Modifying your car at home can be a fun and rewarding DIY project but whether you are a skilled mechanic or someone just dipping your toes in the world of car maintenance and modification for the first time, you need the right tools for the job.
So, here we’ve decided to run through some of the most common tools you’ll want in your arsenal if you are even going to consider modifying your car effectively and safely. So, whether you want to know how to buy the right trolley jack for your car, what kind of cleaning equipment you’ll need to keep it looking and feeling brand new or just what you’ll need to simply change a tyre, you’re in the right place.
The Basics – Pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, zip ties and mallets are all handy to have in your toolbox for handling more delicate jobs such as working on electrical elements and removing bolts. Having a variety of oils and lubricants on standby is also recommended, as moving parts will often need to be lubricated and cleaned.
Trim Removal – Trim removal tools are a great tool for people starting out modifying car aesthetics. These tools allow you to easily remove the trims from your car so they can be wrapped, painted or replaced easily. Without a trim tool, you can risk snapping the trims of your car when trying to take them off.
Trolley Jack – If you wish to do any cosmetic modifications to the bottom edge of your car, such as a front splitter, rear diffuser or side skirts, you will need a trolley jack for your car that will allow you enough room to drill vertically up into the lower edges of the bumpers. Note also that there is a distinct difference between a trolley jack and a floor jack – a trolley jack provides a higher reach and is designed to hold your car up for a short period while a floor jack has a shorter reach but can hold a vehicle for longer.
Cleaning Equipment – Cleaning equipment may not be what you first think when you imagine tools to make your car look better, but cleaning your car is an essential part of some modifications. If you are going to wrap your car, or any individual part of your car, for example, it is essential to properly clean the surface first, as dust and dirt can stop the vinyl wrap from adhering to your paint.
Wheel Wrench – If you wish to do any DIY car modifications to your wheels or tires, you will need a wheel wrench in order to loosen the wheel nuts on your car and remove the wheel from your car. If you try to remove the wheel nuts without a wrench, then you can end up rounding the wheel nuts and making it even more difficult to remove the wheel.
Lighting – Adequate lighting is essential when working on your car, particularly if you’re planning on working either late at night or into the winter months.
The Manual – Finally, never forget to reference the factory service manual that came with your car. It might be bulky and intimidating but it should contain more specific tutorials that refer directly to your make and model. Because YouTube doesn’t always have all the answers!