Working in a garage isn’t really that tough but a little mishandling can cause you a lot of trouble. From replacing the shocks to using a floor jack for lifting the car every process requires technique and experience. But it’s not as hard as it sounds. We’ll take you through a series of guides which you can adopt while working in a garage to ensure safety.
Let’s Begin!!!
- When Replacing Shocks Beneath the Car
Replacing shocks is not a tough job but it can get quite troublesome because of a small negligence. Working beneath a car requires proper safety measures. Suppose your 3-ton floor jack has lifted your car from the driveway giving you enough space to work underneath but as soon as you remove the wheels, the car starts leaning downwards, pushing away the cement blocks that were holding them causing the car to land on its brake discs and all this happening in a blink of an eye not giving you enough time to escape. No one wants to be in this position. Right? So how can this be avoided?
Jack up your car on a pavement. And it should be made of concrete not asphalt or cement blocks as jack stand can cut a hole in soft materials. Secondly if you’re planning to change only the oil then ramps would work fine but for suspension or brake work you would need jack stands. Also keep in mind to use wood for blocking wheels to keep the car from rolling off. You don’t want to get under the vehicle while changing wheels finding the vehicle rolling right over you.
- How to Raise a Car or Truck Safely?
If you’re using a scissors jack to raise the vehicle then first find a proper pavement wheel the vehicle has to land. Now using the jack start lifting your car from every corner one at a time (read the top rated floor jack reviews from floorjacktips). It might take you some time but it’s the safest procedure. Now lower the vehicle onto the pavement while doing so put another stand under the suspension part of the vehicle but keep note that it shouldn’t be resting on radiator supports or the exhaust system. Also leave some weight on the stand.
If you’re using a floor jack, the process is similar. Instead of using one corner at a time this tool lifts one end at a time. The most appropriate way is to jack it from the middle of the chassis on the transmission case or from the rear differential end. Again keep in mind that the jacking points shouldn’t be any oil pan, exhaust system or gas tank.
- When Working Under the Hood
You can face some serious problems while working under the hood. From hurting yourself on the finger to getting seriously injured there are various dangers you would have to encounter if you don’t take precautionary measures.
Let’s look at the radiator first. It operates under high pressure around 15 psi and temperature as high as 230 F. Before opening the cap make sure the pressure drops to zero. Fuel lines are another dangerous spot. One small spark can lead to ignition. The pressure in it can be as high as 60 psi.
Another component is electric cooling fan. Their purpose is to cool the engine; they are still operating even if the key has been turned off. Wait for it to properly cool down before starting your work.
- Exposure of lungs to Dust and Smoke
Exposure to dust and smoke can cause both acute and chronic lung diseases. It might not seem painful at that instant but it can have after effects. Brake dust is dangerous and therefore its advised to use disposable masks as they are both cheap and efficient.
Also don’t use compressed air to blow dust out of backing plates and calipers. It’s better to use an aerosol brake cleaner.
While handling solvents make sure to use safety goggles, masks and gloves. They can burn hands and their fumes can cause irritation in both eyes and lungs. One example is of motor oil which is considered as a very hazardous material so if you’re changing oil manage to stay out of contact with the liquid itself.
- Cuts and Bruises
While working with the hammer make sure to cover your face properly. And use a proper hammer as sometimes materials like chips can fly off and hurt you. Also keep in mind to wear eye protection specially ones with shatter resistant safety lenses.
Don’t forget these safety measures while working with your vehicle. Adopting these might take you some time but they will definitely save you from a lot of accidents.
