What tools are needed for daily maintenance of a used car?

Doing good daily maintenance on a used car is the key to keeping it running smoothly and avoiding high repair costs. Unlike new cars, used cars often need more frequent checks to nip small problems in the bud. But you don’t have to go to a professional repair shop for basic maintenance, nor do you need sophisticated equipment. As long as you have the right simple tools, you can handle most of the daily maintenance of a used car by yourself. Let’s talk about the essential tools every used car owner should have.

The first set of tools for daily maintenance of a used car is basic hand tools. A socket set is a must-buy—choose one with multiple sizes, because a used car has been used for several years, and the bolt sizes may be varied. A good set of wrenches is also practical, especially for nuts that the socket can’t reach. You also need to prepare Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. They are useful when opening the engine hood, tightening small screws on the instrument panel, or checking parts like the air filter. Don’t forget to prepare a regular pliers and needle nose pliers. They can help you hold parts firmly when removing small components or adjusting circuits. These tools are not expensive and don’t take up much space, so they are perfect for placing in the trunk or garage of a used car.

Fluids are the "blood" of a car. If you want a used car to be durable, regular fluid inspection is essential. A funnel is a good thing. Use it when adding engine oil, coolant or windshield washer fluid to avoid spilling. After all, wasting fluid is a small matter, but damaging engine parts is a big trouble. A used car usually comes with an oil dipstick, but preparing a spare one or a better-quality one will make measuring the oil level more accurate. For checking coolant, a coolant tester that costs tens of yuan is very useful. It can test whether the concentration of the coolant is sufficient and whether it can protect the engine of the used car in hot and cold weather. With these tools, checking the fluids quickly every two weeks can greatly extend the service life of the used car.

Tires have a great impact on the safety and performance of a used car, so tire maintenance tools are a must. A tire pressure gauge is the top priority. Too high or too low tire pressure not only increases fuel consumption and causes uneven tire wear, but may even lead to a tire blowout. Choose a digital tire pressure gauge, which has accurate readings and is easy to use. A tread depth gauge can help you judge whether the tread of the used car’s tires is deep enough and whether it can still be used. If you encounter a flat tire, a portable air compressor (battery-powered or plug-in) allows you to inflate quickly without waiting for road rescue. Prepare a simple tire repair kit too. When encountering a small puncture, you can repair it at home by yourself, which is very practical for a used car. With these tools, proper tire maintenance can save a lot of money on tire replacement.

Regular cleaning and inspection of a used car can help detect problems early. A soft brush and microfiber cloth are very suitable for gently cleaning the engine compartment. Dust and oil stains hide signs of fluid leakage or loose parts, and cleaning them up makes it easier to find problems. You also need to prepare a flashlight. It is indispensable when checking the under-dash area, the bottom of the car or the dark corners of the engine compartment. Many small problems, such as loose hoses and slight fluid leakage, can be seen at a glance with a bright flashlight. A battery terminal cleaning brush is also an unremarkable but very practical tool. The battery terminals of a used car are easy to accumulate dirt, which may cause difficulty in starting. Cleaning them regularly with this brush can keep the battery connection good. These small tools are cheap but can help you keep the used car in good condition.

In fact, the daily maintenance of a used car doesn’t require expensive tools. The above tools are affordable and easy to use. With them, you can do basic maintenance by yourself, reduce the number of trips to the repair shop, and save money. Taking care of a used car with these tools will make it serve you better for a longer time.