Frequently asked questions
What are some car tools?
A sensible starting kit includes a socket set, spanners, screwdrivers, pliers and a torque wrench, alongside a jack and axle stands for safe lifting. It's also worth keeping wheel chocks, a tyre pressure gauge, a tread depth gauge and a basic fluid top up kit close to hand.
What basic tools do I need in my car?
A sensible starting kit includes a socket set, a set of spanners, screwdrivers, pliers and a torque wrench, alongside a jack and axle stands for safe lifting. It is also worth having wheel chocks, a tyre pressure gauge and a basic fluid top up kit close to hand. These cover the vast majority of routine checks and small jobs without needing anything specialist.
What is the 12 car rule in the UK?
The 12 car rule is a rough guide used by learner drivers and examiners for keeping a safe following distance, based on leaving roughly the length of 12 cars between you and the vehicle in front at higher speeds. It is not an official Highway Code figure but a memory aid that lines up with the recommended stopping distances at motorway speeds. It is unrelated to workshop tools, but it does come up often in driving test and road safety searches.
What are the best tools to have in your car?
Beyond a basic toolkit, it pays to carry a torch, jump leads, a tyre inflator or sealant kit, and gloves for any roadside job. For workshop and driveway maintenance, tools such as brake bleeding kits, wheel alignment guides and ramps make servicing far easier and safer to do yourself. Choosing tools suited to your specific make, such as VW, Audi, SEAT or Porsche, also helps jobs go more smoothly since fittings and components can vary.
Do I need specialist tools for a VW, Audi, SEAT or Porsche?
Yes, in many cases. VW Group vehicles often use specific fittings and components, such as particular connector types or supercharger and pulley arrangements, that standard toolkits are not designed for. Specialist tools like coilpack pullers or direct injection cleaning tools make these jobs possible without damaging parts, and they usually save time compared to improvising with generic equipment.