Safety First! How To Stay Safe When Doing Automotive Repairs

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For most people a car is a necessity. It is needed to get to work, to go to the grocery store and to go to appointments. There is a myriad of benefits to owning a car; however, maintaining a car can cost a lot of money and cause car owners headaches. For example, automotive repairs can quickly end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Although you can save yourself quite a bit of money by completing the repairs yourself, it can be a dangerous task to take on if the proper safety measures are not followed. These safety measures include knowing how to lift a car, allowing the engine to cool off completely and using the right safety equipment to help prevent injuries.

Keep It Cool

A cool car is a safe car. Always allow your car time to cool completely before beginning any car repair. The fluids and metal in your car can hold heat for a long time. Wait a few hours to allow everything to cool down before you begin any repairs. If possible, park the car in the shade or in the garage to help cool the engine quickly.

Lifting a Car Safely

If you will be working underneath your car, you will need to learn how to safely lift your car. Most experts agree that the only safe way to lift a car to work on it is with jack stands, ramps or hydraulic lifts. Never use a floor jack, a chunk of wood or concrete blocks to support the car. These items can fail and cause the car to fall on top of you.

Safety Equipment

Safety should always be the number one priority when working around automobiles. Whether you are doing a simple repair, such as changing the engine oil, or completing a more difficult repair, you should ensure that your ears, eyes, hands and skin are always protected by using the following safety equipment.

• Safety goggles- Before you even lift the hood, put on a pair of safety goggles. These goggles protect the eyes from fluids or metal shavings that may be encountered while working on a vehicle.
• Earplugs- Oftentimes, it is loud when working on an automobile. Whether you are hammering an auto part loose, using an impact wrench or grinding a bolt, you will want to protect your hearing by wearing a quality pair of earplugs.
• Gloves- Protecting your hands from cuts, burns and fluids is essential. A pair of high-quality mechanical gloves can help prevent injury. Additionally, if you are working with automotive fluids, put on a pair of chemical resistant latex gloves underneath your mechanics gloves to prevent fluids from contacting your skin.
• Tight fitting clothing- When you are working on a car, it is imperative that you wear tight fitting clothing. This will help prevent clothing from snagging on moving parts, caustic chemicals from reaching the skin and accidental burns. Choose a snug, long sleeve shirt to protect your arms and chest. Likewise, wear well-fitted pants to protect your legs.
• Choose the right shoes- You can protect yourself from injuries by wearing a pair of slip-resistant, steel toe boots. The slip-resistant boots will help prevent accidental falls, while the steel toes will protect against foot injuries.

Unplug the Car's Battery

The electrical system in your car can cause injury or death. To help prevent electrocution, unplug the battery before beginning any repairs. Ensure that the battery terminals are positioned away from the battery. To further help prevent accidental injury, wrap electrical tape around the terminals and posts on the battery.

Diligence is essential to automotive repair safety. Purchase high-quality safety equipment and use it whenever you work on a vehicle. Finally, if a project seems too difficult for you to handle, take the car to a mechanic like those at Budget Automotive Center. Your safety is more important than saving a few bucks.

18 August 2015