Your Body Almanac

Auto mechanic

Under hoods and cars, bent over engines, hands in grease and solvent.

Mechanics work in awkward postures, bending into engine bays and reaching overhead under lifts, with tools and parts that are heavy, sharp and often coated in chemicals. Backs, shoulders, skin and lungs all take a share.

01

Back strain from leaning into engine bays

Bending over a fender for long periods holds the lower back in a loaded, flexed position, and lifting heavy parts from that position adds strain.

SourcesErgonomics (OSHA)Low back pain (OrthoInfo, AAOS)
Lift with your legsAs neededPlan the lift, keep the load close and bend at the knees, not the waist. Do cat-cowDailySlowly round and arch your back on hands and knees to move your whole spine. Stretch your hip flexorsDailyA kneeling lunge stretch for the muscles at the front of your hip, which tighten when you sit for long stretches. Do dead bugsWeeklyA lying core exercise that trains your trunk to stay steady while your arms and legs move.
02

Neck and shoulder strain from overhead work

Working under a car on a lift keeps your arms raised and your head tipped back, which can lead to neck pain and shoulder impingement.

SourcesShoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinitis (OrthoInfo, AAOS)
Do band pull-apartsWeeklyStretch a resistance band across your chest to strengthen the upper-back muscles that pull your shoulders back. Do wall angelsDailySlide your arms up and down a wall to train the muscles that hold your shoulders and upper back upright. Do chin tucksDailyGlide your head straight back to counter the forward-head posture that screens and desks encourage.
03

Skin contact with oils and solvents

Motor oil, brake cleaner, fuel and degreasers strip and irritate skin and can be absorbed through it. Dermatitis on the hands and forearms is common. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, such as nitrile, rated for the product you are handling, and wash oil off your skin promptly.

SourcesDermal exposure (OSHA)Contact dermatitis (NHS)
Moisturize and glove your handsDailyMoisturize after every hand wash and wear gloves for wet work, chores and cold weather.
04

Carbon monoxide from running engines

Running engines in a closed shop builds up carbon monoxide, which you can't see or smell. No mask or respirator filter protects you from it. Only run engines with a tailpipe exhaust hose connected or the doors open, and keep a working carbon monoxide alarm in the shop. Headache, dizziness or nausea at work are warning signs: get to fresh air right away, and call 911 if they don't clear.

SourcesCarbon monoxide poisoning (MedlinePlus)

No daily practice fixes this one. Follow the steps described here.

05

Spray paints and clear coats

Auto body paints and clear coats can contain isocyanates, a leading cause of work-related asthma. Spray them only in a ventilated booth, wearing the respirator the product calls for.

SourcesIsocyanates (OSHA)
Wear a respirator for dust, fumes and smokeAs neededUse a properly fitted N95 or better respirator for dusty work and heavy wildfire smoke, and a cartridge respirator for gases and vapors.
06

Eye injuries and noise

Grinding, air tools and fluids under pressure send debris and splashes toward the eyes. Impact guns and compressors add noise.

SourcesEye and face protection (OSHA)Occupational noise exposure (OSHA)
Wear eye protectionAs neededPut on safety glasses, goggles or a face shield for work, chores and hobbies that throw debris, chemicals or sparks. Protect your hearing from loud noiseAs neededWear earplugs or earmuffs around loud noise, turn the volume down and step away when you can.

When to see a professional

Get fresh air and medical help at once for headache, dizziness or nausea in a shop with engines running. See a doctor for wheezing or chest tightness that is worse at work, a hand rash that cracks or won't heal, or any eye injury.