Questions tagged [safety]
Questions relating to the safe use of tools, safety procedures, use of safety equipment and other methods of avoiding harm to yourself or others.
0
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3answers
54 views
Mismatched brand tires on back, bad on high speeds?
Wouldn't post a new question if the internet wasn't full of "Yep, perfectly fine" one one side and "Nope, you're going to hit the closest tree" on the other side.
Driving a FWD Volvo S40 2.4i. ...
1
vote
0answers
39 views
Safety Recall - Dealers say “we don't have the parts for this”
So I've been consistently getting "recall" notices for my car and every time I receive one of those mails I immediately call the number on them. I am redirected to a dealer who always answers with the ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views
How are showroom/display vehicles prepared?
These vehicles are kept in buildings, so I imagine there are some safety considerations (e.g. no fuel and oil) being followed? Are they brought in straight from manufacturing so that there is no risk ...
5
votes
1answer
233 views
Safe working technique; four axle stands
I would never dream of going under a car without it adequately supported; axle stands plus wheels, if removed, laid under the sills (rockers).
I have a full set of brake lines plus a serious amount ...
2
votes
3answers
235 views
Do you really need to replace split pins? (aka: cotter pins)
Split pins missing. Mechanic 1 told me you must do it, it is essential for safety. Mechanic 2 told me its no big deal only japanese cars have it, you don't see them on german cars and car is still ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Cut on the sidewall - is this safe or should i replace?
I am not sure if this is a cosmetic damage or a structural damage in the tire. The tire is a Bridgestone Turanza 225/40R18 in front. About 18k miles and almost 5 years old. I don't know where I got ...
0
votes
2answers
31 views
Tires of the same model but different sizes - how much difference in quality and performance?
ADAC tested winter tires of size 175/65 R14 T and 205/55 R16 H this year (in English: 175/65 R14, 205/55 R16). I would like to buy a set of size 185/65 R15.
Question:
Does it make sense to base the ...
2
votes
1answer
559 views
Metalic smell when banging fender panel
I was trying to bang out dents in a fender panel from the backside. Whilst banging I smelt and inhaled a lot of metalic smelling particles go into the air and I inhaled through mouth and nose.
I did ...
1
vote
1answer
219 views
Can a rock in a tire tread cause a blow out?
A recent answer included this:
Actually rocks in tire treads can be life threatening, if they gradually cut through the rubber and eventually cause a blow-out, and you don't usually get any warning ...
0
votes
2answers
74 views
Rock in Disk Brake, Sounds Horrible
Short Back story: I bought a Honda Ridgeline Second generation (2016 - current), 11,000 miles from the dealer, with a state inspection performed on the purchase date. The next day and a maybe 35 ...
2
votes
2answers
335 views
Does power steering fluid go bad quickly?
I've always heard that brake fluid goes bad real fast (IIRC, it absorbs the moisture in the air).
What about power steering fluid?
Can you buy a large container and use it over the years? Or, like ...
1
vote
1answer
74 views
1
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2answers
628 views
Curbed tyre is it safe to drive
I think I may already know the answer to my question, just want some second opinions.
I curved my tyre yesterday taking a chunk of rubber out of it. Does it need replacing or is it safe to drive for ...
1
vote
1answer
575 views
Is synthetic oil more harmful than conventional?
To humans, not the engine, obviously.
I use conventional oil (5w30) for my truck. When changing the oil, I obviously wear gloves, but inevitably end up getting some on my hands. It never seems like a ...
0
votes
3answers
337 views
How to raise front of car safely?
i need to get under front of car for oil change and some exhaust work.
Do I just put front on axle stands and what do I do about back tyres?
The might roll either way right? so do I put chock ...
3
votes
2answers
147 views
What damage can you cause by a parking lot collision without visible dents?
Couple of days ago my car was parked in front of another car. Given that I needed more space to get out of the parking spot, I drove backwards and hit the front of the car behind me. I got out of the ...
-2
votes
1answer
75 views
Drive on wheel dolly?
My FWD got a clamp in the rear. Wise to dolly the wheel and drive off? Dolly both rear wheels or just the one? Is it safe on the motorway?
