Car Repair Safety Tips to Help Prevent Accidents

Car repair can be fraught with hazards if you aren't careful when working. In fact, it's often the best mechanics that suffer the worst injuries due to carelessness. Treat fixing a vehicle as you would handle any piece of heavy machinery. You need to remain focused, avoid dangerous shortcuts, and prepare yourself for potential peril. If you've managed to refrain from sticking a fork in the toaster or your hand in the garbage disposal, you're halfway to safe DIY habits.

By far one of the most common injuries during car repair is burns. While most people are fortunate and only get a small first degree burn, many more mechanics have suffered from third degree steam baths due to some hasty work. The easiest way to avoid burns is by waiting until your ride has been sitting for several hours. That way, all the engine parts will be cool to the touch. If you have troubles while driving and need to pull over, be careful when lifting the hood. The engine could be steaming and spit up at you, which is very painful and can even be disfiguring. Wearing thick gloves can help put a layer of protection between you and hot metal so you can pull away quick enough. If you aren't sure, it's better not to touch with bare skin.

If your drive isn't plotting to burn you, then it certainly might be waiting to give you a nasty shock. When dealing with the battery, disconnect it. Not only are you risking a jolt, but sparks can easily start a fire. All it takes is one tiny flame to cause a major explosion, so don't bother with shortcuts by leaving it on. Remember that the wires extend the length of your vehicle, which means regardless of what part you are working on, you need to take this necessary step to avoid a tragedy. You should also put on a pair of rubber gloves if handling spark plugs to protect yourself from getting an unpleasant buzz.

Fluids and parts can be pretty unpredictable, making it crucial that you slap on some protective eye wear before starting on your next car repair. Parts can pop off and spring up to smack you in the face. Oil or other liquid can drip down on top of your head and trickle into your eye. Or you may accidentally send up a small flame. The last thing you want to do is put your line of vision in the way of anything sharp, forceful, or burning, so keep your peepers well covered.

When you need to get underneath, you better be real sure that your vehicle is supported properly. Milk crates and a tire jack aren't going to save you from a brutal head crushing. Proper support stands are necessary for safety reasons and they can be picked up at an auto parts store. Make sure that the model chosen is strong enough to carry the weight of your vehicle. When working below, make sure to inform anyone nearby so they can keep an eye on you.