The first caveat of doing car repairs on your own is basically, can you really do repairs on your car? If you aren’t too sure, then you just might have to consider doing the pre-driving checks and maintenance yourself but leave all the repair work to the pros. However, I’ve learned long ago that some routine repairs can be easily done in one’s own garage without having to shell out money for service and that there are certain repairs that you can safely do without risking f*cking up your car. But before you do work on your car, observe these few safety rules.

Make sure that you have plenty of working and breathing space in you garage. You should be able to maneuver freely without having to worry about banging your elbows. Some of the car fluids can release fumes so be sure that you also get enough ventilation.

Wear protective clothing. No need for super sanitary gear, though some overalls would. Grease and dirt usually gets everywhere so it’s usually a shame to get some on your new jeans. Take off all jewelry, watches, and accessories. If you have long hair, tie it up or keep it in a bun. You don’t want your lovely locks get tangled somewhere in there.

Also, make sure that you work on a level surface. Ever had those nuts and bolts roll to some nook and cranny you won’t be able to reach? Now how about having your car roll somewhere? Be sure that wheels are blocked before jacking the car up.

Make sure that the car has cooled down to a point where you can touch parts of the engine bay without getting scalded. Some areas that really heat up - most of the engine bay, radiator, hoses, header cover, wheels, and brake discs if coming from a drive.

Invest on some really good tools. Here’s our take on choosing good socket wrenches. Remember that it’s better to pull than to push. Working on stubborn nuts and bolts can cause even good tools to slip. Busting your knuckles isn’t a particularly good experience at all. Make sure that your tools are also properly insulated when working on electrical issues.

For smokers, don’t you even dare light one up when working on your car. Flame + fuel = boom! Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times. Plenty of clean water from a nearby faucet is handy just in case you need to wash off accidental spills immediately.