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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.

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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.

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Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,347 off RRP*Used from £12,670
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,175Avg. savings £4,216 off RRP*Used from £6,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

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Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

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* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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