Safety measures during work (VW Golf 1)

Running engine

When working near a running engine, pay close attention to rotating and very hot engine parts (radiator fan drive belts, exhaust manifold) there were no loose clothes, long hair or tools.

When starting the engine in a garage or other enclosed area, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent inhalation of accumulated exhaust gases.

Electrical equipment

When working on a vehicle's electrical system, always disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental short circuits that could cause a fire.

Modern ignition systems generate very high voltages, which, when in electrical contact, can damage semiconductor devices (for example, electronic wristwatches). People with an implanted pacemaker should not perform any work on the ignition system.

Battery

The car battery contains sulfuric acid, which causes rapid corrosion of metals and corrodes clothing and skin. If the battery starts to leak, it should be removed from the car as soon as possible, while the electrolyte should not come into contact with painted surfaces. The battery tray and adjacent parts of the body should be washed with an alkali solution (to neutralize the acid), and then with plenty of hot water. After thorough drying, the damaged surfaces should be painted.

When charging, the battery actively releases hydrogen, which, when mixed with oxygen in the air, forms an extremely explosive gas that can be ignited by an open flame, a stray spark, or a lit cigarette. To prevent sparking, always turn off the charger before disconnecting its cables from the battery.



Never place the tool on the battery.

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is poisonous, can cause corrosion and dissolves paint very well. When filling the brake fluid reservoir or when disconnecting brake system parts, always have a sufficient number of rags ready to wipe up any spilled fluid immediately. Rags soaked in brake fluid should be thrown away immediately to avoid contaminating surrounding objects.

If brake fluid gets on painted surfaces, it should be washed off immediately with plenty of water and soap.

Remember that brake fluid is hygroscopic, so it should be stored in a hermetically sealed container. Liquid stored in an open container is not suitable for use in brake systems.

Cooling system

The cooling system maintains high pressure, which raises the boiling point of the fluid and allows the engine to operate at a higher temperature. When you remove the expansion tank cap, the pressure drops, and if the engine is hot, the coolant can suddenly boil and splash out of the tank with steam in a stream, which will lead to serious burns. For this reason, you should only check the level and add coolant when the engine is cold. If you cannot wait until the engine cools down, open the tank cap slowly, protecting your hand with a thick layer of rag and turning your face away (figure 1). After slightly unscrewing the plug and hearing the hissing of steam, wait until the pressure in the system drops, and only then completely remove the plug.



It is advisable to use ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, as it is the least aggressive to aluminum engine parts. If you use methanol-based antifreeze, do not use an open flame and avoid accidental sparks near the expansion tank cap and vapor tube, as methanol is flammable.

Fuel system

Gasoline is extremely flammable, as well as toxic and irritating to the skin, so precautions must be taken when working with the fuel system and gasoline in general. Do not suck gasoline in with your mouth, as it is very toxic - use a siphon. Always ensure good ventilation to avoid poisoning by gasoline vapors and to prevent their explosive concentration.

Avoid using open flames or creating sparks when working with gasoline. Always disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental electrical sparking sufficient to ignite gasoline vapors.

Since gasoline evaporates quickly, do not store it in an open container - use hermetically sealed containers. Do not drain gasoline 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 garage floor or the area where the car is located is covered with bitumen or tar, do not spill gasoline, as it will dissolve the coating.