unless I'm working on some delicate work (e.g. valve shimming in VTEC or puck type valve lash adjustments), otherwise, I would wear vinyl gloves (mildly allergic to latex already) even when changing motor oil.
For those who think wearing gloves even just to change oil isn't "manly", consider the following:
Most of professions that deal/handle chemicals and solvents tend to bring along a lot of health-related problems down the road: from building up sufficient chemical intolerance (like me whose allergic to diesel) as your body accumulates those toxins (yes, it gets absorbed through your skin and pores). You may not feel a thing at this moment but if you do this to yourself often enough, your liver is gonna become swollen and that may leads to gradual/acute failures as you get older. Don't need to trust me on this for I've come across a few "veteran" mechanics whose already in their 50s (me and my wifey's good friend is into his 40s now), all with certain kinds of ailments but most commonly observed ones would be enlarged liver due to accumulated toxins. I've yet to come across any old mechanics who can lead a graceful, relatively healthy life when they retire.
So please: if you want to live longer and stay healthy, wear gloves when servicing automobiles.
Q.
