What are the Common Tools for an Auto Tune-Up?

The tools required for a standard tune up of your car will vary with the type and age of the vehicle. However many of the tools required are used in all types of vehicles and would be handy to have when you begin a tune up. 

• Screwdrivers – Most of these would be in the Phillips head variety but there are a few things on an auto that may need a flathead as well.


• Torque Wrench – Many of the parts that actually screw in or onto your car need to be tightened to a certain amount of “lbs” and a torque wrench will enable you to accomplish that.


• Ratchet and Socket Set – These will help to loosen and remove bolts or nuts. Some will get ‘frozen’ and you may need a good ratchet to help break them free to remove.


• Spark Plug Socket – This is a special socket made just for removing spark plugs. It has a deep well and can get all the way down to the base of the plug to get it out. This socket should be the same size as your ratchet.


• Spark Plug Gap Tool – This tool is to determine that your spark plugs have the correct ‘gap’ for firing in your car. The tool also has a piece to help set that gap if it is not correct.


• Electrical Grease – This type of grease actually conducts electricity and you put it on your contacts to prevent them from rusting which will help maintain excellent current flow.


• Less Common Tools of today would include feeler gauges and a timing light. With most new cars not having points the feeler gauges are almost extinct and the timing light is only used on older vehicles to check the timing after a tune-up has been completed.