33
votes
12answers
15k views
Does kicking a tire off your car from underneath it while it's held up by a stable jack pose safety threats?
I just had to put a donut on my car and I used the typical manufacturer car jack that fits into that little slot of metal near your wheel. After I got all the lug nuts out, I tried pulling the wheel ...
2
votes
2answers
67 views
Mixing marine & starting batteries with a switch
I have a truck equipped with some emergency equipment that I'd like to be able to use without running the engine the entire time, and without draining the main starting batteries.
There is a 1/2/both/...
4
votes
2answers
65 views
E10 petrol safety
I sometimes visit Finland taking my car, though I am not living there. There's a kind of petrol marked E10.
Somewhere I've read that this kind of petrol can be harmful for some kind of cars (for the ...
2
votes
3answers
3k views
Why are multiple grounds in the engine bay/engine important?
On certain cars (perhaps even most? all?), such as the old Toyota MR2 turbo, there are multiple ground points. Some of them are described with pictures here: http://www.mr2oc.com/59-general-mk2-faq-...
2
votes
3answers
12k views
How serious is this tear in the tire sidewall?
I accidentally hit the sidewall of the curb and it caused a small looking rip/tear. Do you think the tire is still good or should I replace it. I have a 4WD.
1
vote
2answers
1k views
Why Don't Medium Duty and Heavy Duty Trucks require Airbags?
Why Don't Medium Duty and Heavy Duty Trucks require Airbags?
According to GSO 42 regulation, Passenger Cars, MPV, Trucks or Buses with GVW less than 3500Kg requires an airbag, while for MDT & HDT ...
33
votes
10answers
14k views
Is it safe to use a hydraulic jack as a stand? If not, why?
"If a jack can lift a load, surely it can withstand the load for extended periods of time?!"
I've come across some conflicting ideas regarding this subject:
The user guide for my low-profile ...
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vote
2answers
1k views
Piece missing in rubber. Do I need to replace tire?
Do I need to replace this tire? Just noticed. The black rubber part feels awfully thin.
4
votes
4answers
208 views
What are the dangers of driving a repaired car that was in major accident?
When I'm shopping for a second hand car, I often hear an advice to find out if a car has been in a major accident and refrain from buying in this case. When I tried to find out why that is, I was told ...
2
votes
1answer
36 views
Safe way to install infotainment box
I am installing a video interface box into my Mercedes, this enables me to add support for a reversing camera feed.
I have positioned the video interface box behind the infotainment screen like so:
...
4
votes
1answer
510 views
What tyre pressures when the light-load / heavy-load difference is large?
I've just bought a second hand VW Golf TSI. Great car.
The fuel flap shows the following tyre pressures in bar (1bar = 14.5psi):
bar psi
| Load | Front | Rear |...
2
votes
1answer
534 views
Side door impact beam damage
If your car (let's just assume some unibody sedan) gets hit in the side door enough to deform the side door impact beam, does that pose a serious threat to the future safety of the car (like in ...
1
vote
0answers
56 views
What effect does exposure to the elements (hot sun & rain) have on cars and motorcycles?
Place: South India.
Situation: Parking in an open space with no shade, morning to evening.
Temperature: 30 to 40 degrees Celsius.
I have parked my car under the hot sun for a week, and I noticed ...
5
votes
3answers
189 views
Is my working area safe?
I'm fairly new to wrenching and I'm looking for feedback on whether my outdoor setup seems safe.
I have a gravel driveway area in my backyard where I want to jack my car up and go underneath safely (...
3
votes
1answer
30 views
Do IIHS safety tests changed from year to year?
One can find data on the safety of a car at IIHS' homepage and videos of the tests on IIHS' YouTube channel. These have tests going back many years.
Are the tests consistent across the years? I found,...
1
vote
1answer
868 views
Importance of centre bore in hubcentric wheel mount design?
I'm hopeing to settle an argument here. I am of the understanding that the diameter of the centrebore is integral to safety in hubcentric wheel mount design.
Does anyone have any well evidenced ...
1
vote
1answer
132 views
Over full oil on a road trip
I've got a 2010 toyota prius. I'm on a road trip and changed the oil right before I took off, unfortunately I was in a hurry and didn't realize I overfilled the oil. (likely 0.5-1.2quarts overfilled ) ...
