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Auto Maintenance Safety

Anytime you plan to work on your own vehicle, there are some important safety precautions that you should follow.

• Before you even begin looking under the hood of your car, be certain that the parking brake is engaged and the car is in "park." As an extra precaution, chock the wheels to ensure that the car doesn't roll.
• If you must work underneath your car, be sure that it is supported properly. Your jack is not designed to support the car alone. You'll need to use jack-stands or ramps.
• Try to work on the car only with the engine turned off. If a circumstance arises where you must start the car as you're working on it, make sure you aren't wearing jewelry, loose clothing or anything that could catch in moving parts.
• Never smoke when working on a vehicle.
• Wear protective clothing or accessories appropriate to the work you're doing. These may include work gloves and safety glasses or goggles.
• Use the right tool for the job -- even if that means you have to rent them.