Safety first! What's your must-have PPE for automotive work?

Hey folks, just finished a brake job on my truck and realized I've been slacking on eye protection lately. Almost got some brake cleaner in my eye when the nozzle slipped. What's everyone's non-negotiable PPE items for automotive work? I always wear gloves, but wondering if I should upgrade to safety glasses with side shields.

Carl, good topic! For restoration work, I NEVER skip the respirator. Those old paints, rust converters, and solvents are nasty. I use a 3M half-face with P100 filters - worth every penny. Also, hearing protection when using air tools or grinders. Tinnitus is no joke, learned that the hard way restoring a '67 Mustang with loud exhaust leaks.

Precision requires protection! I'm obsessive about nitrile gloves - the thin 5mil ones give me good feel for delicate electrical work. For eyes, I use anti-fog coated glasses with adjustable temples. And don't forget proper footwear! Steel toes saved me when a transmission jack slipped last month. What specific tasks are you doing, Carl? Different jobs need different PPE.

Good points both! Chris, you're right about respirators - I do a lot of undercoating and should be better about that. Steve, mostly brake work, suspension repairs, and occasional engine stuff. The anti-fog glasses sound smart - my current ones fog up constantly. Anyone have brand recommendations for comfortable safety glasses that don't slide down your nose?

For glasses, I like the DeWalt ones with rubber nose pieces - stay put even when sweating. And back to respirators: get the quick-release buckles! So much easier when you need to answer the phone or take a quick break. Stay safe out there, gents. My uncle lost part of a finger to a fan blade because he wasn't wearing gloves.