OBD2 Scanner: Friencity WiFi OBD2 Scanner Every car built with electronic fuel injection has an electronic control unit, essentially the car's computer, to monitor the engine and control the fuel delivery and spark plug ignition. At one time, each individual manufacturer built its own interface used to plug in a computer to get readings and trouble codes to help diagnose a problem. In 1994, California introduced regulations to require all cars to use the same data port and that became a federal requirement in 1996. Since then, mechanics could use a single scanner with one connector instead of having a different one for each make of car rolling into the shop. This means that you can also obtain one of these scanners to see why your check engine light is illuminated. While the code alone is not usually enough to figure out the problem, it will at least point you in the right direction. At a minimum, you can use the scanner to keep your mechanic honest and verify a diagnosis before shelling out hundreds to have something fixed. One recommendation would be the Friencity WiFi OBD2 Scanner, which only costs $14.59 and connects to your phone via Bluetooth and the Torque Pro app. The app is only $4.99 on the Play Store and similar apps are available for iOS. It is very helpful although it only reads engine codes and cannot help with ABS, Airbags, and other systems. Advanced scanners from brands like Autel that do everything can cost upwards of $500. Hydraulic jack: Pittsburgh Automotive 1.5-ton Racing Jack There are dozens of jobs you might need or want to take care of on your car that require some degree of getting under it or having one or more wheels off the ground. Your car should have a jack included with the spare tire, although many recent models have ditched the spare in favor of a can in sealant. That jack can be a lifesaver when you have a blowout on vacation but is completely inadequate for doing regular maintenance. Yes, it will work, but it is best used only on the roadside. For regular use, a hydraulic jack is best. Hydraulic jacks come in a variety of sizes and styles. The most basic models are relatively affordable and are suitable for a variety of jobs but may have some limitations. A floor jack typically works best. These have greater capacity and greater lifting height, and their long handles make for easy operation. A do-it-all recommendation would be the Pittsburgh Automotive 1.5-ton Low-Profile Racing Jack. It is a low-profile model that slips under low cars easily but it would not be the best for a pickup or taller SUV. Regardless, Harbor Freight has many models ranging from $39 for the cheapest one to around $300 for a heavy-duty model. For anyone planning to do oil changes, tire rotation, or more than the most basic repairs under the hood, a hydraulic jack is a must-have tool. LED lighting: Hyper Tough 1200 Lumen LED Portable Work Light This might seem like common sense, but you may not have the best options already, and there are a great many good solutions available today. Having ample light is imperative to doing a job well as trying to work blind can lead to missed nuts and bolts preventing the removal of components or certain surfaces being left dirty when cleanliness is necessary. Ample reasons exist to have a brightly lit workspace. Luckily, modern technology has you covered. It is good to have a range of lighting options to use for a variety of jobs, whether you are replacing suspension components under the car or rewiring a stereo under the dashboard. There is reason to use a handheld shop light extension cord with a regular LED bulb, while also utilizing a couple of flat-panel LED lights, tactical flashlights, and bright overhead lighting. It is also recommended to carry different sizes of flashlight. Furthermore, don't shy away from spending the extra money for a rechargeable flashlight, as constantly buying batteries gets old quickly. For a general-purpose light that provides decent illumination, the Hyper Tough 1200 Lumen LED Portable Work Light from Wal-Mart does a good job and only costs $19.97, and it doubles as a portable power bank. Air Compressor: McGraw 3-Gallon Air Compressor If you don't have much exposure to using one in a workspace, you probably don't know just how useful an air compressor can be. Of course, they can be used for filling up your tires, but they have so many more uses beyond tires. Air compressors come in a range of sizes from the minimal unit for the home garage to industrial strength meant for operating tools in industrial warehouses. For these purposes, the smaller units will suffice. Having air to keep tires inflated is not their only purpose but cannot be understated how convenient it is. Should you have a slow leak or find a nail in your tire, taking care of it at home is way easier than limping a half-full tire to the gas station until you can get it fixed. When you are doing work on your car, a blow gun on the hose can be used to clear debris and dirt from whatever you are working on and give clear access to the area or quickly dry something you are cleaning. Air tools can also be driven with compressed air and something like an air chisel and be useful with really rusty and stubborn parts. Something like the McGraw Three-Gallon Air Compressor from Harbor Freight is reasonably priced at $59.99, but a larger unit is recommended if you plan to be doing work regularly.
Liked by Evan Carter, Lucas HallLiked by Evan Carter, Lucas Hall
Liked by Evan Carter, Lucas Hall
