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Tech Tips Archives
Where'd I put that wrench?
Keep your tool boxes/chests, workbench and work area organized. This will increase your productivity and efficiency - and save you a lot of frustration - since you won't have to be searching for loose wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools. By having things neatly arranged, you'll be able to "read" your tools at a glance, grab the one you need and get back to work. Plus, you'll be able to more easily keep track of your tools.
Pop Out The Grease Stain
Here's an easy way to remove grease, oil, diesel, etc., stains from clothing: Pour in a can of cola along with your regular laundry soap. Then simply set the machine for warm water, turn it on and wash as usual.

Don't Touch That!
Because your hands often come in contact with various chemicals, it's important to protect your skin. Don't leave dirt or grease on your hands for long periods of time. Always wash your hands before eating, drinking, or going to the toilet (you wouldn't want to apply some harsh chemical to the most sensitive parts of your body, would you?

Wrench Sense
A safety tip when using wrenches: Position your bidy in a way that will prevent you from losing your balance and hurting yourself if the wrench slips or something suddenly breaks such as a bolt.

Improving Your Customer Image
Fact is, customers and potential customers make judgments about you and your shop based on things that have nothing to do with how good a technician you are or how well you will repair their vehicles. Even if customers may have heard great things about your technical skills and abilities, they may be disappointed when they meet you and walk into your work area. While getting the work done well is important, keeping customers happy and satisfied also requires you and your work areas to look professional and organized. This helps reinforce the belief that you and your shop is the best place customers could bring their vehicles for service and repair.
Ladder Safety
- Make sure the ladder has firm, level footing to keep it from slipping or falling. 
- Place the ladder at an angle so that its base is one foot away from what the ladder leans against for every four feet in height to the point where the ladder rests. 
- Face the ladder and use both hands to grip the side rails when climbing or descending.
- Don’t carry tools or materials in your hand. Hoist them up and down, or wear a tool belt or pouch.
- Always keep your body centered between the ladder rails. If your belt buckle goes outside of the side rails, you’re reaching too far; move the ladder. 

Working in Cold Weather
• Dress appropriately. The air temperature doesn’t have to be below freezing to cause cold weather health problems. Wind speed, for example, can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature isn’t that low.  • Dress in layers using clothing that will comfortably keep you warm and dry. By layering, you can add or remove clothing to adjust to changing conditions. (Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.)  •  Wear a hat that covers your ears, a scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth, and waterproof gloves or mittens. (Mittens are warmer than gloves.)   • Wear synthetic or wool socks and waterproof, insulated, non-slip footwear to keep feet warm and prevent slips and falls. (Wet cold feet can make you feel cold all over.)   • Drink warm liquids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol, as these drinks cause your body to lose heat more quickly. 

Look All Around
Before moving any vehicle, make certain no one is standing around it or lying underneath. Be sure others working nearby know that you’re going to be moving a vehicle - by telling them or sounding the horn - and have them stay alert. Keep your mind on where you are in relation to others while maneuvering vehicles. This will not only prevent injuries, it could save a life.  

Don’t Let Life’s Demands Get To You
1.  Upset or acidy stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea. 2. Tension or migraine headaches. 3.  Stiff and painful back, shoulder or neck. 4. Skin problems such as hives, eczema, psoriasis and itching. 5. Feel helpless and out of control. 6. Worry too much about insignificant things. 7.  Doubt your ability to do things. 8. Hard to concentrate or focus on tasks. 9.  Can’t stop thinking about your work. Ever. 10. Feel jumpy or fatigued all the time. 11. Difficulty falling asleep and sleeping. 12. Irritable and intolerant of even minor disturbances. 13. Frequently lose your temper and yell at others for no reason. 14. Withdrawing from relationships. 15. Suffer from anxiety, depression and/or frequent mood swings.  
It’s important to identify the symptoms of stress, say mental health and wellness professionals, because if stress persists you could be at risk for serious health problems. Stress can exhaust your immune system. Research shows that 90% of illness is stress-related.

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