply turn the bottom handle and line up the top with the specified torque printed on the tool. Tighten until you hear two clicks, then you're done.

Never use a torque wrench to remove the nut. Instead, use an impact wrench or circuit breaker; otherwise, you may mistake the setting on the torque wrench.

4 Wrenches

A wrench set is an essential accessory for any mechanical toolbox. We love this ratchet wrench set from Craftsman, which features an open end and a ratcheting box end so you don't have to remove the wrench with each turn.

5 Screwdrivers

Screwdriver sets are useful around the house and in the garage, but you may need to expand the screwdrivers you already have. Purchase a complete set that includes a larger flathead screwdriver that doubles as a small pry tool, as well as smaller screwdrivers that are delicate enough to be used for electronic work.

6 Deadly Strike Mallet

In most cases, the only way to remove a stuck bolt is to use a dead blow hammer. A few taps (and possibly heat) with a hammer will loosen almost anything.

7 Work Lamps

During the winter months, when working late into the night is common, you need a good work light to keep parts from getting lost and to brighten up your project. This LED flood light from Milwaukee Tool is powered by M18 batteries and rotates 240 degrees.

8 Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are better than regular work gloves because they are disposable and you work with clean gloves every time you start a project. Reusable work gloves get greasy quickly and there is no easy way to clean them.

9 Zipper Strap

Zip ties are great for keeping cables and wires bundled together and away from heat and moving parts. Zip ties also keep everything neat so it's easier to work on your vehicle instead of staring into a rat's nest. Buy bundles of different-sized zip ties/nylon ties so you have plenty of options when you need them.

10 Multimeter

A multimeter is a necessity for checking if wires are hot and how much current is passing through them. It eliminates the guessing game and is vital for tracking down those little glitches that seem to permeate so many automotive electronic systems. This Klein digital multimeter is easy to use and features a nice large display.

11 Impact Wrenches

Impact wrenches make quick work of removing nuts and can be screwed into them instantly. But be careful not to over-screw the nut. Kobalt has introduced a new line of brushless impact wrenches in 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch sizes. These are competitively priced and can save you a lot of time.

12 Lubricants and cleaners

Mechanical moving parts need to be cleaned and lubricated on a regular basis, so you'll need to purchase some liquid sprays to help with this process.

Rust penetrant loosens stubborn bolts and prevents rust buildup; brake cleaner dries quickly and can be used to clean any metal part, including brakes; silicone lubricant eliminates squeaks and rubbing and won't attract dust; and citrus degreaser, which you spray and then rinse off, removes oily products from skid plates, axles, and steering components.

13 Drip Oil Tray

Use an oil drip tray, or at least a piece of cardboard, to catch oil and liquids dripping from your car. This prevents stains from being left on the garage floor and reduces the likelihood of stepping on something that was brought into your home. (If you want to avoid leaving stains, you can also lay a large plastic sheet on the garage floor and drive your car on it.)

14 Desiccant

Keep a bag of desiccant or other absorbent (kitty litter is fine) handy to soak up any oils or liquids that may leak onto the drip tray and spill onto the floor. The quicker the reaction, the less likely you are to leave an unsightly oil stain on your beautiful concrete floor.

15 Plumbing Tape and Electrical Tape

Plumbing tape is versatile, so you should keep a roll handy. Electrical tape is also useful when connecting wires and covering exposed wires.

16 Factory Service Manual

Probably the most valuable automotive tool is the factory service manual. This manual contains all the exact specifications for your vehicle's make and model, and oftentimes it also contains tutorials for common tasks like replacing brake pads and adjusting the carburetor.

These manuals are much better than the Chilton and Haynes manuals you'll find at your local auto store, and sometimes Google and forums don't always have the right answers. If you can't find one locally right away, check eBay or search online - a surprisingly large number of factory service manuals have been scanned as PDFs.