Changing your vehicle’s oil is an important maintenance task. But did you know there are mobile services that will come to your home or office to do it for you? It’s super convenient, but is it safe? This guide explains all the safety steps and protocols that reputable 24 hour mobile oil change Canada technicians follow.
Why Safety Matters
Oil changes involve handling automotive fluids and getting under your car. This creates some hazards if not done properly:
- Skin/eye irritation from motor oil.
- Slips/falls from oil spills.
- Injuries from getting under the vehicle.
- Environmental contamination from spills.
Trustworthy mobile techs take many precautions to keep you, themselves, your vehicle, and the environment safe. Their rigorous protocols cover every step of the process.
Technician Training
All good mobile oil change companies provide comprehensive safety training for their technicians. This covers proper procedures as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Techs learn exhaustive step-by-step processes for every service, with safety tasks built in. They also get hands-on instruction practicing these procedures.
Certifications may be required as well, such as those from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is essential for mobile oil techs to avoid injuries and exposure to contaminants. You’ll see them wearing:
- Gloves to protect hands from hot oil/parts.
- Safety glasses to prevent eye irritation.
- Non-slip shoe covers to avoid falls.
Some techs may also wear respirator masks, coveralls, or other gear depending on the job.
Vehicle Positioning
Where the tech parks the service vehicle and positions your car is crucial for safety. They’ll choose a flat, level surface away from any hazards. Your car needs to be properly supported as well. Techs use professional-grade jack stands and wheel chocks to stabilize the vehicle before getting underneath.
Spill Containment
Oil changes involve draining used motor oil out of your car. Techs use dedicated spill containment tools and procedures to capture every drop:
- Large drain pans under the drain plug.
- Oil filter catcher bags or drain bottles.
- Absorbent pads to clean up any drips/splashes.
This prevents slippery spills and protects the environment from contamination.
Fluid/Part Handling
In addition to draining the old oil, mobile techs also:
- Remove and install new oil filters safely.
- Top off or exchange other automotive fluids.
- Properly dispose of all used materials.
They follow specific handling protocols for each fluid, filter, and part to avoid exposure risks.
Waste Disposal
All that used oil, filters, and other wastes have to go somewhere safe. Mobile oil change vans have dedicated storage areas to segregate and transport hazardous wastes properly.
The company then recycles or disposes of these materials at approved facilities following all applicable regulations.
Tool Safety
Mobile oil techs carry all the tools and equipment needed right in their service van. Important tool precautions include:
- Using proper tools for each task (no improvising).
- Storing tools securely when not in use.
- Inspecting tools regularly and replacing them if damaged.
- Having backup tools on hand.
Tools like jack stand and ramps are crucial pieces of safety equipment when working under vehicles.
Hygiene Practices
Since they’re handling oils, lubricants, and other chemicals, mobile techs prioritize good hygiene:
- Washing hands frequently with proper cleansers.
- Keeping work areas tidy and free of contaminants.
- Decontaminating tools and equipment regularly.
This prevents hazardous materials from spreading to vehicles, people, or the environment. It also preserves their professional appearance.
Site Housekeeping
In addition to their workspaces, mobile technicians are responsible for keeping the entire service area clean and free of slip/trip hazards:
- Securing any hoses or power cords.
- Using proper lighting for nighttime services.
- Remove any debris, tools, or spills promptly.
They treat every customer’s home or workplace with the same care and respect as their own.
Customer Communication
An often overlooked but vital safety aspect is communication with the customer. Techs explain:
- The service process is step-by-step.
- Any safety protocols you need to follow.
- What they’re doing at each stage of the job.
This helps educate customers and get their cooperation to ensure a safe, smooth service call.
Mobile Oil Change Safety Priorities
To summarize, here are the key safety areas that reputable mobile oil change services have covered:
- Extensive technician training.
- Use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Secure vehicle positioning and support.
- Spill containment tools/procedures.
- Proper fluid/part handling and disposal.
- Safe tool usage and storage.
- Good hygiene and housekeeping practices.
- Clear customer communication.
Following all these protocols creates a safe experience on service calls. It protects the customers, techs, vehicles, and environment.
The Convenience Factor
While all these safety steps are crucial, they can’t get in the way of efficient service either. The best mobile companies optimize their procedures for speed and convenience too. Most routine oil changes only take 20-30 minutes from start to finish. You can wait comfortably at home while the certified tech takes care of everything.
No need to drive anywhere, deal with shared waiting rooms/restrooms during COVID times, or even leave your vehicle unattended. It’s automotive maintenance made simple!
Conclusion
Good oil change services make sure everything is safe. They have rules to follow to keep customers happy and cars running smoothly. At FuelSrv, we pride ourselves on being the premier gas station in downtown Vancouver, offering top-notch mobile refueling services. With 24-hour availability and the best technicians in Canada, we ensure the highest quality service for all your oil change needs.
FAQs
How do I know the new oil and filters are good quality?
Top mobile companies only use quality name-brand oils and OEM/OEM-approved filters for your vehicle make/model. The oils meet the latest industry specifications and the filters are designed by the manufacturer for proper fit and protection.
Is there a risk of damage from the mobile tech’s tools?
Not, mobile techs use proper tools designed specifically for each oil change task. They inspect tools regularly and have strict protocols for safe usage, storage, and transportation to avoid any vehicle damage.
Can the tech change my other fluids too? Is that safe?
Yes, many offer other fluid services beyond just oil changes. Transmission, coolant, differential, etc. But they follow the approved procedures from your vehicle’s manufacturer for checking, draining, and refilling each fluid type safely.
