* Products to help you get automotive-ly empowered
* Learn a few simple mechanic tips and save money
* Change oil and more, faster and easier
It’s this writer’s humble opinion that the more you can tend to a car yourself, the better your life will be. You’ll save a ton of money — plus you’ll feel a sense of empowerment. You know, the can-do spirit. And, it doesn’t get more basic than changing your car’s oil. Here are some must-have products when you’re ready to take matters (and motors) into your own hand.
1. Majic Multi-Purpose Long Neck Funnel
Motors are made up of tight, dark spaces. So, a long neck funnel is Oil Change 101. This fine specimen has an extended filler neck that opens a gas tank trap door. It stays upright to prevent spilling and wastage. And, it can be used for adding oils, additives, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and more.
2. Hopkins 15-Quart Oil Drain
When you’re putting in new oil, you gotta have a place to stash the old stuff. This large capacity oil drain holds 15-quarts of black gold, enough for you to take care of multiple oil changes. It has a large basin to catch the oil stream, a vent plug for quicker drains, and molded grooves to easily drain oil filters.
3. TEKTON 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers
It’s inevitable: You go to change your oil and the last ironfist who handled your car tightened the bolt way too tight. Not to worry. These Tekton 12-inch Oil Filter Pliers do what normal oil wrenches and band wrenches can’t—get your filter open without denting it all up. They have a non-slip sure grip, three position slip joint, right-angle teeth, and long handles that reach into tight spaces. You’re in good hands when you have these in your hands.
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4. RhinoRamps Vehicle Ramp, Set of 2
You don’t need a hydraulic lift to get your car off the ground. Just drive your car up these RhinoRamps and you’ll have enough space to do all your automotive tinkering. They can handle over 12,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight. And, they work on tires up to nine inches wide. Plus, they’re made of a patented polymer that’s super sturdy.
5. EWK Pneumatic/Manual 6.5 Liter Vacuum Fluid Extractor
So, maybe you really get into this oil changing thing. Maybe you’re already into it. Either way, if you’re going to be changing your oil on the reg, you need one of these. It allows you to extract automotive oils faster and without a compressor. You can change engine oil, gear oil, brake oil, coolants, water and more. Even better it works on more than just cars. Great for boats, lawn mowers, and industrial machinery, too.
6. Scanner Car Code Reader
Cars, these days, are basically computers on wheels. So even if you have no problem changing your oil, you need to make sure you reset the oil diagnostic code so your car stays in tune with its lube. The Scanner Car Code Reader lets you do just that and works with a wide variety of cars. It gives you full OBDII/EOBD Diagnostics, which allows you to quickly read and erase engine fault codes, read dynamic data, stream vehicle information, and plenty more. This is how you take your automotive expertise to the next level.
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