Seven Safety Strategies for Taking care of Your Car

Whether you are underneath the hood or beneath the chassis, make safety a priority during automotive DIY. Tackling your own personal car maintenance can help save you money — but be sure to keep safety a priority when you are the driveway mechanic.

Keep these seven tips at heart before you get out your tools:

1. Do your homework. Make sure to understand what's involved in the project you are planning. Browse the owner's manual or technical service guide and have the proper tools on hand before you begin the job.

2. Equip yourself. Have an ABC-rated fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit nearby when you are working on cars.

3. Dress for success. Wear safety goggles to simply help prevent eye injuries from bits of metal, chemical splashes and errant sparks. Clothing should really be close fitting so that it can't snag or get caught in moving parts. Eliminate rings, watches and jewellery, and tie up long hair. (All of the aforementioned can snag.) Wear gloves if you are handling fluids which contain strong chemicals. And generally wear sturdy shoes—never sandals or lightweight golf shoes.

4. Air things out. Ventilation is vital if you're focusing on your car's exhaust system. If your "shop" is the garage, park your vehicle therefore the tailpipes are venting outside, and keep the garage door wide open.

5. Switch on the lights. Make sure to have adequate lighting for your project, even throughout the daytime. Seeing clearly can allow you to avoid potential problems.

6. Lift it up. If you plan to work under the car, park it on a level concrete surface. Use floor jacks that could support the weight of your vehicle; you will need at the very least two sturdy jack stands and blocks for the wheels. If you liked this write-up and you would like to receive extra information regarding best new car deals kindly check out the web-page. Never use makeshift materials as represents undercarriage work—it's too risky. Always see the instructions for utilising the equipment properly.

7. Invite a pal over. Don't focus on a vehicle by yourself. A friend can lend a hand, stop you company—and help keep you safe. In case a jack stand fails or even a fire starts, you will want someone around to offer immediate assistance. (Just keep consitently the socializing to the absolute minimum: Drinking and smoking are dangerous activities when you are working on a car.)

Remember: Don't assume all car job is fit for DIY. Always contact a specialist service technician for complicated and different jobs.