Items & Equipment

In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, your success hinges on a deep understanding of the various car parts you'll encounter and the essential tools and workstations at your disposal. This comprehensive guide will detail every aspect of items and equipment, from acquiring specific components to mastering your garage's capabilities. Efficient management of your inventory and strategic use of your equipment are paramount for maximizing profits and delivering top-tier restorations.

I. Car Parts: The Building Blocks of Restoration

Car parts are the lifeblood of your garage. From rusty old components to brand-new performance upgrades, knowing their types, conditions, and where to find them is crucial. Parts are generally categorized by their condition (0-100%) and their specific function within a vehicle system.

A. Types of Parts

Car parts are incredibly diverse, spanning multiple vehicle systems. Understanding these categories will help you diagnose issues and source replacements efficiently.

• Engine Components:
  • Block & Head: Engine Block (V8, I4, etc.), Cylinder Head, Camshaft, Crankshaft, Pistons, Connecting Rods.
  • Fuel System: Fuel Pump, Fuel Rail, Injectors, Carburetor, Fuel Tank.
  • Ignition System: Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils, Distributor.
  • Cooling System: Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Fan.
  • Exhaust System: Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Exhaust Pipes.
  • Ancillaries: Alternator, Starter, Oil Pan, Oil Filter, Air Filter.
• Transmission & Drivetrain:
  • Transmission: Gearbox (Manual, Automatic), Clutch Disc, Pressure Plate, Flywheel.
  • Drivetrain: Drive Shaft, Half-Shafts, Differential, Axles.
• Suspension & Steering:
  • Suspension: Shock Absorbers, Springs, Control Arms (Upper/Lower), Sway Bar, Bushings.
  • Steering: Steering Rack, Tie Rods (Inner/Outer), Power Steering Pump.
• Brakes:
  • Brake Discs, Brake Pads, Brake Calipers, Brake Lines, Master Cylinder, ABS Module.
• Body & Interior:
  • Exterior: Fenders, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Headlights, Taillights, Grille, Windshield, Windows.
  • Interior: Seats, Dashboard, Steering Wheel, Door Panels, Carpets.
• Wheels & Tires:
  • Rims (various sizes and styles), Tires (Summer, Winter, All-Season, Race).
• Electronics:
  • Battery, Fuse Box, ECU, various Sensors (Oxygen, MAP, Crankshaft Position).

B. Acquiring Car Parts

There are several primary methods for obtaining parts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages regarding cost, condition, and availability.

1. The Shop (Tablet/Computer)

The most reliable source for new parts. Accessible via your tablet or the computer in your office, the shop offers a comprehensive catalog of all standard parts at 100% condition. This is your go-to for guaranteed quality.

• Access: Open your tablet (default key: T) or interact with the computer in your office. Select the "Shop" icon.
• Navigation: Parts are categorized by vehicle system. Use the search bar for specific components.
• Ordering: Select desired parts and quantities, then click "Order." Parts are delivered instantly to your inventory.
• Strategy:
  • Bulk Orders: Order multiple common parts (e.g., spark plugs, oil filters) to save time.
  • Performance Parts: The shop is the only reliable source for performance-grade components once unlocked.
  • Cost: New parts are the most expensive option, but guarantee 100% condition.

2. The Junkyard

A treasure trove for budget-conscious mechanics and those seeking rare, rusty finds. The Junkyard offers a randomized selection of cars and loose parts, often in poor condition, but at significantly reduced prices.

• Access: Travel to the Junkyard via the "Travel" menu on your tablet/computer.
• Exploration: Walk around the junkyard. You'll find full cars (often missing parts) and piles of individual components scattered on the ground.
• Inspection: Hover over parts or cars to see their condition and price. Use your Repair Kit (unlocked early) to attempt repairs on parts you find.
• Purchasing: Click on a part or car to buy it. Purchased items are instantly transported to your garage's inventory or parking lot.
• Strategy:
  • Early Game Gold Mine: Ideal for finding cheap parts to repair and resell, or to use on low-budget repair jobs.
  • Rare Finds: Occasionally, you can find rare body parts or engine components for classic cars that are expensive new.
  • Risk vs. Reward: Parts are often < 50% condition, requiring repair or replacement. Factor in repair costs.
  • Scanning: Use your Scanner (unlocked via perks) to quickly identify valuable parts hidden in the clutter.

3. Barn Finds

A thrilling hunt for hidden automotive gems. Barn Finds involve exploring abandoned barns to discover complete, often extremely rare, and valuable classic cars in various states of disrepair.

• Access: Barn Finds become available via the "Travel" menu once you reach a certain experience level (typically around Level 5-10).
• Exploration: Each barn is a small, explorable environment. Look for clues, open doors, and search behind objects.
• Discovery: Interact with the car you find. You'll see its condition and an estimated value.
• Purchasing: You'll be given a purchase price. If you accept, the car is transported to your garage's parking lot.
• Strategy:
  • High Profit Potential: Barn finds are often highly sought-after classics. Restoring and selling them can yield massive profits.
  • Major Projects: These cars typically require extensive work – full engine rebuilds, bodywork, interior restoration.
  • Investment: The initial purchase price can be substantial, so ensure you have enough funds for both the car and its restoration.
  • Perk Advantage: Perks like "Barn Finder" increase the chance of finding more valuable cars.

4. Auction House

For those who enjoy a bit of competition, the Auction House allows you to bid on complete cars, often in better condition than Junkyard finds, but still requiring work.

