The cost of procuring, owning and operating a car is higher in the UK than any other nation, apart from perhaps the U.S and Singapore.
When you consider this in conjunction with the stagnating pace of earnings growth in the UK, there is a pressing need for motorists to reduce these costs wherever possible. This must not come at the expense of the performance of the car or vehicle safety, however, so you must be proactive and thoughtful when attempting to save money as a motorist.
Considering the ultimate start kit for car maintenance
Take independent maintenance, for example, which should be attempted by motorists but only if they are able to evaluate their core skills and not reach beyond their limitations. You will also need a basic starter kit if you are work on your car, and this should include the following items: –
1. Jack and Wheel removal tools
Along with changing oil, the replacement of worn or damaged tyres is the single most common repair you can make on your vehicle. To achieve this you will at least need a jack and wheel removal tools including a wrench. It will also be necessary to perform safety checks on both old and new tyres, so you will also need a pressure gauge that captures accurate measurements. You will also need to learn industry guidelines and standards to ensure that you are using the correct metrics.
The actual process of changing a tyre is laborious but relatively simple, so with the right tools you can complete the task quickly and effectively.
2. Hydraulic fluid
This is a deceptively important piece of hardware, as it enables the smooth and optimised performance of power steering. This is a common and popular feature of modern vehicles, and one which drives a smooth, fluid and ultimately enjoyable motoring experience. The precise type of hydraulic fluid that you need for your car will be stipulated in the manufacturer’s manual, so check this before ensuring that you are well stocked and checking your vehicle’s fuel reservoir once a month. This also has safety connotations if you are used to driving high performance cars with this as a key feature.
3. A Rolling Tool chest and cabinet
Over time, you will probably come to build a large and diverse collection of tools for maintaining your car. While this will save you money and enable you to complete a wider range of tasks, it also creates significant challenges in terms of storage.
You should therefore invest in a rolling tool chest and cabinet, which is sold in multiple forms and includes several draws and partitions for ease of use. This is an extremely practical piece of kit, and one that will help you to organise both your time and hardware with the minimum of fuss.