1
vote
1answer
160 views
Small gouge in edge of tire…
Noticed this on one of my summer tires when I took it out a few weeks ago:
No puncture, no air loss, no balance issues. There's a very small bump next to where I'm holding the coin. It's so subtle ...
-1
votes
1answer
85 views
Homemade 'Car' Vehical
I am interested in saving a few grand on a car by fishing parts out of a junkyard, whipping them together, duct-taping a fancy car decal onto it to make it look safe, adding golf-ball shaped holes to ...
17
votes
3answers
34k views
Do these tyre cracks necessitate replacement?
My car has been off the road for a few months, but will be back on it in a few weeks. The other day, I noticed some cracks between the treads on the front tyres. Not sure how long they've been there.
...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
Will my exhaust pipe melt nearby plastic or PVC?
I am converting a van into a tiny home and want to mount my greywater tank in the undercarriage behind the rear axle. I'm worried about radiant heat from the exhaust pipe melting a plastic water tank ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Is it necessary to turn off the engine while refuelling?
At petrol stations in Australia, there are always several signs that say "Turn off engine while refuelling" (or something of the sorts). Is this necessary to do, and why, or is just something that is ...
6
votes
3answers
549 views
How to verify the safety of a lift for a full sized pickup?
So I am now the proud owner of a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Extended Cab with 151,000 miles on it. Yesterday I needed to do my first oil change on it, and step one is to lift the front end onto jack ...
3
votes
2answers
134 views
Used Michelin tires safe to install?
My Michelin set of 4, set inside a vehicle 4 years; there are NO VISIBLE CRACKS WHATSOEVER and GREAT THREAD DEPTH REMAINS ALMOST LIKE NEW!!!!! My concern is I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT TIRE SAFETY and NEED ...
5
votes
3answers
596 views
Can I insulate my van's floor UNDER the bottom, in the undercarriage?
I recently bought a 2006 Ford E-350 which I am converting into a tiny home for full-time dwelling. My problem is once that I have about 2 inches of vertical clearance from the ceiling.
My options are:...
13
votes
3answers
17k views
Can I leave my car on a jack for several days?
I am doing a hub seal replacement on my old Landrover. Sadly I screwed up the new seal by putting it on too far, and then by trying to tweak it back out I wrecked the tension spring inside the seal.
...
6
votes
3answers
3k views
Safe way to get a few more inches under car on flat surface
Working on a 4 door sedan in the garage.
Need to go under the car to replace the ABS module.
Right now I can reach most of the screws, but if I could get just a few more inches of clearance it would ...
15
votes
2answers
2k views
What does this symbol of a car balancing on two wheels mean?
The symbol on the left in the image below is ubiquitous, yet so cryptic. What does it mean?
Is it just a warning that the car is at risk of toppling over?
I tried paging through the owner's manual ...
3
votes
3answers
125 views
What are the safety issues of having a childseat on the front seat?
Assuming the following, are there any safety reason to not put a child in the front seat?
I am looking for a technical answer and not opinions e.g. the car chassi is stronger on the rear
Assumptions
*...
3
votes
2answers
221 views
Must I put chains on all four tires of a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD)?
On a car with AWD like the Honda Element that automatically engages drive power on the rear wheels as needed when the front wheels slip, should I install chains (a) on the front wheels only or (b) on ...
6
votes
2answers
25k views
How long to wait for radiator to cool down before working on it?
I need to drive my Integra to a friend's place to work on replacing the radiator. It's been 70 degrees lately, is waiting 1 hour long enough to allow the system to cool down? Any rules of thumb for ...
5
votes
2answers
4k views
What to do about 1 tire mounted on rim in wrong direction?
I put on my winter tires today. For the first time, I noticed that the direction arrows on one of the tires point the wrong way: looking at the outside, the arrows on three tires point ...
17
votes
11answers
13k views
What's the best gear to leave a manual vehicle in when parked? [closed]
I've been told that reverse is the "strongest" gear, so in a manual transmission vehicle you should park your vehicle and leave it in reverse in the event of a parking brake failure. Others have said ...
