How You Can Stay Safe While Working on Your Vehicle
If you are like many others, you love working on your car. It’s a chance to tinker, to improve, to make it exactly the way you want it. But it’s important to remember that cars are complex machines, and working on them can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Read on for some tips to stay safe while working on your vehicle.
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t think to wear gloves, goggles, or earplugs when working on their car. For instance, a pair of nitrile gloves is a necessity. While a lot of people might not realize this, working on your car can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. All sorts of chemicals and oils can get on your skin and cause irritation or even serious injury. Nitrile gloves provide a barrier between your skin and these harmful substances. They’re also resistor gloves, which means they’ll protect your hands from getting cut or scraped by sharp edges.
USE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Another thing that might seem like common sense but is often overlooked is using the right tools for the job. Using the wrong size wrench or socket can not only make your job more difficult, but it can also be outright dangerous. If you’re not sure which tool to use, take a moment to consult your owner’s manual or look up a diagram online. It’ll save you a lot of time and frustration.
TAKE YOUR TIME AND DON’T RUSH
When working on your car, it’s important to take your time and double-check everything as you go along. Rushing through a repair job is a recipe for disaster. Not only are you more likely to make mistakes, but you’re also more likely to injure yourself in the process. So just relax, take your time, and do the job right the first time around. For instance, changing a tire is not something you want to rush through. When changing a tire, be sure to loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Trying to loosen them while the car is already lifted is just asking for trouble. Once the car is lifted and the new tire is in place, tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible before using a wrench to finish tightening them. This will help ensure that they’re tight enough so that they won’t come loose while you’re driving but not so tight that you won’t be able to remove them later when it’s time for a new tire. Trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end.
BE CAREFUL WITH FLUIDS
Whether it’s oil, coolant, or brake fluid, all automotive fluids are nasty stuff that you don’t want anywhere near your skin or eyes. So whenever you’re dealing with fluids while working on your car, be sure to exercise caution and use proper protective gear. Also, be sure to dispose of all used fluids properly. Used motor oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid can all be recycled at auto parts stores or at special recycling centers. Do not pour them down the drain, as this can contaminate our water supply.
WEAR A MASK IF YOU CAN
Kicking up dust while working on your car is inevitable, but try to avoid breathing it in as much as possible. Wear a dust mask or spend time working outside on days when there’s little wind to minimize your exposure. If possible, wait until after a rain shower to work on your car, as this will help keep dust levels down.
By following these simple safety tips, you can stay safe while working on your vehicle, so you can keep enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done without putting your health at risk.