Instead, it is totally possible for you to handle all of your own basic auto care. Sure, it may be easier (and in some cases, even cheaper) to take your car to a Jiffy Lube or similar service for routine oil changes, but everyone should know how to monitor their own oil levels. In fact, it is recommended that you check your oil level every time you fill up your gas tank! Think back to the last time you checked your oil level, chances are, it was not the last time you put gas in it.

To be sure, monitoring the oil level of your car is one of the easiest components of simple auto care. All you have to do is pop the hood, unscrew the dipstick on the cap of the oil container, wipe it off, put the dipstick back in and see if the oil level is between the two lines on the metal shaft. Then, if the oil is too low, you can buy a bottle of fresh oil for less than $10 and fill it back up to the optimum level. It is really, really easy once you know how to do it.

Keeping an eye on the status of your tires is also a crucial part of simple auto care. To see if your tires are too bald for safe driving, all you need is a penny. Place the penny into the grooves with Lincolns head facing down, and make sure that his head is at least partially eclipsed by the rubber. If not, you are probably due for a new set of tires.

To keep your tires looking as good as new, you might want to polish them with some auto care sprays or liquids. They come in a variety of finishes, including powder coat, natural and clear coat. This part of auto care will not take a long time, but will keep your ride looking great.

In order to ensure that refrigerant is recovered properly from a car’s air conditioning system during servicing, a workshop must use an automotive AC machine. These devices prevent the release through venting of CFC gases. EPA guidelines require that when a car is being serviced, the Freon, or CFC12 that is used as the coolant should be collected and recycled in order that it is not released into the environment where it can potentially damage the ozone layer.

The refrigerant used in most motor vehicle air conditioning systems is based on chlorofluorocarbons, which have been linked with causing damage to the ozone layer, and as such, the control of these substances is of particular concern to the environmental protection agency. Whenever a car air conditioning system undergoes maintenance, proper care must be taken to protect the environment from the release of CFCs, and this is best done by using automotive AC Machines.

By reusing Freon gas rather than allowing it to be vented into the atmosphere, the environment is protected. However, when the refrigerant is collected from a car’s air conditioning it can be contaminated with water, oil and any of the other liquids that are used in cars. By using automotive AC machines, it is possible to process the refrigerant and remove any of the other fluids from it, allowing it to be reused, either in the same system as it has been drained from, or alternatively, in another car altogether.

There are a whole range of different refrigerant recovery machines on the market to suit all types of workshop, from small operations through to large commercial garages that deal with many different types of car, and need to be able to offer a complete service to clients.

Choosing the right automotive AC machines for your needs can be a daunting task, and too many people simply opt for the cheapest model available, rather than making an informed decision about the best product for their needs. EPA requirements aside, the most important factor when choosing the correct automotive AC machine for your business, is the capacity of the machine to deal with the range of vehicles that you currently work on. You need to choose a machine that can connect easily with all the different types of car that your workshop deals with, and which has enough capacity to recover and treat the refrigerant left in the system to remove any impurities.

Basic automotive AC machines such as the Pro Set Oiless Portable Recovery Recycle Unit are flexible enough to reprocess coolant from a fairly wide range of sources, remove any contaminating oils and other liquids, and release the Freon in perfect condition for reuse.

There are other machines in a similar price bracket that are reliable enough for every day use, and yet still compact enough not to require a vast amount of space in your workshop. Automotive AC Machines such as the Inficon Vortex refrigerant recovery machine are ideally suited to occasional use, and are very compact.

If offering AC repairs and servicing is key to your business, then having the right tools for the job is essential. Getting it right at the beginning when you choose an AC coolant recovery machine often means choosing a model from the Cool Tech range. These robust and highly regarded specialist tools are at the centre of any serious AC shop, and thanks to their efficiency and great value for money, will pay for themselves over and over again.

1. Alternators. Car alternator problems are usually noticed when you realize the juice to your headlights has been reduced. No longer can you see hundreds of feet in front of you, instead the light barely makes it past the front bumper. Check the wires leading to the alternator and make sure that they are secure and free of corrosion. Examine your alternator belt for cracks as well as for tension. If your headlights are still dim, then it is likely your alternator will have to be replaced. Don’t put it off as the alternator can drain your battery.

2. Batteries. If your car won’t start, your battery may be to blame. Most cars come equipped with sealed, maintenance free batteries. Still, “maintenance free” isn’t an entirely correct designation as corrosion can build up on the terminals causing an otherwise fine working battery to fail. Remove the cables, clean with a wire brush, and reattach the cables. Apply lubricant to each terminal to limit future corrosion. If your car’s battery is not “maintenance free” add distilled water to each cell as needed. Use a good set of jumper cables to get your car started. If the car still won’t start the battery is either completely shot or the starter or solenoid [relay] are not working. Battery life varies depending on what type of battery is in your car and usage; consider replacing your battery every 3-5 years before problems arise.

3. Fuses. Your dash lights may be working, while your left rear blinker has failed. If that is the case, it is likely your electrical problems are with the fuses. You can pull off the fuse panel [usually located under the dashboard] and check to see which fuse has burned out. Today’s cars use transparent blade style fuses that are rectangular in shape. Observe each fuse and see if the internal wire has burned out. You can find the fuse fast if the auto manufacturer has labeled each one by circuit. If not, you will have to determine by a process of elimination which fuse has failed and replace it.

Batteries and fuses are widely available at auto supply stores and most will carry a selection of alternators too. If you find prices for your Ford alternator or BMW alternator are too high, you can save plenty of money on original equipment manufactured parts with some of the reputable online providers. Shop with those retailers who have the widest selection of inventory, the best prices, and the most favorable shipping and return policies.

If you’re into the generalized wheel area of cars (tires and wheels), standard wheel cover tools, torque socket sets, torque extensions, wheel stud installers, tire repair kits, needles and the necessary plugs to fill the holes are just a few necessary items that you should keep handy. There are different tools specifically designed for trucks and SUV’s, so if you either drive one, or plan to do work on such vehicles, careful attention to the exact uses for tools is a key element to your success.

When it comes to fuel systems and the necessary tools for service, maintenance and repair, diagnostic testers lead the pack in importance, if you don’t know what the problem is, just how are you supposed to fix it. Fuel injector pulse testers and fuel injection probes are the two most popular tools in this category.

Brake bleeders and brake bleeder vacuums are just a few of the automotive tools you’ll need if you’re involved with the wonderful world of brakes. Be sure that the brake bleeder attachment is the proper size for the vehicle that you are working on. If it’s not, there are different attachments available, so be sure to check your inventory before you agree to any job.

Suction cups to hold a door window in place while work is performed in and around the door area are just another tool designed to make the life of an automotive specialist a bit easier. Specialty knives and locking strip tools are also complete tasks that could be done with other tools, but why would you want to do all of that extra work when you don’t need to?

Of course, just as any time you’re using any type of tool, taking the proper safety precautions and wearing adequate safety gear is the most valuable part to any successful effort. A tool or automotive part car be replaced with a quick phone call or click of a mouse, but your body parts are a bit more difficult to be restore and/or replace. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and safety for all of automotive tools.