Car Maintenance: Which Tools You Should Have with Your Car?

codinghelloworld on 13/11/2018 - 13:38

Hi everyone,

Recently I had to use my spare wheel in my car since the original tyre was flatted. Spent nearly 1 hour to replace one tyre, I realize that I need to store some professional tools with the car to make the process quicker. Those are: inflator and impact driver to unscrew the nuts.

After research, found that Bunnings has some options:

For inflator:
Ozito 12V Li-ion Cordless Air Pump (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-12v-li-ion-cordless-air-pu…)
Ryobi 18V One+ High Pressure Air Inflator - Skin Only (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-high-pressure-air-…)
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Volume Inflator - Skin Only (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-volume-inflator-sk…)

Looks like the Ryobi 18v High Pressure is the only option can inflate tyre. Can someone give me some review on this? Or is there any better option, that can be brought with the car?

For impact driver:
I found heaps of options:
Ryobi One+ 18v (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-impact-driver-skin…)
AEG 18v (https://www.bunnings.com.au/aeg-18v-cordless-impact-wrench-s…)

Which one is best?

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

    • dpark88 on 16/11/2018 - 12:28
      +1

      I can't believe you're recommending not to use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel nuts. What's your rationale for this?

      • bigticket on 17/11/2018 - 15:33

        1. Torque is not directly related to clamping force. Its affected by the condition if the treads: dirt, rust, lubrication, worn/damaged threads… the list goes on and on. You can google it.
          For example, in some critical applications other methods are used. Like head bolts that plastically deform when the correct load is reached.

        2. If it was really necessary, car manufactures would supply a torque wrench. As far as I know not one manufacturer worldwide supply these for good reason. How many cars worldwide have a torque wrench in the boot. Not many, and they all get by.

        To laymen, I can understand a false need for a torque wrench when they see torque specs. Torque specifications are only given as a guide.

  • Praeto on 15/11/2018 - 15:44

    As others have said, there’s no need to buy a power tool for the job. Though if you have problems with applying force (which you mentioned in an earlier response), I’d suggest the tool I carry in my 4wd:

    https://www.robleensales.com.au/4wd-accessories/tyre-ratchet

    I’ve had one for about 6 years and used it to help people numerous times. It requires very little effort compared to other options I’ve tried and doesn’t require nearly as much dexterity or force.

    Here’s a video of it in use:

    https://youtu.be/lJFw-3u2uHE

  • HKS on 15/11/2018 - 16:22

    ryobi and ozito tools are great, impact just for lug nuts is excessive. scissor jack and your factory lug wrench should be fine. i carry a screw driver set and a socket set with me at all times.

  • jinroh on 15/11/2018 - 18:06

    Guys, slightly out of topic, what about cars equipped with Run Flat Tyres (eg. car doesn't come with spare tires)?

    I'm thinking to buy tyre repair kit to store in the car and learn how to use them. I know that officially the manufacturer said that RFT aren't supposed to be fixed but if the puncture is nowhere near the side wall, I know that few tyre shops are willing to fix.

  • errorlog on 16/11/2018 - 14:28

    Engaged Brain and the ability to think are also important.

    Whilst it is rare on modern cars I recall a work colleague spend over an hour trying to undo a wheel nut on a vehicle which had left hand threaded wheel nuts on the passenger side. (I think a diahatsu delta van).

    He had a manual in the car but 'knew' how wheel nuts worked, jumping on the crossbrace still wouldn't loosen the nuts. All the tools in the world would not have helped.

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