Rules & Guidelines

🛡️ Safety First

Working on vehicles involves serious hazards. Your safety is non-negotiable. All members must adhere to the following safety standards:

• Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.
• Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems, engines, or airbag components.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use rated jack stands or a vehicle lift.
• Ensure proper ventilation when working with fuels, solvents, paints, or exhaust gases.
• Know your limits. If a procedure exceeds your skill or equipment level, consult a professional.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit accessible in your workspace.

👥 Community Conduct

Our forums, chats, and comment sections thrive on mutual respect and constructive collaboration. Violations will result in enforcement action.

• Be respectful. Harassment, hate speech, discrimination, or personal attacks are strictly prohibited.
• Stay on topic. Keep discussions relevant to automotive DIY, maintenance, and restoration.
• No spam, self-promotion, or unsolicited commercial links without moderator approval.
• Constructive criticism is welcome; personal attacks and gatekeeping are not.
• Report suspicious activity, unsafe advice, or policy violations using the in-platform reporting tools.

📚 Content & Modifications

Shared knowledge drives our community. We expect accuracy, legality, and ethical sharing of guides, videos, and modifications.

• Verify information before posting. Incorrect torque specs or procedures can cause catastrophic failures.
• Cite original sources when adapting manufacturer manuals or third-party technical data.
• Do not share guides for illegal modifications (e.g., emissions defeats, safety system bypasses, or speed limiters).
• Respect intellectual property. Do not post copyrighted OEM manuals or paywalled content without permission.
• Label experimental or unverified builds clearly as such. Include failure risks and recovery steps.

🧰 Tool & Equipment Usage

Using tools incorrectly is a leading cause of workshop injuries and damaged components.

• Use tools only for their intended purpose. Improvised tools (e.g., pipe extensions on handles) compromise safety.
• Inspect tools before each use. Discard or replace cracked, bent, or worn equipment immediately.
• Calibrate torque wrenches and gauges regularly. Unverified readings lead to over/under-tightening.
• Store flammable materials, compressed gases, and batteries in ventilated, temperature-controlled areas.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for power tools, lifts, and diagnostic scanners.

⚖️ Liability & Disclaimer

AutomotiveDIY provides educational resources for informational purposes only. By using our platform, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• All content is educational. We do not provide professional mechanical advice, certification, or warranties.
• Users assume full responsibility for all work performed on their vehicles.
• AutomotiveDIY, its founders, contributors, and affiliates are not liable for injuries, property damage, or financial loss resulting from DIY projects.
• Vehicle manufacturers' warranties may be voided by unauthorized modifications or repairs. Consult your warranty terms before proceeding.
• When in doubt, always defer to certified professionals and official service documentation.

📋 Enforcement & Reporting

We enforce these guidelines consistently and transparently to maintain a safe, high-quality environment.

• First Offense: Content removal & formal warning
• Second Offense: Temporary suspension (7-30 days)
• Severe/Repeated Violations: Permanent ban & content purge
• Enforcement decisions are reviewed by our moderation team within 48 hours.
• Appeals can be submitted via support@automotivediy.com with subject line "Guidelines Appeal".

Questions about these rules? Contact our community team at community@automotivediy.com.