Car Maintenance | DontKnowCars.com

Do-it-yourself auto maintenance and repair not only saves you money (and time at the side of the road), it also can be fun. Those who repair their own cars, or even change its oil earn bragging rights. They enjoy learning and trying new things.

That is, if they don’t get hurt. Unfortunately, engine heat can burn skin, parts can shock or pinch, large objects can fall. You get the picture. Fortunately, millions of folks have worked on their cars with no injuries. So can you. By following some basic principles of safety you can brag not only of your automotive skills, but also of your safety record.

Here are a few common-sense car safety tips:

• Cars are designed to roll so make sure the brakes are set and wheels are blocked so the car doesn’t move while you’re working on it.

• Car jacks are okay for changing tires, but before climbing under a car to work place sturdy car stands under the frame so it won’t fall.

• Batteries store electricity—and chemicals—so be especially careful working around them.

• Computers work on very low voltages and are sensitive to excess electricity; nor do they like getting smacked around so be careful.

• Gasoline is a flammable liquid that ignites with a spark so don’t let the two come together except inside the engine.

• A running engine has whirring blades, rotating belts, and other moving parts that can catch clothes or skin so be cautious around it.

• The more you know about your car the safer you will work around it.

Car Alarm

A car jack is not intended as support for working under the car. Make sure your car has a jack in the trunk (or behind the seat of some pickup trucks). Use stationary locking jack stands to support the car before working underneath it.