Auto Repair Shop Essentials
Planning to put up an auto repair shop? Before you do, read this article first. It will tell you what you need to succeed.
First you must invest on tools that you’re going to use. Aside from having the most basic tools and auto parts, having highly specialized quality equipment will give you an edge in this business.
When buying supplies, consider the manufacturer’s credibility, type of equipment, and the technology being used. Here are five things that should be in your list:
Gas-welding equipment – this includes oxy-acetylene tanks, pressure regulators, hoses and torches. Oxy-acetylene tanks are storage tanks for the two gases used in welding. It is available in small, medium, and large sizes based on the diameter of the cylinder.
Pressure regulators are used to control the high pressure coming from the tank to the torch. Hoses should be at least 25 feet so you can freely turn around without moving the tank from one location to another. Torch tips orifice can vary among manufacturers so better read the product manual thoroughly.
Nitrogen tank/nitrogen tire refiller – since purified nitrogen has become a popular alternative to compressed air used to inflate tires, nitrogen tanks should be available in automotive service outlets. The demand for nitrogen among sports cars and aircraft tires is due to precision inclination.
Nitrogen gas in tires is more reliable and has steadier inflation pressure. Compressed air contains oxygen which can catalyze tire wearing.
Timing light – this instrument is used to view cycle-moving things like internal combustion and four-stroke engines. By that automotive experts can benchmark the time of spark in the combustion chamber of an engine. It is typically attached to ignition circuit while simulating running engines to time the spark per piston position.
Car lift/ramp – to have a full view of a car needed for hard to reach areas, auto shops place cars in a platform using lifts or ramps. Car lifts are made of durable steel that is rust resistant. Some auto shops and car repair stations integrate a computerized car lift device. An adjustable elevation level can be made to rotate, raise or incline the car in a desired position.
Air compressor – despite the availability of nitrogen gas refillers, many auto shops still use compressed air since it is much cheaper. Air compressors are used in filling compressed air in tires. They are often specified in horsepower capacity, flow capacity, discharge pressure, and electrical requirements. To ensure maximum air compressing efficiency, air compressors that can operate on lower temperatures are advisable.