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“Car Safety and Maintenance is no Rocket Science”

Owner
Addison
Progressive technology, computer engine management, drive-by-wire controls… Thanks to all the innovations in the new-age automobiles, many owners are now afraid of these. The reality is that this fear could be costing drivers hundreds of dollars in auto shop labor. It is also true that greater access to wealth has made us over magnify our fears and  led us towards  the path of choosing dependence over self-sufficiency. Let us not forget that it's the little things that count, and checking a few of these little things off your list daily will put you ahead of the game, and ease the pain in your wallet. 'Now' is the time to get out of this false sense of complacency and realize that most maintenance checks only take a minute, and most maintenance tasks can be tackled anytime (since it is hard to believe that one is busy during all 24 hours during a day).

It is not new knowledge to anyone that negligence towards the maintenance of will make you pay  a heavy price down the road. Having reminding you of your responsibilities, it is also understandable that maintaining and repairing your ride can be frustrating at times. All of this said and done, believe me when i tell you that the joy of knowing the intricacies of your car and being able to keep it up and running with your own initiative gives you a sense of accomplishment like you have never experienced before! (all the automobile junkies out there know what I am talking about).

Following through from this long, motivational talk (I hope this does motivate all you lazy souls out there), it is now time to talk about the most instrumental element that must be on the top of every car owner's list of concerns – SAFETY (your's and those around you). If you're careful from the beginning and keep safety in mind while you work, you'll have a problem free car and enough fingers to enjoy it. A car is only as dangerous on the road as the person behind the wheel. The same is true for the wrencher. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the road and off it (that is while repairing your car).

Always place your car's transmission in 'Park' or 'Neutral' before commencing work.Do not place any essential portion of your body  beneath a car that is not properly supported with jack stands or blocks. Never  work on any part of the starting or charging system without first disconnecting the battery. Don't wear 'loose' clothing...like a shirt that's two sizes too large. If the sleeve gets caught in the fan, or alternator belt, god save you!

Be very careful about not igniting a flame or spark near the battery or the fuel system.
 Always make sure that you have securely blocked the wheels of the car before starting work (unless you want to be run over by your own car!) Always exercise extreme care while opening the radiator of your car or you or your bystander might receive a hot green chemical shower.
 
You will always clean up any and all of the fluids that your auto may emit, or,  they could ignite or poison your child, your pet your soil or your groundwater (we don't want that!).

While fixing your ride, it would be best to keep your curious children and pets as far away from you as possible. You don't want them to power the engine while you are holding the sparkplug wire!
 
Wear an eye-protection gear while using a drill, grinder, a sander (if you are doing body work, or while you are underneath the car).

When you are using fluids in a container, such as brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, gasoline, or anti-freeze, be sure to replace the cap as soon as you are done using it. If you have spilled oil or slippery liquid on the floor, clean it up immediately.

Follow these simple rules and transform your car owning and maintaining experience from a constant burden to a cherished dream. Last, but, certainly not the least, you must take a vow to not lose your temper and, instead, manifest every bit of patience in your system while dealing with your car. Remember: "Act in haste and you will repent at your leisure."

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