Recommended Auto Gear

Gear we actually use and recommend at the shop. Curated for drivers, not sponsored by manufacturers. 8 products across 5 categories.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and buy, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd hand to a customer at the shop. Brand decisions are ours.

Roadside emergency

NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter

1000-amp portable jump starter for cars up to 6L gas, 3L diesel. Built-in USB and flashlight.

Our take: We carry this exact unit in every tow truck. Lasts 5+ years, jumps cars in any weather, doubles as a phone charger. The single best $90 you can spend on roadside prep.

$80 to $100View on Amazon

Diagnostics

ANCEL AD310 OBD-II Code Reader

Plug-in code reader for any 1996+ vehicle. Reads and clears check engine codes.

Our take: Before paying a shop $80 for diagnostics, plug this in yourself. Tells you what the check engine light means in 30 seconds. Pays for itself on the first use.

$25 to $35View on Amazon

Tire care

VIAIR 78P Portable Tire Inflator

12-volt plug-in tire inflator. Fills a car tire from 20 to 35 PSI in about 3 minutes.

Our take: Half the customers we tow for a flat actually have a slow leak, not a punctured tire. This inflator gets them home. Keep one in the trunk year-round.

$40 to $60View on Amazon

AccuTire MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Backlit digital tire pressure gauge, accurate to 0.5 PSI.

Our take: The pen-style stick gauges are inaccurate at low temperatures. Spend the extra $5 on digital. Auto-shutoff, backlit, lasts years on one battery.

$10 to $15View on Amazon

Documentation & history

Rexing V1 Dash Cam (1080p)

1080p dash cam with G-sensor for auto-saving on impact. Loop recording, 170-degree view.

Our take: Customers with dash cam footage settle claims 50 percent faster. Worth the $80 even if you never use it. The G-sensor auto-saves any impact, so the footage survives even if the card overwrites.

$70 to $100View on Amazon

Carfax Vehicle History Report

Official Carfax report covering accidents, title issues, service history, and ownership.

Our take: Before buying any used car, run the VIN through Carfax. The $45 single-report is cheap insurance against buying a salvage car. We've talked customers out of bad deals with a single Carfax.

$45 (single) or $100 (5-pack)View on Carfax

Safety

DEFTGET 163-Piece First Aid Kit

Compact car first aid kit with 163 pieces. Bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors.

Our take: Required by some state vehicle inspection. More importantly, you need it once and you'll be glad it's there. Fits in any glove box.

$15 to $25View on Amazon

Cartman Reflective Warning Triangle (3-pack)

DOT-compliant reflective triangles for roadside emergencies. Folds flat for storage.

Our take: Place at 50, 100, and 200 feet behind a disabled vehicle. Required by FMCSA for commercial vehicles, smart for all drivers. Folds flat enough to fit under a seat.

$15 to $25View on Amazon