One of the basic forms of car maintenance that you can do is change the oil on your vehicle. However, it is not easy to do and you can make mistakes that can potentially harm you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when changing your oil on your own that will help you stay safe.
Protect Your Eyes And Skin
It's important to take the proper safety precautions when doing an oil change. You're dealing with chemicals and getting underneath your vehicle. If you were to have those chemicals get into your eyes or touch your skin it is not going to be good. Even getting oil on your hands can cause stains at the very least. That is why you want to wear eye protection and gloves at all times.
Park On A Flat Surface
It's crucial that you park your car on a surface that is completely flat and clear of other vehicles. This means you may not want to do it on your driveway if it's slanted away from your home. You don't want to run the risk of the car moving off the jack while it is up in the air and you are under it.
Know Where To Place The Jack
It's important to read your owner's manual to find out where the safe space to jack up the car is located. It's going to be different with every vehicle, so do not make any assumptions. Some cars have a solid frame that allows you to place the jack on it, while others have a pinch rail or supporting area where the jack needs to go.
Have The Right Tools
It's important not only to have a jack but to have jack stands as well. This will help protect you if the car were to fail while it is up in the air. You should also have blocks that you can place behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. You're going to need a variety of different wrenches to perform the oil change, many of which you likely have on hand already. However, it will help to have a filter wrench. This tool will grip around the oil filter and allow you to easily twist it. You'll be putting less pressure on the car, rocking the car less, and lowering the risk of the vehicle slipping off the jack.
Reach out to a company like Flynn's Tire and Auto Service to find out more.
Share7 September 2022
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