What's In Your European Auto Repair Technician's Toolbox?
Would you try to spread peanut butter with a hammer? Better yet, would you try unscrewing a screw with a butter knife… don’t answer that. In either case, it’s important to have the right tools for the job, especially when it comes to auto repair.
This sentiment is elevated to new heights in repairing and performing maintenance for European models in Plano, TX, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI Cooper, Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen.
At EurAuto Shop, we take pride in our ability to provide world-class European auto repair solutions in Plano, TX. To adequately meet the standard we have established, we must always have the right tools for the job in each technician’s or mechanic’s toolbox.
Wanna take a quick peek inside of a mechanic’s toolbox? Watch as EurAuto Shop owner Michael Gallini provides an up-close and personal look at his toolbox in the video, “Ever wonder what the inside of your technician’s toolbox looks like?”
Continue reading to learn more about the top must-have tools in every technician’s toolbox to ensure accurate European auto repair.
Female and Male Torx Sockets
If you pop the hood of your BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, or other European cars, you’ll immediately notice one stark difference from American vehicles—the use of Torx or Star fittings.
While Phillips drivers can cam out under excessive torque, Torx heads were engineered to prevent cam out and resist being stripped. Moreover, Torx bits and star bits are used to provide a better grip on the fastener.
Thus, a reliable set of female and male Torx sockets is one of the first tools you should see in any European auto repair technician’s toolbox.
OBD2 Code Reader
Undoubtedly, the OBD-II Code reader is one of the most powerful and dynamic pieces of equipment in any technician’s toolbox. This small but mighty piece of equipment allows any technician in Plano, TX to pull codes accurately from your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) system.
For instance, if your check engine light of your BMW is on, OBD-II will offer the technician guidance and direction to save time and money. Once the OBD-II is connected to your vehicle, it will provide the mechanic with different error codes, allowing them to narrow down the range of potential problems or engine malfunctions.
While there are various types of OBD-II Code readers, EurAuto Shop in Plano, TX uses the most state-of-the-art equipment to pull codes quickly and provide superior insight.
A Torque Wrench
The ability to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications is often overlooked in auto repair. Unfortunately, this aspect is even ignored by some mechanics. And the penalty for overtightening bolts can be significant.
Over-torquing a nut can result in the bolt shearing off. If the bolt doesn’t strip, it will be tough to remove it the next time, costing you more time and money. The moral of the story is it’s imperative to select an auto repair shop that takes pride in its tools and has the right tools for the job in its toolbox.
Every technician’s toolbox should, therefore, include a torque wrench. A torque wrench is a hand tool used to apply a specific torque to a fastener, such as a Torx fitting, lag screw, bolt, or nut.
To properly use the torque wrench, the technician must set the required torque and tighten the bolt until a click is heard. This alerts the technician that the manufacturer’s suggested torque has been achieved. When it comes to removing bolts and nuts, the technician should use a ratchet or breaker bar — both of which should be in their toolbox.
Contact the Mechanic at EurAuto Shop for the Best European Auto Repair in Plano, TX
At EurAuto Shop, we are proud to be the best European auto repair facility in Plano, TX. We proudly service residents from throughout the area, including:
Schedule an appointment today by calling 214-552-4194 or completing our online form. You can also visit us at 4008 West Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093.