Staying Safe With DIY Car Maintenance

Finding a reliable mechanic takes time and patience. You may want to put your complete trust in someone who gets awesome Yelp reviews, but the satisfactory outcome is not guaranteed. With car prices on the rise, repair costs are likely to follow lead. In 2021, the best way to outmaneuver these pricy repairs is to literally do-it-yourself.

Easy DIY car maintenance tasks to take on this year

Before you jump the gun on DIY car repairs, acquaint yourself with some of the most basic car maintenance jobs. Anything from changing your windshield wipers to cleaning your headlights will get you started on your DIY car maintenance journey.

There are plenty of DIY tasks that are both cost effective and time saving. For one, changing your oil at home. There are numerous videos and how-to guides that will usher you step by step on how to properly switch out the old oil for new.

Just visit a local auto part store and purchase the right type of oil for your vehicle. We suggest glancing at your car manual to identify the right grade.

No matter what DIY car task you take on this year, keep safety in mind. Don’t let accidents or injuries occur due to lack of knowledge. We’re here to inform car enthusiasts on the precautions associated with DIY car maintenance.

Prevent an explosion with these DIY car maintenance tips

A few things can go wrong and cause an unwelcome explosion. First starters, something as common as jump-starting a car battery can result in a boom. Not just a fiery explosion, sulfuric acid no less. It’s important to follow your car manual for battery advice, and make sure you’re following every safety measure to prevent this type of accident from happening. Watch for all possible signs that the battery is in poor health, including internal defects that cause external swelling.

Another culprit of novice DIY maintenance is removing the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. If too much pressure is building, the cap removal can send boiling liquid and steam in all directions. Just like a water fountain without the peaceful affect. Some instances are so severe that third-degree burns can occur. In short, don’t take the radiator cap off right away. You’ll be happy you waited.

One jack does not fit all

A jack is essentially one of the most useful tools for performing DIY car maintenance. Without it, you wouldn’t get a clear vision of the mechanics under your car. Also, you’ll find it hard to change a tire. Unfortunately, its misuse leads to a number of injuries each year. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes of injury for DIY maintenance doers.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent car jack injuries from occurring:

• Make sure the parking brake is on. This will prevent your car from accidentally sliding.
• The fit must be right. Don’t assume one size fits all. Using the wrong sized jack could put your life in danger.
• Weight matters. Only use a jack that meets the weight requirements of your vehicle.

As you can see, there are a number of things that can go wrong if you don’t follow procedure. Operating a jack may seem like a piece of cake in comparison to other complex parts, but it warrants the same finesse.

Carbon Monoxide 

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic substance, one that even the professionals do not mess around with. As a newbie mender, it is important to never, I mean never, run your car engine in the garage. This is a rookie mistake that sadly creates devastating consequences.

According to the CDC, approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency room each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. If the car is left running for a prolonged period of time, the carbon monoxide can dissipate into your home, causing further harm to others.

It is never worth the risk. However, if you plan on breaking the rules, at least make sure the garage door remains open at all times. In addition, park the tailend of your vehicle closest to the garage opening. Do whatever you can to prevent this safety hazard from becoming a regrettable mistake.

Wear proper safety gear for DIY car maintenance 

It’s important to wear proper safety gear while working on your vehicle. These items keep your health in check, while remaining affordable. Here are a few essential tips that every DIY car maintenance person should follow:

Grab a pair of safety glasses 

Safety glasses not only protect your eyes from impact hazards, they are the best defense against UV rays. The list of hazards includes but are not limited to dust particles, flying objects, and fluids.  

Wear a mask 

Dust masks provide excellent protection for car enthusiasts who perform body work. They even work great when you need to replace rusted brakes. It effectively keeps harmful particles from entering your nose and mouth which can have long-term health effects. 

Inform a friend or family member

Working on automobiles has its risks no matter what level of expertise you have. Even the most experienced DIY mechanics experience accidents. Therefore, we suggest all car enthusiasts inform a friend or family member about their plans to work on a vehicle. Consider them your emergency contact.

DIY car maintenance made simple

It could take years until you find the right mechanic. But for some car enthusiasts, the thrill of fixing your own car is hands-down the best experience. Why would you go to anyone else?

With a DIY approach, you gain invaluable technical skills and learn a few lessons along the way. Mistakes might be made, but as long as you follow these safety suggestions, you will learn the right way.

It may take hours of labor, and a dozen YouTube videos later to ace your skill, but safe automobile repair is achievable at any age. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be ready for your next challenge. Other great DIY car maintenance jobs to check out include: replacing an air filter, changing your coolant, and repairing a defroster grid.

Stay tuned for more DIY car maintenance insight to come.