In our first article in this series, we discussed the best hand tools for new (and experienced) DIY mechanics. Tools aren’t the only resources you may need while performing your repairs, and safety is key to prevent injury and ensure the best experience. Personal protective equipment can help ensure safety during the repair process, helping you to more easily access the repair area and limiting the risk of damage to your car (or yourself).
The phrase “safety first” should also apply to automotive repair, even when you’re just performing routine maintenance. Protecting your eyes and face with the proper equipment can help limit the risk of injury from harmful particles, toxins, abrasive, or hot liquids, and sharp objects, and should always be the first step before performing any project. Safety glasses and safety goggles, as well as face shields, are engineered for optimal eye protection and are available in several styles, tints, colorways or patterns, and comfort levels to help you get the job done right and finish the repair safely. Shop welding glasses, welding goggles, safety glasses, face shields, safety goggles, welding helmets, and other protective accessories at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
While leaning over the engine compartment, it is easy for a tool or piece of metal to scratch the paint of a vehicle’s fender. That’s why fender covers are a reliable option to help prevent a scratched, damaged, or grease-stained fender when performing repairs under the hood. Usually made with a padded or scratch-proof backing, fender covers drape over the front or sides of a vehicle to eliminate grease transfer and tool scratches that may occur as you bend over the fender to access certain parts. Normally designed with an easily wipeable material, like vinyl, fender covers are a great way to prevent paint damage during repairs. With a variety of styles, brands, and materials, you can easily find the right fender cover for your vehicle at O’Reilly Auto Parts so you can make the repairs you need without worry.
Disposable and reusable gloves are an auto mechanic’s best friend, as they help protect your hands from chemicals, oil, fuel, and other contaminants or skin irritants you may come into contact with during repairs. There are an array of disposable glove types, including latex, nitrile, and neoprene mechanic gloves, and each type has its own benefits during certain types of automotive work. Latex gloves are made of rubber and provide a baseline of protection and comfort. Nitrile automotive gloves offer better durability than latex, and are also better for those with skin sensitivity or latex allergies, utilizing a synthetic rubber material that will not cause irritation while offering the best protection in a disposable glove. For tougher gloves designed to last, neoprene gloves are a perfect option for slick or wet conditions where a tight grip is necessary, and also provide optimal heat protection while still being resistant to oils and fluids.
If you’re looking for a single pair of automotive gloves that supply better grip, handling, and durability, mechanic gloves are an optimal solution. Also called work gloves, mechanic gloves are usually constructed using a variety of tough materials, including synthetic leather, that offer tough, yet breathable, protection. Mechanic gloves are made to protect your hands from injury, and are a garage or shop staple for long-lasting hand protection. Find a huge selection of mechanic gloves, latex gloves, and nitrile gloves to help protect yourself during the next automotive project.
Jack stands help support parts of the vehicle, and are typically placed at the frame for safer and easier access to the undercarriage to help minimize the risk of injury and prevent the vehicle from moving during repairs. Made from dense steel, jack stands help keep your vehicle in place, whereas hydraulic or hand jacks help lift your vehicle before supporting it. Discover motorcycle jacks, farm/off road jacks, above-ground lifts, and many more floor jacks and jack stands for your garage at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
It is always a great idea to have a fire extinguisher in your garage or shop, just in case things go awry. Electric malfunctions while working on the engine or in the interior, welding, or a defective fuel delivery system can quickly cause a garage fire, and a fire extinguisher nearby can help prevent significant damages or injury. It’s important to know what type of fire extinguisher you’re looking for, depending on your travel and vehicle type. There are three applicable classes of fire extinguishers, A, B, and C, and each is a type of extinguisher designed for a specific type of material and fire. Class A extinguishers are used to put out fires caused by ordinary combustibles like cloth, wood, and paper. Class B extinguishers are designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires, such as grease, oil, and paint. And finally, Class C extinguishers are made to put out fires from live electrical equipment, including your vehicle’s starting or charging components, wiring, and electrical panels. There are also hybrid fire extinguisher classes, such as a BC extinguisher that is made for liquid, gas, and energized electrical fires. It’s recommended that you stock your watercraft or vehicle with a fire extinguisher, and since ABC- and BC-class hybrids are designed with modern technology in mind, they are often the safest bet to ensure complete coverage for any type of fire. Find the best fire extinguisher, as well as fire extinguisher brackets and holders at O’Reilly Auto Parts to help keep you, your garage, and your car safe.
Oil absorbent is an extremely handy item to keep in your garage since it can help prevent slips and falls from leaked or spilled oil on the ground. Available in both absorbent pads and a variety of granulated sweeping compounds, oil absorbent from O’Reilly Auto Parts can help simplify oil clean-up. Another oil absorbent type, bio-based absorbents, contain granules designed to surround and soak up spills, as well as to prevent environmental damage from oil, fuel, coolant, grease, and more. The rapid absorption prevents these materials from leaching into the environment, preventing pollution and ensuring quick and safe cleanup. We stock Nature's Broom bio-based oil absorbent, designed for quick, on-contact absorption. Oil absorbent pads are a reliable, preemptive option if you know there will be oil or other fluids spilled, such as during a routine oil change. For accidental spills or puddles of oil, am absorbent is a handy option, and also makes cleanup less of a hassle. Find oil absorbent pads in a large selection of sizes and types, as well as absorbent socks, rolls, and dry formula to help keep your garage clean of oil and your floors clear of hazards.
Wheel Chocks
An essential safety item for any garage, wheel chocks help prevent a vehicle from accidentally moving, adjusting, or rolling away, which could put you and others in danger. Wheel chocks are wedge-shaped blocks that are positioned either behind or in front of a tire, where it makes contact with the ground for optimal security. Commonly used when working on a vehicle or parking on a slope, wheel chocks have evolved from the use of concrete blocks, brakes, we're other unsuitable items to specially designed wedges made from materials like steel and plastic. Find high-quality wheel chocks and motorcycle wheel chocks at O’Reilly Auto Parts to keep your vehicle, yourself, and others safe.
An important step of automotive repair is preparation and safety. Keeping your garage or toolbox stocked with the above items can help make your repair easier and cleaner, and most importantly, keeps you and others safe. Protect your face, hands, clothing, and more from stains, damage, or injury by stocking up on quality protection apparel, gear, accessories from O’Reilly Auto Parts. For emergency situations, you can also find the best automotive first aid kits, oil absorbents, as well as traffic safety items like flares, safety cones, and reflective gear to help you stay visible and safe, no matter where you are on the road.
If you’ve already read our article about the top hand tools for new mechanics, you can also check out our suggestions for the top routine maintenance items you need for your garage.
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