Where on your car gets the dirtiest? Unless you live below a flock of particularly regular birds, the lower portion of your car will be the muddiest. And while a pressure washer will remove the majority of mud, you'll still need to get in there with your hands to finish the job, potentially back-breaking work, especially if your car has very low suspension.
And that's before you get to the rest of the cleaning process, waxing, polishing and detailing the lower part of your car can all be deeply uncomfortable if you're stooped over for long periods. The same can be said for car DIY, it can be very painful to do if you're hunched over. What's needed to stay comfortable is a decent mechanic's seat.
A mechanic's seat may look like a fancy stool that costs a little more money at first glance, but several distinctions are essential for garage work. For a start, they're made of materials that can cope with the oil, grime and general muck of a garage. They also feature wheels for easy movement and several of them include storage space for tools and other products for convenience. We've chosen our favourites so you can work on your car without sacrificing your back.
The best mechanic's seats for your garage
Draper 56224 Mechanics Car Creeper and Seat
The best mechanic's seat
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An incredibly clever idea, this is both a creeper and a mechanic's seat in one product. It's incredibly easy to shift between the two and is really good quality which makes it our top choice. It features an adjustable head/backrest, has thick padding and rolls well on its wheels.
Sealey SCR03B Creeper Stool Pneumatic with Adjustable Height Swivel Seat & Back Rest
The best mechanic's seat for comfort
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For more comfort, this stool from Sealey is our top pick. It features a nice padded seat that can be swivelled and is height adjustable, as well as a small backrest for extra comfort. The base is exceptional quality and powder-coated so it remains in good condition. The small mesh insert underneath the seat can be used for storing larger items, but it's rubbish for smaller items like screws.
Hilka 82620100 Mechanics Seat with Storage
The best mechanic's seat for extra storage
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A simple padded stool, the Hilka is a good choice if you're pushed for space and want to maximise storage in the smallest possible footprint. The seat is height adjustable and the padding is decently thick, the best thing about this stool however is the extra storage offered in the base. Not only will this easily hold small screws and tools during DIY, but it can also be used for storage when not in use, too.
Mechanics Garage/Workshop Seat
The best mechanic's seat on a budget
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It is possible to get hold of a mechanic's seat on a budget and even with a couple of drawbacks, we like this one best. The thinner seat won't be as comfortable but is decently thick, and quality is more than acceptable. It also has plenty of storage underneath perfect for storing tools and equipment while you work.
Ohuhu Premium Thick Kneeling Pad
The best alternative to a mechanic's seat
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A step away from seats, sometimes you'll need to get on your knees while working on your car. To best avoid Housemaid's Knee, we recommend investing in a good-quality foam kneeling pad like this one. This one offers nearly 4cm of padding and comes with a handle for easy carrying. It's also easy to clean and water repellent.
What you should look for in a mechanic's seat:
Wheels - these mean that you can move around without trouble.
Resistance - hard-wearing products give you the peace of mind that you've got a solution that will last you years of use.