What tools to buy for car maintenance? Any other tips?

[natto fire]

Secure car with jack stands before getting under the car after lifting it up...shit happens, rips can break, lungs can collapse. I suggest the proper tools for the safety of the job by getting a rated weight limit higher than your car

That is the main thing I can recommend. Amazing how many people trust their life to Chinese hydraulics. At least Chinese steel works have one less failure point.

I work in an industry of excess safety, and there is absolutely no way I would get under a car without a mechanical stop to my hydraulic lifts.

 

[sontakke]

There is still quite a lot of work that can be done by DIY even after pledging oneself to never go underneath the car if all the four wheels are NOT on the ground. This is quite easy when somebody wants to start on the DIY path. That guy is not doing a clutch job in his garage

 

[evident]

I completely agree that the owner usually cares more than the $12/hr mechanic. As I've gotten older though, jacking the truck up in 28F weather, fiddling with recycling oil, and going through the motions for an hour or so isn't something I care to do anymore. Like I said, if you enjoy tinkering then changing the oil in your car is a good way to get some garage time in. I think going about it as an economical way to save money is a bit strange if you don't enjoy it since it can be done so incredibly cheaply by a dealer or quick change shop.

A trip to the dealer is out of some people's way, and takes time out of someones day where you will still have to wait about 30 mins... i'd rather just do it at home where i know it's right, just crack open the oil pan and go do something else, and not have to go anywhere...

if you have 28F weather all year round, i can see the benefits of taking it somewhere... but i try to time my oil changes to right before winter and right after.

 

[MongGrel]

I used to change my oil and all that, but to be honest the quick change places are about as cheap for the entire oil change than it is to buy the oil and filter off the shelf. I think my dealer charges $15-20 for a tire rotation. It really isn't worth it unless you want a hobby.

This.

 

[mvbighead]

I truly want to thank EVERYBODY for their excellent replies. I appreciate the time taken to give such suggestions.

I've looked at the Facom set but not sure about it. I'm sure for an oil change, this will be the product due to the 17mm socket. But compared to something like a Stanley set, which has 201 pieces, this seems a bit lacking in terms of product offered. I'm sure the quality is there.

Basically, I'm looking for an all-in-one set that can do basic things such as oil changes, transmission fluid changes, etc. I have an undercarriage plastic tray I need to remove first so I need to find out what tools are needed for that.

LOL, I'm a little overwhelmed as a lot of the terminology used has me confused. Yes, I haven't worked with tools much.

I think I will probably go the jack route because that will be better if I decide to do my own tire rotations. I will get jack stands too.

Penetrating oil is for nuts that are stuck? I've found this - any good?

http://www.amazon.com/Belrauch-Hand...8&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=penetrating+oil&psc=1

The 5 gallon oil container sounds like a very good idea. This way I won't have to carry it every time I do it.

I can also go to a store near me and get a ratchet with a set of pieces. I think I might just go this route - get some ratchet with various pieces and some wrenches. This is for now; maybe down the road when I need something I can get it. Is an oil filter wrench really necessary? The dealerships have done the oil changes so I'm not sure. Is it because the oil filter might be on too tight?

Also, do you guys think that one should let the pros do tire rotations or is it a good idea to do them at home if possible? I have access to a driveway where I can do this stuff.

One of my concerns (for lack of a better word) is that since the car is 7+ years old and has a lot of miles (185K+), some of the nuts and bolts might be very tight and maybe rusted. I'm not even sure what kind of condition the oil drain plug is in. Just some hesitations.

This is what happens when you let others take care of your stuff for so long. Not so long ago, I didn't even know how to check my oil! Hehe.

Once again, thank you!

PB Blaster is the most common penetrating oil. It is solid/effective and generally a good deal at a number of places.

I would agree with the 5 gallon thing. I bought a rubbermaid one to replace my previous oil pan that had the common air vent plug and the drain plug on the top that allowed the oil down into the container. It sure seemed solid when I bought it, but the wife's subaru's has a very large drain plug so the oil fills the pan faster than it allows the oil down into the container part, so it has overflowed on me (and a second time even after drilling more holes into the top to allow for faster flow).

As to the rest, get on youtube and watch videos. You'll quickly see that a great number of things aren't that complicated. And if you feel something is over your head, take it the shop. The minor bit you get your hands dirty with will save you plenty.