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

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £9,222
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,528 off RRP*Used from £11,799
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £6,556 off RRP*Used from £9,574
Toyota Yaris Cross
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’
airport parking

Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’

The price of a 15-minute drop off now costs £10, while a 30-minute stop incurs a £28 charge
News
20 Mar 2026
New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists
Speeding camera

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists

The new type of radar-based speed cameras are currently being trialled in London
News
19 Mar 2026
10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm
Coolest SUVs coming soon - March 2026 header image

10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm

These are fresh SUVs we can’t wait to arrive, from Skoda’s butch baby electric SUV to McLaren’s loftiest creation ever
Best cars & vans
20 Mar 2026