11 Car Repair Tools to Always Keep in Your Garage

July 29, 2021

DIY auto repairs can save you time, money, and headaches, but only if you have the right tools. Not sure how to get started on building your own auto repair tool kit? We're here to help! Check out our list of essential car repair tools, so you'll know what to buy (and what to skip) to help you tackle those simple DIY auto repair tasks yourself.

Essential Car Repair Tools

When building out your car repair tool collection, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, there are dozens of unique auto tools that all serve there own purpose. If you want to start with the basics, then this list essential tools can help get you started.

1. Socket Set

Your INFINITI has hundreds of nuts and bolts, and you need to be able to loosen, remove, replace and tighten all of them easily and effectively. Your socket set should include sockets, extensions, ratchets, allen keys (a breaker bar is optional but a great addition) Here's a hint: you'll likely see this type of set sold as a "Mechanic Tool Set" that includes all the parts you need in an organized carry case.

2. Wrench Set

When you're working with a ratchet and sockets, sometimes you need to grip both pieces of an assembly in order to loosen or tighten it. Wrenches are helpful to hold a nut in place while you work on loosening whatever is threaded through it with a ratchet or other tool.

3. Torque Wrench

A torque wrench is different from a regular wrench and takes some of the guesswork out of tightening nuts and bolts. Under- or over-tightening can damage some components on your INFINITI. High quality torque wrenches are designed to tighten bolts to a precise torque level, which may help prevent premature wear and tear on the parts you are tightening.

To use a torque wrench, simply set the wrench to the recommended torque level of the piece you're working on (consult your INFINITI owner's manual to find this information), then tighten until the wrench clicks once.

4. Screwdrivers

Unless you're brand new to any type of DIY project, you likely already have some screwdrivers in your garage. You'll definitely want both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers in multiple head sizes. You may also want to consider purchasing various screwdrivers with smaller and larger handles to help get a better grip in tight spaces.

5. Rubber Mallet

Even after you unscrew a part, it may sometimes need a little extra shove to come loose. That's where a rubber mallet comes in. Unlike a metal hammer, a rubber mallet is soft and is less likely to bend long, small parts (like long screws) or dent surrounding parts if you accidentally miss your target or pound just a bit too hard.

6. Gloves

DIY auto repairs are tough on your hands, so you'll want to protect them as best you can. Whether you want to use disposable gloves or invest in a pair of reusable ones, gloves can help prevent scuffs and scratches on your hands while you work. Plus, a good pair of gloves can save you time scrubbing grease and grime from your skin once your work is done. For a disposable version, look for nitrile gloves with textured bumps to help with grip. For reusable varieties, look for high quality synthetic leather gloves.

Car Tire Repair Tool Kit

You never know when a tire emergency will strike! Build a tire repair tool kit for your garage, and keep another set of these items in your car in case an emergency happens while you're out on the road.

7. Tire Jack Kit

Here's a car repair tool list of everything you'll need to change a tire. Include all of these in a kit for your garage, and keep another kit in your vehicle for tire emergencies on the go:

• Jack: the part that nestles onto your INFINITI's frame and hoists it up
• Tow Hook: a threaded bolt that attaches to the jack and turns to expand or contract the jack's frame
• Rod Jack Handle: a handheld piece that turns the tow hook to change the height of the jack
• Lug Nut Wrench: a wrench that's sized to fit the wheel lug nuts on your INFINITI; this is the piece you'll use to loosen the lug nuts to remove the old tire and tighten them again once you've installed a spare or a new tire

To save time and ensure you have everything you need for tire emergencies, shop INFINITI tool sets online. Choose your INFINITI model and year to ensure your jack and lug nut wrench will fit seamlessly. It's also a good idea to carry extra wheel lug nuts just in case you lose one in the process of changing a tire.

DIY Car Repair Tools for Electrical Work

Want to rewire your headlight or check the state of your INFINITI's horn fuse? Electrical work requires a few specialty tools and some basic knowledge of electrical components and currents. If you're unsure about servicing your electrical system yourself, err on the safe side and trust the pros at your nearby INFINITI service center. For basic electrical repairs, though, keep these items on hand:

8. Pliers

A good pair of needle nose pliers can be a huge help in any electrical project. For tasks where your fingers just aren't small enough to grip tiny wires, needle nose pliers can help you remove and reattach things with ease.

9. Wire Cutter

For any project that involves replacing old wiring, you'll need a tool that cuts wire, even the toughest scissors just won't cut it (no pun intended!). Invest in a wire cutting tool that will give you clean-cut ends with a simple squeeze.

10. Wire Stripper

Some wires have a protective outer coating, and you'll need to remove a few inches of that coating to ensure a wire has good contact with whatever it's connecting to. A wire stripping tool typically has several slots for different sized wires. To use it, simply slide your wire into the right-sized slot, squeeze, and pull the coating off the end of the wire to expose the metal underneath. Some wire cutter tools have stripping slots, as well.

11. Multimeter

Using your hands to test electrical components for current strength and activity is never a good idea. Instead, use a multimeter. With its two probes, a multimeter gives you a reading of electrical current strength. A multimeter may help you diagnose the root of electrical issues and can provide necessary feedback on what's working and what's not as you progress through a repair project.

Optional (But Very Handy!) Car Repair Tools List

Sure, you could put in the elbow grease to hand-tighten everything. Or, you could let power tools and air tools do the work for you! Here are some common power tools that make auto repairs a breeze.

Air Tools and Power Tools for Car Repair

• Impact Wrench: When a stubborn nut just won't budge with a wrench and socket, a battery-powered impact wrench can loosen and tighten components in seconds.
• Air Compressor: You'll need this to power any air tools you have, and it also comes in handy when you need to add air to underinflated tires.
• Work lights: If you're working toward the bottom of your vehicle or within a small space, overhead lighting may not be enough. Portable task lighting can save you frustration and time for tasks in hard-to-reach spots.

Complement Your Auto Repair Tool Kit with the Best Parts

Tools? Check! DIY skills? Check! All that's left to do is purchase high quality replacement parts from INFINITI Parts! Our OEM parts are made specifically for your INFINITI's model, year, and trim, and are guaranteed to fit. Shop online today for tool sets, new parts, accessories, and more.