Skip advert
Advertisement

Car tool feature

Which car kit do the pros swear by? Here’s their top choices...

Pro tools choice

If you want a heads-up on ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ for your toolbox, ask a pro. Garage technicians have an in-depth knowledge of the tools needed to work on your car, which has been honed by years of trial and error.

These workshop wizards use tools every day that most home mechanics might dust off once a year, so they know what makes a good product. Most independent garage mechanics have to spend their own cash stocking their tool boxes too, so it makes sense for them to buy kit that will last! We headed to Whites Motors, a Unipart Car Care Centre in Portsmouth, Hampshire, to get the mechanics’ top tools.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Manager Matt Kendell revealed what he and his team can’t live without – and what he looks for when buying new kit. Of course, Auto Express goes to great lengths to test hundreds of products every year, too – and our Best Buys and Recommended equipment are superb indications of the leading products around. Because most of the brands Matt mentions are aimed at the trade, we’ve reminded you of our top picks from each test to help you find something similar.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £26,500
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £11,900
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,589 off RRP*Used from £10,999
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Britain’s catalytic converter theft epidemic is nearly over
Mazda RX-8 catalytic converter

Britain’s catalytic converter theft epidemic is nearly over

Exclusive Auto Express data has revealed that catalytic converter thefts fell by an average of 98 per cent over the past three years – but criminals a…
News
17 Oct 2025
400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless
Opinion - Volvo XC40 Recharge

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless

Editor Paul Barker thinks new car firms don't have heritage behind them, so power figures and straight line speed are an easy way to grab headlines
Opinion
15 Oct 2025
MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y: has Tesla’s popular SUV finally met its match?
MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y - front tracking

MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y: has Tesla’s popular SUV finally met its match?

Should Tesla be worried by MG’s arrival in premium territory? Our M25 trip sets the scene for head-to-head
Car group tests
18 Oct 2025