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Ownership Basics

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Tips For Safe Do-It-Yourself Vehicle Maintenance

Your Ford or Lincoln Dealership is always the best place for maintaining your vehicle, but if you’re the type who doesn’t mind getting your hands dirty, here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when performing maintenance on your own.
 
Before you start

It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the parts involved in what you’re doing (i.e. dipsticks, filters, fluids, hoses, etc.), as well as any tools you’ll need. Also, be sure to check your Owner Guide before beginning any procedure for the specific locations of the parts involved and for detailed descriptions.

Keeping it safe while working on a vehicle

  • Always perform do-it-yourself maintenance on a level surface
  • Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the vehicle's key from the ignition
  • Never work on a hot engine
  • If you have to work under the hood while the engine is on, make sure to tie back long hair or any loose clothing
  • Stay away from the vehicle’s cooling fan – it can come on even after you’ve turned off the engine and removed the key
  • Keep the vehicle's wheels from moving unexpectedly by placing bricks or another type of block in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels
  • Make sure your parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in "Park"
  • Keep open flames (this means cigarettes too) away from all parts of the vehicle at all times – especially when working under the hood
  • Don’t work on any vehicle in an enclosed space with the engine running
  • Never start the vehicle while the air filter is removed – small particles can get sucked into the engine and cause serious damage
  • Automotive fluids are toxic – simply throwing them away with the curbside trash or pouring them down the drain or sewer is dangerous for the environment and illegal in many areas
  • Never mix your automotive fluids or substitute one for another. Each is specially made for a specific use and could seriously damage your engine components if used incorrectly
  • Never perform a maintenance task that you are not one hundred percent comfortable with or confident in attempting. The Ford Motor Company-trained technicians at your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership are there to help, so consult them if you need to.

Safety Basics

Need more help?

If you have further questions, please visit AskFord.com.
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