CLEAR MACHINE COPY
Important Note: Safety is paramount in any automotive environment. Always follow proper
procedures and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using any of
these tools. This includes safety glasses, gloves, and any other required gear.
I. General Automotive Tools
These are the fundamental tools you'll find in most automotive service areas:
• Hand Tools:
o Socket Sets: Used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. They come in various
sizes (metric and SAE) and drive sizes (1/4", 3/8", 1/2").
o Wrench Sets: Including open-end, box-end, combination wrenches, and
adjustable wrenches.
o Screwdrivers: Both flat-head and Phillips head, in various sizes.
o Pliers: Including slip-joint, needle-nose, and locking pliers (Vise-Grips).
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o Hammers: Ball-peen hammers are commonly used.
o Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening fasteners to the correct
specification, preventing damage.
o Hex Key (Allen) Wrenches: Used for bolts with hexagonal recesses.
• Lifting and Support Equipment:
o Hydraulic Floor Jack: Used to lift vehicles off the ground.
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o Jack Stands: Used to support a vehicle after it has been lifted with a jack.
Crucially important for safety!
o Vehicle Lift: Many service centers use hydraulic lifts to raise vehicles,
providing better access. There are two-post lifts, four-post lifts, and scissor
lifts.
• Diagnostic Tools:
o OBD-II Scanner: Reads diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle's
computer system to identify problems.
o Multimeter: Measures voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.
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o Compression Tester: Measures the compression of an engine's cylinders.
• Power Tools:
o Impact Wrench: Uses compressed air or electricity to quickly tighten or
loosen nuts and bolts.
o Drill/Driver: Used for drilling holes and driving screws.
o Grinder: Used for grinding, cutting, and polishing metal.
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• Other Essential Tools:
o Oil Filter Wrench: Removes and installs oil filters.
o Brake Bleeder Kit: Used to remove air from brake lines.
o Coolant System Tester: Checks for leaks and proper pressure in the cooling
system.
o Battery Tester: Checks the condition of a car battery.
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II. Honda-Specific Tools and Equipment
While many tools are universal, Honda dealerships may have specialized equipment:
• Honda Diagnostic System (HDS): A specialized computer system used to diagnose
and troubleshoot Honda vehicles. It provides in-depth access to vehicle systems
and allows for software updates.
• Specialized Service Manuals and Technical Information: Honda provides
detailed manuals and online resources for their technicians.
• Specific Tools for Engine and Transmission Work: Honda may have unique tools
for servicing their engines (like i-VTEC systems) and transmissions (like CVTs). These
might include:
o Tools for timing belt/chain replacement.
o Tools for specific Honda engine components.
o Transmission fluid service equipment.
III. Shop Equipment
These are larger pieces of equipment commonly found in automotive service centers:
• Air Compressor: Provides compressed air to power pneumatic tools.
• Battery Charger: Charges vehicle batteries.
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• Brake Lathe: Resurfaces brake rotors.
• Wheel Balancer: Balances tires to prevent vibrations.
• Wheel Alignment Machine: Aligns the vehicle's wheels to ensure proper handling
and tire wear.
• Exhaust Gas Analyzer: Measures emissions from the vehicle's exhaust.
