Taxi Maintenance - Safety

Most drivers are a little wary about working on their taxi. However, as long as you address maintenance safety first, you've got nothing to fear. Before getting started on your vehicle, try not to wear anything too baggy (you don’t want your clothes to  get caught on anything) and if you currently have long hair, make sure it is tied back. It’s also a good idea to wear a pair of sturdy shoes when using heavy tools – just in case something slips out of your hand and falls to the floor. A pair of gloves are necessary when working on parts of the car that may be warm or hot.

When changing a wheel, always place the car jack under part of the car that the owner’s manual recommends.  It’s important that you lift the vehicle in a safe place – i.e. a place where your car won’t be knocked off its jack before you've replaced the missing wheel. Remember when changing a wheel, to start undoing the wheel nuts before lifting the vehicle.

If you’re working on your cab’s engine, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. It is acceptable to check other fluids when the car is still warm … with the engine stopped of course.

If a bolt or nut has rusted, use water on the bolt -- nine out of 10 times this will loosen the rust enough to allow the bolt to come off. When loosening the bolt, do so by slowly increasing pressure on the bolt/nut. Providing that you follow standard safety steps, you at least know that nothing you do will unknowingly invalidate your taxi insurance.