Safety First!

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Maintaining and repairing your own vehicle can be both cost-effective and personally rewarding. However, depending on the specific tasks you are performing, there is also the potential for personal injury or damage to the vehicle. This article outlines general precautions and practices that will help minimize these risks.BE SURE to observe these precautions WHENEVER working on a vehicle!

Many test and maintenance/repair procedures require that you observe precautions to avoid accidents that can result in personal injury, and/or damage to your vehicle or test equipment. Always read your vehicle's service manual and follow its safety precautions before and during any test or service procedure. ALWAYS observe the following general safety precautions:

Use Adequate Ventilation

When an engine is running, it produces carbon monoxide, a toxic and poisonous gas. To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning, operate the vehicle ONLY in a well-ventilated area.

Wear Eye Protection

To protect your eyes from propelled objects as well as hot or caustic liquids, always wear approved safety eye protection.

Keep Away From Moving Parts

When an engine is running, many parts (such as the coolant fan, pulleys, fan belt etc.) turn at high speed. To avoid serious injury, always be aware of moving parts. Keep a safe distance from these parts as well as other potentially moving objects.

Avoid Hot Parts

Engine parts become very hot when the engine is running. To prevent severe burns, avoid contact with hot engine parts. Whenever possible, allow the engine to cool to ambient temperature before working in this area.

Keep the Vehicle Stable and Secure

Before starting an engine for testing or troubleshooting, make sure the parking brake is engaged. Put the transmission in park (for automatic transmission) or neutral (for manual transmission). Block the drive wheels with suitable blocks.

Connect/Disconnect Text Equipment Propertly

Connecting or disconnecting test equipment when the ignition is ON can damage test equipment and the vehicle's electronic components. Turn the ignition OFF before connecting or disconnecting test equipment.

Only Use Suitable Test Equipment

To prevent damage to the on-board computer when taking vehicle electrical measurements, always use a digital multimeter with at least 10 megOhms of impedance.

No Smoking!

Fuel and battery vapors are highly flammable. To prevent an explosion, keep all sparks, heated items and open flames away from the battery and fuel / fuel vapors. DO NOT SMOKE NEAR THE VEHICLE DURING TESTING.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Don't wear loose clothing or jewelry when working on an engine. Loose clothing can become caught in the fan, pulleys, belts, etc. Jewelry is highly conductive, and can cause a severe burn if it makes contact between a power source and ground.

Keep the Service Manual Handy

Always refer to the manufacturer’s service manual for your vehicle for proper procedures and specifications before performing any test or repair procedures. Contact your local car dealership, auto parts store or bookstore for availability of these manuals.

Always Use the Proper Tools

ALWAYS use the proper tools for the task at hand. The use of improper tools (particularly wrenches) can result in damage to parts, and can increase the possibility of personal injury..

Get Assistance When Necessary

Avoid multitasking. Have an assistant monitor engine operation (RPM, tempera-ture, oil pressure, etc.) when necessary during inspection or repair. ALWAYS USE AN OBSERVER when performing any potentially hazardous procedure.

Have First Aid Readily Available

Even when following all safety precautions, scrapes, cuts and burns are an inevitable part of vehicle maintenance. Having basic first aid supplies handy will help minimize the discomfort.

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