Before we get into the most common safety tips when working on your car, it is important that you do not attempt to initiate any repair tasks that you are not comfortable or certain about. It is always a better idea to pay someone and get it done right the first time than doing it yourself and making it worse than it was to begin with. Fact that vehicles today are more advanced compared to a few years, and hence their systems are a bit more complex. Repairing these fixing at often times requires special tools and computerized equipment and not to mention specialized skill and considerable expertise. A mere oversight could permanently damage computer systems so it is best to leave car repair to the experts.
Another aspect of car repair is determining how much you can handle in terms of physical capabilities. For example, if you need help getting to a part below the engine and need the extra help; don’t feel shy to ask for it rather than tackling it yourself. If immediate help is not available, then wait until it arrive but do not rush into things. Other examples of physically challenging situations include reaching, bending or getting under the vehicle in an awkward position. Moreover, do not attempt to perform any repairs on your vehicle if you are under the influence of prescription drugs or alcohol or simply if you are tired. Taking on repairs in these circumstances will impair your perception and judgment and hence could lead to critical error and injury.
Smoking on its own is injurious to health, and doing so while working on your vehicle is definitely one of the most dangerous and hazardous practices. A vehicle is loaded with fuel related components such as fuel tank, fuel injectors, fuel pump and fuel lines so it is best to refrain from smoking altogether. In terms of fire hazards, it is good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure it is appropriate for liquid and grease fires. Again in terms of smoking, the battery contains hydrogen gas which is extremely explosive.
Ensuring your vehicle is properly supported during the repair period is critical, which simply means that do not just rely on a factory jack, but use some heavy large stones along with it. If you are undertaking maintenance yourself most of the time, it is recommended that you invest in a pair of jack support stands. These need to be positioned under the vehicle and provide sufficient strength for the vehicle to stay in place and keep it from falling on you. Stones and blocks are slippery and unbalanced objects so they do have great chance of collapsing.
If you’re doing electrical repair work, it is a good idea to disconnect the battery cables or at least one of them. These jobs include replacing the starter, fixing wiring or a broken switch or installing or repairing a sound system. It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing when working on your vehicle, but avoid wearing loose clothing such as and jewelry such as rings, scarf’s, bulky gloves or neckties. These can get entangled with parts of the vehicles such as pulleys and other moving parts and may result in serious injury.
Lastly and most important, never open the radiator cap when it is hot, but allow the vehicle to cool for an hour or more before attempting to do so. Even when you do try to open the radiator cap, use a rag to avoid slipping and a messy experience. No matter is the repair job is big or small, it is a good habit to wear safety gear such as safety glasses and shoes.