• Access: Available via the "Travel" menu.
• Bidding: Attend an auction and bid against AI opponents. Watch the prices and know when to stop.
• Strategy:
  • Strategic Bidding: Don't get carried away. Have a maximum price in mind based on the car's potential profit after restoration.
  • Variety: Auctions offer a wider range of cars than barn finds, from common models to rare imports.
  • Condition: Cars here are generally in moderate condition, offering a good balance between repair work and profit.

II. Essential Tools & Workstations

Beyond car parts, your garage is equipped with a suite of tools and workstations crucial for every repair, diagnosis, and customization task. Mastering their use is fundamental to efficient workflow.

A. Basic Hand Tools (Always Available)

These are your primary interaction tools, always equipped and ready for use.

• Wrench/Ratchet: Used for loosening and tightening bolts on most components.
• Screwdriver: For screws on interior panels, lights, and small components.
• Tire Changer: Automatically used when interacting with the Tire Changer machine.
• Balancer: Automatically used when interacting with the Wheel Balancer machine.
• Repair Kit: A consumable item (purchased from the shop) used to attempt repairs on individual parts. Success chance depends on part condition and your "Repair Skill" perk.

B. Workstations & Equipment

These are static installations in your garage, each serving a specific function. Many are available from the start, while others are unlocked via garage upgrades or perks.

• Car Lift (2-Post & 4-Post):
  • Function: Lifts cars to access undercarriage components (exhaust, suspension, drivetrain, oil pan).
  • Usage: Drive a car onto the lift, then interact with the control panel to raise/lower.
  • Upgrade: The 4-Post lift (unlocked later) allows for wheel alignment.
• Engine Stand:
  • Function: Holds an engine block for detailed assembly, disassembly, and repair. Essential for engine rebuilds.
  • Usage: Interact with the engine crane to mount/dismount engines. Then interact with the stand to rotate the engine.
• Engine Crane:
  • Function: Used to remove and install entire engines from vehicles, and to move engines to/from the engine stand.
  • Usage: Position the crane near the car's engine bay or the engine stand, then interact to attach/detach.
• Tire Changer:
  • Function: Mounts and unmounts tires from rims.
  • Usage: Place a wheel (rim + tire) or just a rim on the machine, then interact.
• Wheel Balancer:
  • Function: Balances wheels after new tires are mounted, crucial for smooth driving.
  • Usage: Place a mounted wheel on the machine, then interact.
• Spring Puller:
  • Function: Safely compresses and removes suspension springs from shock absorbers.
  • Usage: Place a shock absorber with a spring attached onto the machine, then interact.
• Brake Lathe:
  • Function: Resurfaces worn brake discs, improving their condition without needing replacement.
  • Usage: Place a brake disc on the machine, then interact. Condition improvement depends on the initial wear.
• Welder:
  • Function: Repairs rusty body panels and exhaust components.
  • Usage: Interact with the welder, then target the damaged part. Requires "Welding Skill" perk for higher success.
• Paint Shop:
  • Function: Repaints entire car bodies or individual body panels. Offers a wide range of colors and finishes.
  • Usage: Drive a car into the paint booth, select "Paint Car," then choose colors. Can also paint individual body parts on the workbench.
• Wheel Aligner (4-Post Lift Required):
  • Function: Adjusts the camber, caster, and toe of a vehicle's wheels, essential for proper handling.
  • Usage: Drive the car onto the 4-Post lift, attach the alignment sensors to the wheels, then follow the on-screen prompts to adjust.
• Test Path/Track:
  • Function: Allows you to test drive vehicles to diagnose issues (e.g., suspension noises, brake pull) or verify repairs.
  • Usage: Travel to the Test Path via the "Travel" menu. Drive the car and observe its behavior.
  • Strategy: Always test drive after major suspension or brake work to ensure proper function and customer satisfaction.
• Dyno (Dynamometer):
  • Function: Measures a car's horsepower and torque, primarily used for tuning and performance upgrades.
  • Usage: Drive a car onto the dyno, then interact to run a test. Provides detailed performance graphs.
  • Strategy: Essential for performance tuning jobs and verifying the impact of performance parts.
• Car Wash:
  • Function: Cleans dirty cars, improving their visual appeal and increasing their value slightly.
  • Usage: Drive a car into the car wash bay, then interact.
• Detailing Tool:
  • Function: Cleans and polishes car interiors and exteriors, further boosting value and customer satisfaction.
  • Usage: Interact with the tool, then target dirty areas on the car.

C. Advanced Diagnostic Tools

These tools are crucial for accurately identifying problems without resorting to guesswork.

• OBD Scanner:
  • Function: Reads error codes from a car's ECU, pinpointing electronic and engine-related faults.
  • Usage: Connect the scanner to the OBD port inside the car (usually near the steering column).
  • Strategy: Always the first step for cars with "Check Engine" lights or reported electrical issues.
• Compression Tester:
  • Function: Measures the compression in each cylinder, indicating engine health and potential issues like worn piston rings or valve problems.
  • Usage: Remove spark plugs, screw in the tester, and crank the engine.
  • Strategy: Use for cars with rough idling, misfires, or low power output.
• Fuel Pressure Tester:
  • Function: Checks the fuel pressure, diagnosing issues with the fuel pump, filter, or injectors.
  • Usage: Connect to the fuel rail, then run the engine.
  • Strategy: Essential for fuel delivery problems.
• Brake Tester:
  • Function: Measures the braking force of each wheel, identifying imbalances or weak brakes.
  • Usage: Drive the car onto the brake tester rollers, then activate.
  • Strategy: Use for cars with reported braking issues or after brake system overhauls.

By thoroughly understanding and utilizing all these items and equipment, you'll transform your garage into a highly efficient and profitable automotive repair empire.