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Drive-on ramps can also be a gamble. We’ve covered these before, but their potential danger bears repeating. Those thin metal wheel ramps designed to position a vehicle axle high enough to work under can be a real risk unless you are perfect in your approach, know exactly where to stop, have the proper wheel chocks and have the benefit of a solid driveway to place them on. A far better choice would be a properly rated set of axle stands, a floor-jack, and the knowledge to know where to place them.

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The top of the most-likely-to-injure list has to be the infamous hook-style suspension-spring compressor, needed when installing new struts. A set of metal hooks are attached to a threaded rod in these potential mechanical-maimers and when the rod is turned the hooks compress the spring. The problem is there’s no safety cover to hold things together if the hooks slip when the spring is released from a strut assembly by removing the top nut. This brings the risk of an upper strut mount flying towards your head with enough speed and force to crack your skull like a coconut. Your options here are either pay a shop to do the spring transfer with the right equipment, or buy an assembled spring and strut unit, or at least have your health insurance and will up to date.

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Some tools are safe enough when used as intended, but can turn harmful when pushed past their limits. Take for example, sockets on impact wrenches. Those lighter shiny chrome sets are great for hand-tools, but impact guns deliver much more punch, which is why you’ll never see a pro tech reach for anything but a properly made impact-socket when the powerful air-tools come out. Sockets not designed for impact use will crack (if you’re lucky) and can sometimes shatter, throwing sharp metal shrapnel in all directions.

TechMet Carbides is an independent, privately owned company that began in 1998 with the goal of providing world-class tungsten carbide technology and products.

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There's lots of aftermarket gear out there, but get these add-ons first—they'll make your daily drive more comfortable and safe

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As of late he’s taken to the airwaves as a news broadcaster for Lake 88 FM radio where he also hosts his own weekly call-in show on, what else, consumer advice. You can also catch him every other Monday on Calgary 770 AM talk radio when he delivers Motoring Mondays to an eager audience during the afternoon drive time.

Very few consumers ever regret paying extra to get a superior product that’s designed to do the job and last. Ask around and check with fellow auto enthusiasts for their opinion on the right tool brand and type to consider. And once you get the right tools, lock them up and keep them safe.

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However, what you should never get – no matter how little you spend – is something that may injure, maim, or even kill you.

If you’re a dedicated shade-tree mechanic, you’ve likely got a serviceable tool set in your garage but are always on the hunt for something to make difficult jobs easier. Prices can sometimes be a barrier, as specialty tools for automotive repair can run high. Even a professional just starting out can easily have over $10K invested in a modest tool chest and tools, and some experienced veterans will easily have 5 or more times that figure worth of equipment in their work-bay. There are less expensive alternatives, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

He began his writing for the Ottawa Citizen where he penned the ‘Ask the Expert’ column, answering motoring questions for thousands of readers. He took his pen on the road, so to speak, and offered similar consumer advice through several smaller news publishers over the years.

His mission is to break down the mysteries of modern automotive technology to help steer vehicle owners down the right road to smooth motoring.

One of our longest contributors (over 30 years) Brian Turner is a veteran of the automotive repair world with over 4 decades of service. His career has taken him from independent shop management to a stint at AMC Jeep Renault’s Canadian head office to a variety of OEM dealerships in parts and service management. He still has a busy day job at a dealership counter today.