How To Work Under Your Car Safely [Follow These 6 Steps]

working in your car can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Working under your car requires extra caution as you will be dealing with heavy machinery, sharp edges, and potentially hazardous materials. In this article, we’ll outline some essential safety tips for working under your car to help ensure that you can do so safely.

Choose a Safe Location

Before you begin any work, it’s important to choose a safe location. Your car should be parked on a flat surface, and the wheels should be blocked to prevent the car from moving. If you have a garage, that’s an ideal location as it provides a stable and sheltered workspace. If you don’t have a garage, make sure you’re working on a level surface that’s not too close to any busy roads or pedestrians.

Use Jack Stands

Never rely on just a car jack to support your car when you’re working under it. Jacks can fail or slip, which can cause the car to fall and injure you. Instead, use jack stands to support the car. Place the jack stands on a strong and stable part of the car’s frame or undercarriage. Make sure the jack stands are adjusted to the correct height, and that they are level and secure before you start any work.

However, you will need to raise the car first and then install the jack stands. For that, you can either use a floor jack or a low-profile bottle jack. Ensure that the jacks have enough load capacity and they can support the load. 

Wear Protective Gear

When working under your car, it’s important to wear protective gear. You should wear gloves to protect your hands, safety glasses to protect your eyes, and a dust mask to protect your lungs from any debris or dust. Additionally, if you’re working with any hazardous materials, such as oil or brake fluid, you should wear a full-face respirator to protect your face and lungs.

Disconnect the Battery

Before you start working under the hood of your car, always disconnect the battery. This will help to prevent any accidental electrical shocks or shorts. To disconnect the battery, locate the negative terminal and remove the cable. Be careful not to touch the positive terminal or allow the wrench to touch any metal parts of the car, as this can cause a spark.

Use Proper Lighting

Make sure you have adequate lighting when working under your car. Ideally, you should use a drop light or a work light that’s specifically designed for automotive use. These lights are designed to be safe to use around cars, and they’ll provide you with enough light to see what you’re doing.

Work with a Partner

If possible, it’s always a good idea to work with a partner when working under your car. This way, you’ll have someone to help you if something goes wrong or if you need assistance. Additionally, a partner can help to ensure that the car is properly supported and that you’re working safely.

Follow the Instructions

Whenever you’re working on your car, make sure you follow the instructions that are provided. Whether you’re changing the oil or replacing a part, the instructions will provide you with important information about how to do the work safely and correctly. Make sure you read and understand the instructions before you begin any work.

Keep Children and Pets Away

Finally, it’s important to keep children and pets away from your workspace when you’re working under your car. Children and pets can be curious and may inadvertently get in your way or touch something they shouldn’t. To prevent any accidents, make sure you have a designated workspace and keep children and pets at a safe distance.

Last Word

In conclusion, working under your car can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that you’re working safely and that you’re able to enjoy your car for years to come. Remember to always use jack stands, wear