Thinking of setting up a repair garage? Whether you’re going independent or branching into the field for the first time, you can’t start without the right tools.
No matter your experience or the types of cars that you’d like to work on, the quality of your kit will also determine the level and complexity of the repairs you can offer. And if you’re thinking of providing extra servicing like valets, resprays, alloy refurbishments or engine remapping, your shopping list will only grow.
To help you get started, we’ve outlined ten of the most important bits of kit for your garage.
10 most important tools for an auto repair shop
Battery charger and jump leads
When you’re working with it to electronics, it’s not uncommon for the vehicle battery to go flat. Keeping a battery charger on hand and a jump lead too means that you can handle any mishap during repairs and return vehicles to their owners faster.
Vehicle lift
Every mechanic needs to get under vehicles to assess, inspect, and perform diagnostics. There are many types on the market, so you’ll need to think about size, safety features, and power compatibility too. Above all, make sure your team knows all about working under vehicles safely.
Jacks and jack stands
No garage is complete without some reliable jacks. Most garages will require vehicles to be raised at least temporarily, especially during initial diagnostics. You’ll use a floor jack daily, so you might prefer to choose strong bottle jacks amongst other types to facilitate diagnostics.
Air compressor
Pneumatic tools demand an air compressor for safe operation. Try not to compromise on the quality of this tool, because a higher capacity will keep you safe and provide for the needs of your workshop more appropriately.
Oil drain and caddy
Most conventional fuel vehicles need their oil changing on an annual or bi-annual service. All mechanics know that this can be a messy job, so you should aim to buy an oil caddy with a large capacity to help you breeze through oil changes for even the biggest vehicles.
Air-conditioning machine
if you’re thinking of providing air conditioning services to your clients, an air-conditioning machine will make every process easier. Having a machine means that you can recover, recharge and recycle air-con systems in a more reliable and accurate way.
Press
You’ll be working with metals in many forms, including bushings, bearings, and body work. There will be plenty of tasks that a quality press can undertake in your workshop, making it a sensible investment for your first business.
Engine hoist
When a car comes into your workshop with total engine failure, one way to get to the root of the problem is by removing the engine. But whether it’s for rebuilding, replacement or repairs, an engine hoist will give you more flexibility on the shop floor.
Brake lathe
Brake jobs will be one of the most time-consuming tasks in your garage if you don’t have the right kit. Buying your own brake lathe means you can take in drums and rotors for resurfacing or even restoration. Brake services will be efficient, making your business more profitable.
Strut compressor
Lastly, most vehicles need their struts changing around once every 70,000 miles. A strut compressor is one of the most essential pieces of equipment fuel repair shop and will enable your mechanics to undertake suspension repairs safely and quickly.
Overview
With honest expertise and the best tools in the trade, you’ll be on your way to speedy profits. Just remember that if you’re thinking of offering MOT testing in your garage, you’ll need a wider range of test-specific tools and devices.