So you’re ready to open your own mechanics garage but you’re not sure what automotive workshop equipment you’ll need straight away to get started out right? Check out this list of seven pieces of automotive workshop equipment you need to get started and write out that shopping list!
Air Compressor
The first piece of automotive workshop equipment that every good garage needs is an air compressor. These multi-purpose tools can be used for cleaning and powering other tools in addition to their obvious ability to inflate things and your air compressor will quickly become your best friend.
Engine Hoist
Engines are heavy, but we’re sure you already knew that. Save on back pain (and labour fees) but investing in a quality engine hoist. This is one part of the process that you certainly don’t want to be doing manually (especially since you need to round up help every time if you do) so this piece of automotive workshop equipment should also be high on your shopping list.
Vehicle Lift
Likewise, you’ll be needing a way to quickly, easily, and most importantly, safely, get vehicles up off the ground so that you have space to work. While some may consider a vehicle lift a luxury (jacks do exist, after all) in terms of safety and efficiency, you can’t beat these fantastic pieces of automotive workshop equipment.
Fire Extinguisher
The next thing you’re going to need is a fire extinguisher. While these aren’t limited to just being automotive workshop equipment, they are a vital part of any business set up and although we hope you’ll never need to use it, it’s certainly something that should always be easily at hand.
Ratchets And Sockets
The little things can often get overlooked when you’re focused on building a business from the ground up but in our opinion, a quality set of ratchets and sockets is the most important piece of automotive workshop equipment that you can have. It’s quite literally impossible to get anything done without these helpful little tools so make sure you’ve got at least one of each size (and a couple of backup 10mm sockets) before you open your doors to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Funnels
By the same token as our above point, funnels are a vital piece of automotive workshop equipment that you probably won’t think about until you need them – but need them you will. To avoid possible catastrophe (no, we’re not being dramatic, as we’re sure you’re well aware, certain cars need their oil refilled in a certain timeframe or the whole engine will throw a fit) get yourself a set of different sized funnels so that you’re prepared for any job that might come your way. Funnels are also great for decanting liquids from bulk purchase into smaller, more usable containers so their value as a starter piece of automotive workshop equipment should not be underestimated.
Scan Tool
Finally, with modern cars being the way they are, all the experience in the world isn’t going to help you if you can’t ask your patient what’s wrong (and then properly notify them that you’ve fixed the issue). That’s why a quality scan tool is the final item on our list of automotive workshop equipment that you simply must have before opening. Scan tools are expensive, but you need them for every task from a basic service through to a full rebuild so it’s worth getting a good one right out of the gate.
Starting your own business is wonderful, but it can also be scary and overwhelming, especially with something as complex as a mechanics garage. Hopefully this list of automotive workshop equipment helps you get off on the right foot!