Several 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 car maintenance can assist in saving you money — but be sure to keep safety a priority when you're the driveway mechanic.

Keep these seven tips in mind before you escape your tools:

1. Do your homework. Make sure you understand what's mixed up in project you're planning. See the owner's manual or technical service guide and have the proper tools available before you start the job.

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

3. Dress for success. Wear safety goggles to help prevent eye injuries from bits of metal, chemical splashes and errant sparks. Clothing must be close fitting so it can't snag or get caught in moving parts. Remove rings, watches and jewelry, and tie up long hair. (All of the aforementioned can snag.) Wear gloves if you're handling fluids which contain strong chemicals. And always wear tough shoes—never sandals or lightweight tennis shoes.

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

5. Start the lights. Make sure to have adequate lighting for your project, even during the daytime. Seeing clearly can help you avoid potential problems.

6. Lift it up. If you intend to work beneath the car, park it on a level concrete surface. Use floor jacks that could support the weight of your vehicle; you may need at the very least two sturdy jack stands and blocks for the wheels. Never use makeshift materials as represents undercarriage work—it's too risky. Always see the instructions for using the equipment properly.

When you beloved this information along with you want to be given more details regarding best new car deals kindly visit the page. 7. Invite a pal over. Don't work with a car by yourself. A pal can lend a hand, stop you company—and help stop you safe. If your jack stand fails or even a fire starts, you'll want someone around to offer immediate assistance. (Just keep carefully the socializing to the very least: Drinking and smoking are dangerous activities when you're working on a car.)

Remember: Its not all car job is fit for DIY. Always contact a specialist service technician for complicated and different jobs.