Tools for servicing your car

Expert spanner swinger MUNSOOR KRIEL ( aka service manager at Imperial Ford Cape Town) doesn’t recommend you service your new car at home, but if you’re out of warranty, then this is the kit he would use. Add in a set of pliers and screwdrivers for good measure. A/ BATTERY CHARGER // R2 725 The Noco GB40 jump-starter pack can get cars up to 6.0-litre petrol and 3.0-litre diesel going. Keep it charged and it’ll be your best friend (or at least give you the option of giving your battery a jump in really confined spaces). justlikepapa.com B/ SHIFTING SPANNER Near-infinite flexibility. Just remember to always turn towards the movable jaw; that puts the least strain on it. Get a 200 mm spanner to start with, because it covers the full 18–22 range. C/ CHROME VANADIUM SPANNERS 18–22 Vanadium is a grey metal used as an alloy to greatly increase the strength of steel. The more expensive the spanner, the more vanadium was used (typically about 0.15– 0.25 per cent for hard-carbon tools). D/ MULTIMETER Friends don’t let friends use testing lights that can damage newer car electronics. Use a multimeter, like a grown-up. E/ TWO-TON HYDRAULIC JACK Scissor jacks are for lifting a single wheel to change a tyre. At home, you should be able to lift an entire side of a car safely and quickly. Use trestles or stands to rest the weight on; never expect a jack to hold up a car. F/ 3/ 8 DRIVE SOCKET SET // R1 320 The value of this Fixman 24-piece set comes in the two spark-plugsocket sizes in the kit. Bring your own toolbox, though, because there’s no fancy case included in the package. vermontsales.co.za