Sure Your New Truck Takes An Ipad But Can You Fix It Easily & Cheaply

By Sandra MacBain

It can be said that no book or manual about do-it yourself auto repairs is fully complete without a section that concerns auto repair safety. Yet interestingly enough few budding or even experienced auto mechanics it seems pay serious attention to safety and basic safety procedures.

DIY Do-it-Yourself car car & maintenance - replace a headlight yourself

You would be more than amazed , as they say . More than one amateur mechanic has produced sparks or even open flames near leaky gas tanks or wet fuel lines. How downright dangerous a practice indeed. Included in such events are the use of electric power tools, grinding, welding as well as using propane torches to loosen rusted fasteners around these leaky or leaking fuel tanks and gas lines. Experienced and well trained mechanical and auto service department experts and licensed mechanics generally state to always fix the leak first and foremost. Then do the other repairs work or sets of task to complete the repair and fixing process fully. What could of been a simple and inexpensive job at a reputable auto repair shop or garage can potentially result in a cascade that has you has you out shopping for a new truck complete with monthly "car payments". Thus saving a few dollars on a do-it-yourself or backyard mechanic can well be a case of penny wise , pound foolish and both a not to wise and costly decision.

Along with similar safety practices make it a solid rule to wear protective eye gear when working under a car or any vehicle especially when using a chisel and hammer, when drilling and grinding and especially when working on an air conditioning system or air conditioning summer cooling components. Refrigerant inside the air conditioning system - even the newer non Freon types can still cause frostbite if it comes in contact with exposed skin.

First of all after raising an automobile product, you should take the care to place a jack stand (better yet a pair of jack stands) underneath the auto to support the vehicle's weight. Sure most vehicles are light weight to save on gas mileage, as compared to older vehicles which were made substantially with metal, real chrome and even real metal bumpers. Today in 2010 just look at and examine the lightweight even flimsy plastic and plastics which are so common and prevalent in auto construction. Still any vehicle still packs a lot of dangerous weight, especially if it drops a distance to gain acceleration. The jack stands should always be positioned and placed under a strong part of the chassis - such as the frame rails , control arms, rear axle or bumper supports - and the jack lowered so that the weight is supported by the jack stands, not the jack. If you do not have jack stands, use something that can safely support several thousand pounds, for example concrete blocks or wood four by fours. Never use milk cartons, footstools, garbage cans or boxes.

Similarly when workings with batteries always remember that they contain sulfuric acid, so treat them with great respect when handling them. Be careful not to upset the battery, or to spill acid on the automobile's finish when installing or removing a battery. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and your eyes with goggles. Corrosion on the outside of the battery case can leave an acid residue that will and can eat holes through clothing so it is best to not use Sunday best when doing battery work. Play it safe out there when working on and repairing autos.

About the Author:

Car repairs can be stressful, time-wasting and, most importantly, expensive. That's why we're not surprised to learn when a person takes it on themselves to attempt a D.I.Y.f approach when it comes to vehicular repairs.