What should be done and what should not be done
- Do not use the jack as the only support when working under the vehicle. Be sure to securely jack stands under the vehicle at the recommended locations for lifting the vehicle and jacking it up.
- Do not attempt to loosen highly tightened fasteners (e.g. wheel nuts), when the vehicle is supported by the jack. This may cause the jack to fall.
- Do not start the engine without making sure the transmission is in neutral (or parking position, if applicable), and apply the parking brake.
- Do not remove the radiator cap when the cooling system is hot. Allow the system to cool or cover the lid with a heavy cloth and relieve pressure gradually.
- Do not attempt to drain the engine oil until you are sure it is cold enough to not scald you.
- Do not touch any part of the engine or exhaust system until it has cooled down sufficiently to avoid burns.
- Do not aspirate toxic liquids such as gasoline, antifreeze and brake fluid by mouth or allow prolonged contact with the skin.
- Do not inhale the dust generated during the operation of the friction linings of the brakes. She carries a potential danger (see «Asbestos» below).
- Do not allow spilled oil or grease to remain on the floor. Wipe all traces before someone slips.
- Do not use wrenches with «broken» pharynx or other instruments that can slip and cause injury
- Do not press wrenches when loosening or tightening nuts or bolts. Try to pull the wrench towards you. If the situation calls for the wrench to be turned away from you, push it with an open hand to avoid injury «knuckles», if the key slips.
- Do not attempt to lift a heavy item by yourself. Ask someone to help you.
- Don't look for or use short but dangerous ways to get the job done.
- DO NOT allow children or animals near or in the vehicle while you are working on it.
Wear eye protection when working with power tools such as drills, grinders, etc. and when working under a vehicle. Keep loose clothing and long hair away from moving parts.
Make sure that the lifting equipment you are using is suitable for the type of work being done.
Have someone supervise you periodically when operating the vehicle alone.
Work in a logical sequence and take care that all elements are correctly assembled and properly tightened. Store chemicals and fluids in containers with tight fitting lids, out of reach of children and pets. Remember that the safe operation of a vehicle affects our personal safety and the safety of others. If in doubt, seek the advice of a professional.
Asbestos
Certain friction, insulating, sealing and other items such as brake linings, band brakes, clutch linings, torque converters, gaskets, etc. may contain asbestos. Be very careful to avoid inhaling the dust generated by the operation of these elements, as this is hazardous to health. If in doubt, it is recommended to assume that they contain asbestos.
Fire
Always remember that gasoline is highly flammable. Never smoke or have open flames nearby when working on the vehicle. But the danger is not limited to this. Sparking caused by a short circuit in an electrical target, the contact of metal surfaces with each other, or even static electricity accumulated on the human body under certain conditions, can ignite gasoline vapors, which become highly explosive in an enclosed space. Under no circumstances use gasoline to clean the elements. Use an approved safe solvent.
Before working on any element of the fuel system or electrical system, be sure to disconnect the ground wire from the battery (-). Never spill fuel on a hot engine or exhaust system components. It is highly recommended to have a fire extinguisher in the garage or service station suitable for handling burning fuel and fires on electrical circuits. Never attempt to extinguish burning fuel or electrical appliances with water.
Couples
Some vapors are highly toxic and, if inhaled in any amount, can quickly cause unconsciousness and even death. Gasoline vapours, as well as vapours from certain cleaning solvents, fall into this category. Draining or pouring such volatile liquids should be done in a well ventilated area.
When using cleaning fluids and solvents, carefully read the instructions on the container. Never use materials from unlabeled containers.
Never operate the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is highly toxic. If you need to start the engine, be sure to do so outdoors, or at least make sure the rear of the vehicle is out of the working area.
If you use a pit when working, never drain or overfill gasoline and never start the engine when the car is over the pit. Vapors that are heavier than air accumulate in the pit and can be fatal.
Battery
Never allow sparks or use the lamp without a protective cover when working near a battery. Normally, the battery releases some amount of hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive.
Before working on the fuel or electrical system, be sure to disconnect the ground wire from the battery.
If possible, loosen the filler caps or remove the overall cap when charging the battery from an external power source (this does not apply to sealed or maintenance-free batteries). Do not charge in forced mode - this is fraught with an explosion of the battery.
Be careful when adding water to the battery and when carrying the battery. The electrolyte, even diluted, is highly corrosive. Therefore, never allow it to come into contact with clothing or skin.
Be sure to wear eye protection when cleaning the battery to prevent corrosive substances from getting into your eyes.
Household electrical networks
When using power tools, portable lamps, etc. that are powered by household power, be sure to ensure that the power cord plugs on the tool are properly plugged into the outlet and that the tool is properly grounded (if necessary). Do not use such appliances in wet conditions and take care that sparks or overheating do not occur in the area near fuel or fuel vapors.
Voltage in the secondary circuit of the ignition system
By touching certain parts of the ignition system (e.g. spark plug wires) when running or cranking the engine, especially if the elements are wet or the insulation is faulty, a serious electric shock may ensue. In the case of an electronic ignition system, the voltage in the secondary circuit is slightly higher and can be fatal.