There are several things that you need to know about car battery maintenance. Here's how you can clean and inspect your car battery. Clean the battery's terminals with clean water. Do not use baking soda because it can cause corrosion. Clean the battery's case, and check the date code. Avoid excessive heat. Keep your car in tip-top shape by driving it at least 3 times per week. Although it will take some effort, you'll be amazed by the difference between healthy batteries and ones that aren't.
Clean battery terminals
To clean battery terminals, first disconnect the cables from the positive and negative posts of the battery. The positive and the negative clamps can be removed separately. Some battery cables clamp onto top or side posts with bolts. If you find the terminals are corroded or have excess corrosion, you may need to use metal pliers or another tool. Before re-connecting cables, thoroughly clean the terminals. After cleaning the terminals thoroughly, you can apply a coating of petroleum jelly or protective grease to them.
You can remove corrosion from terminals by using a mixture of baking soda and warm water. You should dilute the solution to remove any corrosion. Another option is to use a specialized cleaner for the battery terminal. This can be applied with a brush. This type of cleaner is often aerosolized and can be used on battery cables as well. Protective gloves are recommended when using this method.
Avoid extreme heat
Avoid excessive heat to prolong your car’s life. Keep your car's battery charged, cool it when not in use and keep it in the shade. It's a good idea for hot weather to wash and test the battery. A battery that is designed for warmer environments has a higher electrolyte–to-lead ratio. It's better suited for high temperatures.
Excessive heat can also cause corrosion inside the battery. This corrosion can cause the battery to lose its ability to charge and may result in malfunctioning charging system components. Excessive heat will eventually destroy your car's batteries. The corrosion process is also accelerated by hot batteries. This can reduce the battery's lifespan and decrease its capacity. It is best for the battery to be checked regularly for signs of corrosion and to be cleaned with a copper brush, scouring pad, or scouring cloth.
Clean battery case
Cleaning the battery case is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your car battery stays in good shape. A dirty battery box can lead to all kinds of problems from premature drain to cracks, leaks, and more. It can also disguise other damage to the battery such as bulges, freezing, and even premature drain. It will increase the battery's life by keeping it clean. Here are some tips that will help you keep your battery box in tip-top shape.
To remove corrosion traces, use a wire brush and an old toothbrush. Make sure not to remove any lead from the terminals, as this could lead to corrosion. Use clean water to rinse the case, and then dry it using a rag. To remove any remaining residue, use a cleaning product. After cleaning the case, you can apply petroleum jelly and other protective coatings.
Check date code
If you want to know how to maintain your car battery, you should check the date code on the battery. Many batteries come with a warranty stating when they need replacement. The date code, which is located on the top and includes a two-digit and a letter number, can be found on most batteries. The number represents the month or year when the battery expires. If the code reads "A" or, "B", you must replace the battery within its warranty period.
Car batteries can have different date codes depending on their manufacturer. Some batteries display the manufacturing date, others an "in service" date. The battery date can be confusing and difficult to interpret. If the battery has a date code that says "2014," it likely means it was manufactured in December of that year. To calculate the warranty expiration date, manufacturers also include the date code on the battery. It is possible to still use a battery that has been in service for more than two years. However, it may not have the same capacity as when it was brand new.
FAQ
What are the requirements of an automotive technician?
High school graduation or GED is required with excellent grades in English and math. Additionally, you will need to be proficient in reading and writing. After passing a written test, you will need to complete a series of practical tests before you are allowed to begin working.
How long does it take you to become a great mechanic?
Expert mechanics take years of practice and extensive experience. You can learn the most effective way to fix cars by learning from a professional mechanic.
You'll have to spend time at a garage learning all you can about cars and mechanics. You'll need to study mechanical engineering books on mechanics and car design.
Furthermore, you'll need to enroll in auto school.
It's important to start early. To learn about automotive technology, don't wait to be older. If you want to qualify as a mechanic, get started now!
Is it worthwhile to become a mechanic?
The answer to this question depends on what you want from life if you are looking for money, then yes, but if you're looking for meaning and purpose, then no.
If you don't have any mechanics skills, then there's no point getting into it because you'll just end up wasting time. It won't make you wealthy. It will not make you famous. And it's unlikely to change your life.
You'd have to spend years learning how things work. Then you'd still have to pay someone else to fix your car when it breaks down. It's the reason most people don't bother. They find something else to do.
To sum up, if you want to earn lots of money then go ahead. If you are looking for a fulfilling life, however, then stay clear of the mechanics' industry.
How long does an automotive course take?
An automotive course lasts 3 years.
The first year is spent learning about cars and theory. The second year is dedicated towards practical training. This includes learning how to drive, fix engine problems, and doing other maintenance jobs around your car. The final year includes a placement at an auto shop. This gives you real-world experience fixing real problems.
Does it matter where I go to college?
No, not really. There is no difference between colleges in terms of how to get into the automobile industry. Some schools have better programs than others, so you might want to look elsewhere if your goal is something more specialized.
Statistics
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to become an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician provides repair services and maintenance to vehicles. He/she works in car dealerships as well as auto shops, garages, and service centers. Customers can rely on him/her to fix their cars, trucks and motorcycles. An automotive technician must have the ability to quickly diagnose and fix problems.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program, he/she must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands in for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. One section tests knowledge of mechanical components, while the other section tests skills in practical areas. You must attend one of the authorized testing sites to take the test. These locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass an examination in order to be licensed as an automotive technician. This process can vary depending on where the applicant lives. Some states require candidates to complete a training program, while others let them study on their own. Some states issue licenses to technicians as soon as they get their license. Others wait until they have worked at least six months as an automotive technician.
A person must apply to an auto dealership in order to get started as an automobile technician. Once hired, most new employees start out working as apprentices. Apprenticeships typically last three years. This is when a student can learn how to do basic repairs such as changing oil, adjusting brakes and replacing tires. Advanced repairs can be done by some students, including replacing shocks, installing air filters and repairing engines. Classes are offered by most schools during regular business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes when needed.
Once a student completes his/her apprenticeship, he/she becomes a journeyman. Journeymen spend typically four to five years learning to install major systems such as transmissions and differentials, steering gear, suspensions and drive shafts. They learn how to do complex repairs such as remanufacturing engines, rebuilding transmissives, and troubleshooting electronic components. Because they have the experience and knowledge to do the job right, employers love hiring journeymen.
Candidates who pass the required exams are eligible for a license. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 1.7 million available jobs in the automotive mechanic field in 2010. This figure is expected to rise 18 percent between 2009-2020. The candidate should expect to invest thousands of money in equipment and supplies if he/she decides to start his/her shop.
The salary of an automotive technician will depend on many factors including where you live, your education level, experience and the type of employer. An average salary for a jobless individual is $20,000 per annum. Someone with only a high school diploma could earn around $21,000 per year. Associate's degrees earn approximately $24,000 per annum. Technicians with a bachelor’s degree made about $27,000 annually. Master's degree holders make around $32,000 annually. A common trend is for salary increases to occur so a professional making less than $30,000 can reasonably expect to be earning $40,000 or more within a few years.