It burns ahh it burns!

Hello Reader(s)


I am a huge fan of doing vehicle maintenance on ones own. I think it helps a person get in tune with their vehicle (forgive the pun). It also is cheaper and prevents a person from getting the run around from one of many questionable shops. I do not think that all mechanic shops are bad but one must be wise.

The only downside of vehicle maintenance besides frustration, is that it is dirty. Every time I crawl under a car, I crawl back out greasy. I love it. But I don't think it's that healthy.

Recently I was helping a friend with his brakes on his old Civic (since it has been sold) and I accidentally spilled some brake fluid on my hand. An unnatural warmth spread throughout my hand in all the areas the fluid coated. It burned!

Thus I want to tell any avid do-it-yourself-er that safety is more important than the project. Always protect yourself with gloves, eye protection, a mask, and long clothes when applicable.

Take it from a person who has had metal shards stuck in the eye, a fingernail ripped off, numerous cuts, and injuries I probably cant remember all while working on a car.

Also consider the environment when you get to your project. Again mechanical work is dirty. Never work on Air conditioning systems before evacuating freon. I accidentally let mine out once and I deeply regret it. It does damage to the Ozone and It can give you insta-frostbite if you catch the blast, I was lucky enough to dodge it.

Finally fluids like oil and antifreeze should be recycled. Local auto parts stores usually have drums in the back where you can deposit waste oil to be recycled. Antifreeze is a little tougher to recycle. Once a local auto parts store worker told me "Dump it down the drain. But don't get caught."

I listened to him because I could not see any other option. But there are options one just has to look. A quick search on google netted me an EPA list of some places that recycle the toxic but vital automotive substance.

Remember when it comes to Cars, safety, the earth and DIY in general your brain is the most powerful tool you have. Use it!