4.1 Double ended open end wrench (above) and a wrench with an open and annular pharynx
Repair work must be carried out in a clean, well-lit area, and a workbench and vise are also required. Make sure you have enough space to stow various parts and not have to put them away again and again. Of course, you will need a set of high-quality tools if possible. The heart of the tool kit is an open-end wrench that is easy to fit into every accessible part of the car. An open end wrench is especially useful for removing jammed bolts and nuts.
To reduce costs, you can get by with a combination wrench with an annular pharynx, it has an open pharynx at one end and a ring of the same diameter at the other (see illustration 4.1). A replaceable socket will also come in handy. Provided that the outer diameter of the head is not too large, it can be used to remove nuts and bolts that are in an inaccessible place.
You will also need a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and a mallet.
In addition to the basic equipment, you can purchase a few more special tools that will be of invaluable help, especially if you need to carry out certain repairs again and again. As an example, the screwdriver-punch mentioned here, without which it is impossible to remove the bolts tightened at the factory without damaging them. It can also be used for tightening to seal oil and gas connections.
A circlip plier is also often needed, as gear sprockets, shafts, and similar parts have the most circlips that can be difficult to remove with a screwdriver. There are two types of pullers: for outer rings and for inner rings. They come with straight and beveled teeth.
One of the most useful tools is a torque wrench, a type of wrench that can be set in such a way that it slips when a certain torque is reached. A similar wrench also comes with an arrow that indicates the torque reached. Tightening torques are specified in the specifications or in every modern repair manual. However, there are a number of different works, the implementation of which is best entrusted to a specialist.
Before carrying out repair work, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following instructions in order to avoid any kind of violations in the future:
- A car jack does not guarantee you 100% safety when working under a car. Therefore, always install an additional lift. If there is no lift, the car can be installed on two wheels laid on top of each other.
- Never loosen the wheel nuts or hub nuts while the vehicle is jacked up.
- Never remove the expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. As a last resort, wrap the lid with a thick cloth and turn it all the way to the first stop to release the steam.
- Never drain engine oil while the engine is still warm.
- Protect the paintwork of the car from contact with brake fluid or antifreeze. Drops that fall on the varnish surface leave stains that are almost impossible to remove.
- Do not inhale the dust generated by worn brake pads. Although the linings and brake pads themselves are now mostly free of asbestos, it is still unhealthy. When cleaning components of the brake system with compressed air, it is necessary to protect the respiratory system from dust.
- Any oil or grease on the floor must be wiped off immediately so that you or others do not slip.
- Do not use the wrong size wrench to loosen a jammed nut or screw. A slipped key can injure you.
- Do not attempt to lift a very heavy vehicle part by yourself; call someone for help.
- Children or pets should never be near the vehicle while it is being repaired.
- If working on the exhaust system, allow it to cool down beforehand.
- Protective goggles must be worn when drilling and grinding. These glasses will not interfere with the same when working under the car.
- It is also recommended to use a hand cream. In addition to being easier to clean, your hands will be protected from oil and other toxic substances.
- It is better to remove a tie, sleeves of clothing, long hair, as well as rings, bracelets, chains that can become conductors of electric current.
- There should be no unnecessary items at your workplace.
- When making repairs, you should never rush.
- Keep fire away from the vehicle. When repairing the fuel system, you must first disconnect the battery. Contact with metal objects causes a short circuit, which can lead to sparking. Keep a fire extinguisher ready just in case.
- The ignition system is under high voltage. Never touch wiring with bare hands. This should be especially taken into account for people who use a cardiac stimulant.
- For better illumination, do not place the lantern on top of the engine. Because the lantern generates a lot of heat, which can cause parts of the engine to catch fire.