Before you consider doing some DIY car maintenance at home, It’s important to understand some basic guidelines before you get started, so that you and your loved ones remain safe.
1: Work within your skill level.
It is easy to let yourself be influenced by Youtube DIY videos or other sources that tell you that any task is simple. However, when it comes to working on your car or any other vehicle, you need to be extremely aware of what you are able to do. Have you done it before? Do you have the right tools to complete the task? Also, understand that the quality of the advice you will find online isn’t infallible.
2: Never rely on a jack to support the vehicle when you are underneath it.
This is important if you have a professional-style hydraulic floor or a simple bottle jack. If you are planning on getting underneath your vehicle, make sure you use a pair of jack stands that can handle the vehicle’s weight.
Whenever possible, have someone overseeing you and make sure to have an emergency kit nearby.
3: A fire extinguisher is a must.
Motor vehicles have the potential to catch fire, even when you are being careful. Make sure you have a fully charged extinguisher, that it is easily accessible in the event that you need it, and that you know exactly how to use it.
4: Be extra careful of any flammable liquids and other materials.
Gasoline cans, oil cans, solvents, and other materials should always be capped and stored in a dedicated flammables cabinet. Remember that any electrical equipment should be placed at least 4 feet from this particular cabinet.
5: Wear the right equipment.
If you are going to work in your car, make sure you wear safety glasses, long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and protective gloves. Also, invest in good-quality materials and reliable brands. You may not use those items all the time, but they need to be extremely reliable when you use them.
6: Dispose of fluids correctly.
Fluids from your car should be taken to an auto part store, a recycling or hazardous wastes facility, or a transfer station. You should never pour fluids in the storm gutter, or sink, nor throw out fluids in the trash.
7: Work with a good source of light.
Sometimes improper lighting can lead to injuries, so make sure you work with the right lighting equipment. The car’s structure is difficult to light up properly. Consider using a head flashlight or standing lights to illuminate the area of work.
8: Work with proper ventilation equipment or outside.
Working on your car may require starting up the engine which will produce either CO, or CO2 immediately. It is important to have proper ventilation to avoid those toxic gases. It doesn’t take long to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning if you’ve exceeded a safe level of exposure.
Overall, working on your vehicle can be a fun experience and also save you some money. Nevertheless, you need to be careful and follow some simple safety rules to avoid any accidents or issues.
