When it comes to basic car care or simple tasks around the house, there are some essentials everyone should have to prevent a call to the neighbour.
1. Tyre inflator
Getting in and around the garage might sometimes be a bit of a task, never mind finding room to change a flat tyre. Using a small electric compressor will usually pump enough air in the tyre to allow the car to be backed out of the garage to carry out a repair or replacement without too much fuss.
2. Spare oil and water bottle
Checking oil between services is essential for maintaining any vehicle, especially when your car is coming of age. Keeping a 1-litre bottle of the correct spec engine oil for topping up is recommended. Visit your nearest automotive parts supplier who will be able to recommend the correct oil for your vehicle.
A water bottle is handy for topping up the windscreen washer bottle or the cooling system reservoir.
3. Funnel
You don’t want to be that person who thinks they have great aim and steady hands, only to spill oil all over the engine. There are so many handy uses for a funnel it might be worth keeping a couple in the shed, one for oils and one for water based products.
4. Tools
When it comes to the basics, it’s good to have a screwdriver and spanner set as a minimum. This will allow you to achieve a simple task of tightening a loose screw or changing a bulb. A small general-purpose tool kit usually contains the key tools that will suit most applications.
5. Battery charger
If you’re one to store a vehicle for a long period of time or lucky enough to own a boat, a battery charger is a must have. This can be used to maintain charge or top up the battery before setting off on your next adventure. If the battery has decided to give up, the charger should supply enough power to start the car and get you to a workshop. Alternatively call AA Roadservice which is there to get you out of a tricky situation.
You can purchase quality battery chargers from most automotive parts suppliers. Battery chargers differ in size and functionality, so be sure you’re buying the right one for your needs.
6. Torch
Self-explanatory really, keep in an easy to find location in case of a power cut, or if you need closer inspection of that hard to reach place in your car.
7. Lubricant spray
If you hate cracks and squeaks, keep a can in the garage to lubricate those noisy door straps or stiff bonnet catch mechanism. It also acts as a water dispersant to help dry out components that have accidently been covered in water. Quality products include CRC 5.56 or WD-40 which you can find in hardware stores or automotive parts suppliers.
8. Rags
Keeping a few old rags around is a must for any garage. Mopping up oil spills on the engine, garage floor, cleaning spills inside the car, or cleaning the interior of the car full stop, you can never have too many rags.