Automotive Tools

Pro mechanics reveal their top automotive tools, the ones that they keep close at hand and work best for them, including a battery-powered…

Reduce the tool rust problem by storing tools with vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) products—capsules, liners and bags.

Buy an air compressor that has the CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity to drive the air tools you want to use. Our brief rundown of compressors…

Air tools speed up auto work and can loosen just about any nut or bolt. We help you identify quality tools.

Buy and use a torque wrench to prevent common over-tightening problems and avoid expensive fixes later.

We'll show you how to use this monster of a tool for troubleshooting almost any type of electrical wiring or appliance. Once you understand…

Are 12-point sockets as good as six-point sockets? Find out the answer—and why—before you buy that expensive set of socket wrenches…

Padded undercar creepers are worth the investment, even for amateur mechanics. You’ll enjoy changing the oil and working on the engine more when…

Windshield washers are fairly reliable. When they fail, it's usually the result of a clogged nozzle or a dead pump. Here's how to…

Change your spark plugs yourself to maintain peak performance and high gas mileage. In most cases it's a simple job as long as you have the…

Diagnosing many car problems is easier with an automotive stethoscope, a tool that lets you hear inside the engine. Here's an introduction to…

For some types of cars, gas octane really does matter, and putting low octane into a car that requires high octane can cause problems. Here's…

A windshield washer that doesn't pump enough fluid is annoying and even hazardous. This quick diagnostic checklist explains how to find and fix…

A pro explains common repair and maintenance for motorcycles and ATVs that you can do yourself. Save money by replacing CV boots, cleaning and…

Be prepared for breakdowns and roadside car problems like flats, dead batteries and mechanical trouble with this handy glovebox guide to…

This simple tool storage tote is perfect for organizing all your metric and SAE sockets and wrenches. You can make it in minutes with plywood…

A torque wrench is a necessity for changing a tire. Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause expensive brake problems and also break wheel studs.

Learning to properly jack up and support your car or truck before you start doing your own oil changes or making repairs is vital to your…

Charging a laptop or other electronic device on a car cigarette lighter works differently than charging from an outlet. Here's what you need to…

Frustrated by a Phillips screw that's starting to strip out? Salvage the situation with one of these tips before you go through the misery of…