Not all car owners are professional mechanics. And that’s ok! Most car shops will tell you that even if you’re not going to perform your own routine service like oil changes and tune-ups, it’s still a good idea to keep a few auto parts on hand.

What Auto Parts Should I Have on Hand?

Owners of both new and used cars should keep at least a small stash of auto parts on hand. Here are a few general items to keep in your garage:

  • Windshield wipers, which are easy to replace and are critical to your safety. 
  • Spare light bulbs since it’s easy to fix a burnt-out headlamp or taillight without bringing your vehicle to the shop.
  • Standard auto fluids like motor oil, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid to top off your vehicle when you’re running low. These are especially important during those long, harsh Pennsylvania winters!
  • A charged battery jumper in case your battery dies. If it has a built-in air compressor to refill a low tire, that’s even better!

Additionally, here are some parts to keep inside your vehicle:

  • The spare tire and jack just in case you blow a tire on the road.
  • A tire pressure gauge so you can pull over and check your PSI if your car suddenly isn’t gripping the road as well as it normally does.
  • A flashlight with working batteries.
  • A basic toolkit for those quick repairs that require a screwdriver or a set of pliers.

Your friends at Scott Lott want to help you keep the best auto parts on hand. Before you run out and buy parts that won’t work for your particular vehicle, give us a call for some advice.