Running engine
When working near a running engine, be careful not to leave the engine near rotating and hot parts of the engine (drive belt radiator fan, exhaust manifold) there were no loose clothes, long hair and tools.
When starting the engine in a garage or other enclosed area, provide sufficient ventilation to prevent poisoning from accumulated exhaust fumes.
Electrical equipment
When working on the vehicle's electrical system, always disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent accidental short circuits that could cause a fire.
Modern ignition systems generate very high voltages, which, if electrically contacted, can damage semiconductor devices (e.g. electronic wristwatch). People with an implanted pacemaker should not do any work on the ignition system.
Accumulator battery
Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive to metals and corrodes clothing and skin. If the battery starts to leak, it should be removed from the vehicle as soon as possible, while the electrolyte should not get on the painted surfaces. The battery tray and adjacent parts of the body must be washed with an alkali solution (to neutralize acid), and then plenty of hot water. After thorough drying, damaged surfaces should be painted.
During charging, the battery actively releases hydrogen, which, when mixed with atmospheric oxygen, forms an extremely explosive gas that can be ignited by an open flame, an accidental spark, or a lit cigarette. To prevent sparking, always turn off the charger before disconnecting its wires from the battery.
Never place the tool on the battery.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid is poisonous, can be corrosive and dissolves paint very well. When filling the reservoir with brake fluid, and also when disconnecting parts of the brake system, always keep a sufficient amount of rags ready to immediately wipe up spilled fluid. Rags soaked in brake fluid should be thrown away immediately so as not to contaminate surrounding objects.
If brake fluid comes into contact with painted surfaces, wash it off immediately with plenty of soap and water.
Remember that brake fluid is hygroscopic, so store it in a hermetically sealed container. Fluid stored in an open container is not suitable for use in brake systems.
Cooling system
The cooling system is pressurized, which raises the boiling point of the liquid and allows the engine to run at a higher temperature. When the expansion tank cap is removed, the pressure is reduced, and if the engine is hot, the coolant may boil violently and spurt out with steam from the expansion tank, causing serious burns. For this reason, check the level and add coolant only when the engine is cold. If it is not possible to wait until the engine cools down, open the reservoir cap slowly, protecting your hand with a thick layer of rags and turning your face to the side (pic. 1). After slightly unscrewing the plug and hearing the hiss of steam, wait until the pressure in the system decreases, and only then remove the plug completely.
It is advisable to use ethylene glycol based antifreeze, as it is the least aggressive to aluminum engine parts. If you are using methanol-based antifreeze, then do not use open flames and avoid accidental sparks near the expansion tank cap and vapor tube, as methanol is flammable.
Fuel system
Gasoline is an extremely flammable, poisonous and skin irritating liquid, so precautions must be taken when working with the fuel system and with gasoline in general. Do not suck gasoline with your mouth, as it is very poisonous - use a siphon. Always provide good ventilation to prevent poisoning and explosive concentrations of gasoline vapors.
Do not use open flames or sparks when handling gasoline. Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent accidental electrical sparks sufficient to ignite gasoline vapors.
Since gasoline evaporates quickly, you should not store it in an open container - use hermetically sealed containers. Gasoline should not be drained from the tank when the car is in the inspection pit, since gasoline vapors can accumulate in the pit and remain there for a long time.
If the floor of the garage or the area on which the car is located is covered with bitumen or tar, do not spill gasoline, as it will dissolve the coating.
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