Various aspects of daily shop work expose our hands and arms to heat sources and laceration damage. The list includes, but is not limited to, brake work, work on or near exhaust manifolds/pipe, hot engine heads and blocks, grinding work, use of cut-off wheels, cutting hoses, grabbing plug wires to disengage spark plug boots, reaching into cramped/tight quarters for suspension work, etc. Burnt or cut hands and forearms are pretty much a given considering the challenges we face every day. All too often, we carry these boo-boos and scars as badges of honor (unlike some folks, we actually work for a living) and occasional cuts, scrapes and blisters provide evidence of our dedication.
If you’re not already taking advantage of protective gear, it’s high time to consider saving your skin by purchasing Kevlar gloves and arm sleeves. Race car pit crews faced with servicing red-hot brakes during a race have been using these safety items for decades to avoid nasty burns and cuts. Kevlar sleeves easily slip on, and they feature a thumbhole to hold them in place and prevent them from walking up and away from the wrist. They’re flexible and not bulky at all. The abrasion resistance is superb, as the material won’t easily cut through, and heat resistance is surprisingly effective.
While evidence of hand and arm damage may make for the telling of cool stories at the bar or dinner table, at the end of the day, would you rather protect your skin and bones or would you prefer to look like a stand-in for a Frankenstein movie?
Go the Extra Mile
I’m sure that every shop encounters vehicles that arrive with really trashed interiors — empty coffee cups, miscellaneous trash, loose coins, dried up French fries, etc. Some are really just plain disgusting.
Even though the customer didn’t ask for a cleanup and detail job, consider going the extra mile by cleaning the interior, vacuuming, bagging anything that’s not trash and placing the bag in the trunk. The surprised customer will likely be grateful and impressed, and word of mouth will spread.
Yes, this will take a bit more time, but the goodwill you generate will bring that customer back to your shop in the future and will urge others to do so. It’s a good way to let customers know that you value their business. Consider doing at least a cursory cleaning underhood as well — cleaning the engine cover, or even just using a spray cleaner followed by a wipe-down. In addition to performing top-notch service, this extra effort can go a long way in promoting your shop as a location with a high degree of professionalism. Of course, when you’re slammed with work, you may not have the time to do this, but if time permits, consider this as a boost to the business.
