Mechanics are an important part of the automotive industry. Without them, cars would not get the necessary repairs and maintenance to keep them running smoothly. There are millions of people around the world who rely on mechanics to keep their cars in good condition.
Mechanics are responsible for a wide variety of tasks: inspecting cars for problems and making repairs, changing the oil and other fluids, checking brakes and tires, tuning up engines, and diagnosing and fixing complex mechanical problems
But what exactly should an automotive shop have? Here are five must-haves:
1. A lift
Most cars nowadays are too low to the ground for a mechanic to get a good look at the underside of the vehicle. To properly inspect the brakes, suspension, and other important systems, a mechanic needs to be able to raise the car off the ground. That’s where a lift comes in.
A lift is a device that is used to raise a car off the ground. There are two main types of lifts: post auto lifts and scissor lifts. Post auto lifts are the most popular type of lift because they are very versatile and can be used for various tasks. Scissor lifts are also popular but are not as versatile as post auto lifts. A 2 post auto lift, specifically, is significantly helpful because it allows mechanics to work on both sides of the car at the same time.
There are a few reasons why it’s better for mechanics to be able to work on both sides of the car. First of all, it allows them to get a better look at the vehicle and its components. They can also work more efficiently and effectively this way. Additionally, it helps prevent the spread of damage or problems from one side of the car to the other. If a mechanic can only work on one side at a time, damage or problems could quickly spread and become more challenging to fix.
Therefore, a lift is essential for any automotive shop because it allows mechanics to properly inspect and repair cars. Without a lift, it would be tough for mechanics to do their job correctly.
2. A diagnostic computer
This is how a mechanic will access information about your car’s check engine light, error codes, and more. Without this tool, they will be working blind and might not be able to accurately diagnose the problem.
Most cars nowadays come with an onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) that records data about the car’s performance. This data is accessed by the computer and used to generate reports that help mechanics diagnose problems. The diagnostic computer can also be used to clear error codes and reset the check engine light.
There are a few different types of diagnostic computers available on the market. Some are more advanced than others and can read and clear trouble codes, reset the check engine light, and graph data collected by the OBD-II system. Others are less advanced and can only do a few basic tasks. Mechanics needs to have a diagnostic computer that is capable of doing all the tasks they need it to do.
By having access to information about the car’s engine, mechanics can save time and money by pinpointing problems and fixing them quickly.
3. Hand tools
Even with a lift and a diagnostic computer, some repairs can only be done by hand. This might include changing a tire, replacing a battery, or tightening loose bolts. A well-stocked set of hand tools is essential for any automotive shop.
One of the most important hand tools for mechanics is a socket set. A socket set is a tool that consists of several sockets that can be attached to a ratchet wrench. Sockets come in different sizes and shapes, so they can be used to fit any bolt or nut. Mechanics use socket sets to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts and remove and install parts on cars.
Another vital hand tool for mechanics is a screwdriver set. Screwdrivers come in different sizes and shapes, so they can be used to fit any screw. Mechanics use screwdrivers to remove screws from cars and tighten and loosen screws on car parts.
Finally, mechanics need a good set of wrenches. Wrenches come in different sizes and shapes, so they can be used to fit any bolt or nut. Mechanics use wrenches to tighten and loosen bolts and nuts and remove and install parts on cars.
By having the right tools available, mechanics can save time and money by being able to do most repairs by hand.
4. Air tools
Some repairs require air tools, such as impact wrenches and air ratchets. These tools apply more torque than hand tools, so they are necessary for some types of repairs. For example, impact wrenches are often used to remove lug nuts from tires. Air ratchets are often used to remove and install parts that are difficult to reach with a hand tool.
While air tools are not essential for every automotive shop, they can be handy for shops that do a lot of repairs that require high torque. By having air tools available, mechanics can save time and money by being able to do repairs quickly and easily.
5. Parts washer
A parts washer is crucial for any automotive shop because it allows mechanics to clean parts without having to remove them from the vehicle. This saves time and ensures that the parts are properly cleaned before being reinstalled in the car.
Parts washers come in different sizes and shapes, so they can be used to fit any part. They also come in different strengths, so mechanics can choose the best one for their needs. Most also use a solvent to clean the parts. The solvent is poured into the washer, and the pieces are then placed in the washer.
The solvent dissolves the dirt and grease on the parts and is drained from the washer. The parts are then dried and ready to be reinstalled in the car. This ensures that the parts are cleaned adequately before the car is cleared.
These are just five of the must-haves in any up-and-coming automotive shop. Of course, every shop is different and has its own unique needs depending on the services they offer and the types of cars they work on. However, these items are essential for any shop that wants to run smoothly and provide quality service to its customers.