Working on your vehicle can be both rewarding and cost-effective. It can also be dangerous if you proceed without an awareness of some of the most common and potentially hazardous DIY mistakes.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, it's critical to understand these pitfalls before you pop the hood. Otherwise, even the simplest of jobs can quickly go awry, putting both you and your car at risk.
So, here are five important errors to avoid when working on your car. A list of car repair “don'ts” that are designed not only to keep you safe, but to ensure you get the job done right.
- Skipping the Safety Basics
Cars are complex and powerful machines. So are many of the tools we use to work on them. That's why, no matter how seemingly simple a DIY project may be, it's critical to take a few minutes to ensure you have the proper safety gear before you get to work.
Start by protecting the most vulnerable parts of your body. Safety glasses are a must for shielding your eyes from hazardous fluids and flying debris. Gloves are not just about keeping your hands clean; they protect you from burns, cuts and chemical exposure. Protective footwear like steel-toe boots give you stable footing and protect your feet from falling objects.
Before you go near the moving parts of a car, also be mindful of your clothing and accessories. Secure any loose material, dangling jewelry or long hair. Otherwise, there’s a real risk of getting them entangled in belts, fans or other moving components.
Always have a fire extinguisher within easy reach when working on your car. Unexpected sparks and hot surfaces can ignite minor fires that quickly grow out of control unless you've got a working extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
Also, pay attention to proper ventilation, especially when working in enclosed spaces with volatile chemicals such as brake cleaner or paint. If natural airflow is limited, wear a respirator to protect yourself from harmful fumes.
- Improper Jack Usage
Lots of DIY projects necessitate working underneath your car. But raising an object that weighs as much as a rhinoceros should never be taken lightly. And while we'd all love to have a sturdy two-post hydraulic lift at home, most of us have to rely instead on a floor jack and set of jack stands. Using them the right way can literally be the difference between life and death.
Proper jack usage begins with identifying your car's weight, something easily found in the owner's manual or on the driver's doorjamb. Cross-check it against the capacities of your floor jack and jack stands. Stay within their specified limits or you'll risk their sudden collapse.
Likewise, you'll want to check the owner's manual for the location of your car's designated jack points, which are specifically engineered to support its weight. Lifting the vehicle from any other point can damage it or cause it to slip unexpectedly, with disastrous results.
Always work from a flat and stable surface when jacking up your vehicle. Uneven or soft surfaces can cause the equipment to sink or tilt, destabilizing the car.
Finally, as tempting as it may be, never rely on a floor jack alone when working under a car. Secure the vehicle on jack stands first. Then, for redundancy, position the floor jack under a separate jacking point to protect you in the unlikely event one of the jack stands fails.
- Neglecting to Disconnect the Battery
An often overlooked, yet critical first step in DIY car maintenance is disconnecting the battery. Here, we’re talking about the traditional 12-volt battery in the engine bay, not an EV battery. Even with the car turned off, the battery remains active and can deliver severe and potentially fatal electric shocks.
Disconnecting the battery is especially important when working on electrical components, such as the radio or alternator. But it's a wise precaution when doing mechanical work, too. For instance, disconnecting the battery prevents the starter from being engaged inadvertently while your hands are deep inside the engine bay. That could cause not only injury but also mechanical damage.
To disconnect the battery safely, always remove the negative terminal (with the “-” sign) first. This reduces the risk of creating a short circuit. Likewise, when your project is complete, reconnect the negative terminal as your final step. Using this sequence protects both your safety and the integrity of the electrical system.
- Failing to Use a Spring Compressor
Your car's springs are under tremendous pressure, which must be managed carefully when removing them to replace worn suspension components or swap in new springs. A spring compressor is a tool designed to do precisely that. Using one for suspension work doesn't just make the job easier; it's essential for your safety.
Car repair forums are full of supposedly helpful ways to avoid using a spring compressor. Don't listen to them. The risks of using a workaround are significant. Springs under tension have immense stored energy. Released suddenly, that tension can catapult a spring with tremendous force, causing severe injury or vehicle damage.
For those new to using spring compressors, proceed cautiously and follow each step in the instructions. Always ensure the clamps are securely attached with tension evenly distributed.
- Improper Disposal of Automotive Waste Properly
Proper disposal of automotive waste is a crucial but sometimes ignored aspect of DIY maintenance. Whether it's used motor oil, old coolant or dead batteries, spent materials must be disposed of responsibly to protect the environment and to comply with the law.
Fortunately, it's pretty easy to dispose of automotive waste these days. Most auto parts stores accept used oil and old batteries for recycling, often at no charge. Alternatively, your local hazardous waste or recycling center will take them for a small fee. To avoid spills or leaks, carry discarded fluids in sealed containers and ensure old batteries remain upright during transport.
Old rags that are too oily to wash or reuse also need special handling. Don't just toss them in a corner. When piled together, oily rags can spontaneously combust, leading to a fire. Instead, dry them thoroughly in a well-ventilated area or seal them in a metal container (such as an old paint can) with water. Then, bring them to the hazardous waste center for proper disposal.
Final Thoughts
Safety may not be the most exciting car repair topic. But its importance cannot be overstated. The five common mistakes outlined here highlight areas where caution preparation are paramount.
Avoiding these critical errors makes working on your car safer and more environmentally responsible. But also more effective and fun! And that's why you’re a DIYer.
