Safety First! What's your go-to PPE for automotive work?

Hey folks, just finished rebuilding an old lawn tractor engine in my garage and realized I was skimping on safety gear. I usually wear gloves and safety glasses for landscaping, but automotive stuff gets messy with oils and chemicals. What do you all recommend for basic PPE when working on cars or small engines? Almost got brake cleaner in my eye yesterday - not fun!

Victor, you're lucky it was just 'almost'! On job sites, we treat automotive chemicals like industrial solvents. My must-haves: ANSI-rated safety glasses (not just cheap shop glasses), nitrile gloves (latex degrades with oils), and a respirator if you're spraying anything or working in enclosed spaces. Also - keep a fire extinguisher rated for chemical fires nearby. Seen too many close calls with fuel lines.

Great topic! I collect vintage tools and safety has evolved so much. For modern work, I'd add: hearing protection if using impact wrenches (some hit 100+ dB), and proper shop aprons or coveralls. The old-timers used to laugh at PPE, but my grandpa's hearing is shot from years without ear pro. Felix is right about the respirator - I have a 3M half-face for painting parts. What gloves do you prefer, Felix? I find some nitrile ones tear too easily.

Thanks both! Felix - ordering a proper respirator now. Pete, good point on hearing protection; my impact gun is LOUD. Follow-up question: what about footwear? I usually wear my steel-toe work boots, but they soak up oil spills. Any recommendations for oil-resistant soles? Almost wiped out last month when I stepped in transmission fluid.

Victor - Get boots with oil-resistant outsoles (look for 'OR' rating). Many safety boots have them now. And wipe spills immediately! As for gloves Pete, I use 8-mil nitrile for heavy jobs - more tear-resistant. For delicate work like carburetors, I go with 4-mil. Pro tip: keep a box of both in your toolbox. Stay safe out there!