There are many things you need to know about car batteries maintenance. Here are some tips to check and clean your battery. Avoid using baking soda to clean the terminals of your battery. This can cause corrosion. Clean the battery's container and verify the date code. Avoid extreme heat. For a healthy car, it is important to drive it at minimum three times per week. While it might take some time, the difference between a healthy and a dead battery will amaze you.
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 can be attached to top and 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. It is important to thoroughly clean the terminals before you re-connect the cables. You should then apply a layer oil jelly or protective grease to the terminals.
To remove corrosion, you can use a solution of baking powder and water to dissolve it. The solution should be very dilute and should remove heavy corrosion from the battery. Alternatively, you can use a specialized battery terminal cleaner which can be applied with a brush. This cleaner is aerosolized and can also be used to clean battery cables. This method can be used on battery cables, so it is important to wear gloves when performing the task.
Avoid extreme heat
Avoid heat in order to extend the life span of your car's batteries. To do this, keep your battery well-charged, store it in a cool place when not in use, and park in the shade. In hot weather it is a good idea wash the battery and to test it frequently. Higher electrolyte-to lead ratios are better for batteries made for warmer climates.
Excessive heat can also cause corrosion inside the battery. The resultant corrosion reduces the battery’s ability to hold charge and can lead malfunctioning charging system components. The temperature extremes can cause your car battery to die. This accelerates the process of corrosion. This can reduce the battery's lifespan and decrease its capacity. To avoid corrosion occurring, it is a good idea to regularly check the battery and clean it with a copper brush.
Clean battery case
One of the first things to do when you need to keep your car battery in tiptop shape is to clean the battery case. The battery case can lead to premature drain, cracks, and leaks. It can conceal other damage, such as bulges. The battery's life will be significantly extended if the case is clean. Here are some tips for keeping your battery case in pristine condition:
The corrosion can be removed by using a wire brush, or an old toothbrush. It is important not to remove any lead or other metals from the terminals. This could cause corrosion. Use clean water to rinse the case, and then dry it using a rag. Use a cleaning agent if you have any remaining residue. Petroleum jelly or any other protective coating can be applied to the case once it is clean.
Date code
Check the date code on your car's battery for instructions on how to maintain it. Many batteries come with a warranty stating when they need replacement. The date code is located on top of the batteries and is a combination two-digit number plus a letter. The number is the month and the year that the battery will expire. If the code indicates "A" and "B", it is important to replace the battery before the warranty expires.
Car batteries can have different date codes depending on their manufacturer. Some batteries indicate the manufacturing date, while others show an "in-service" date. The battery date can be confusing and difficult to interpret. A battery with a date code of "2014" on it will likely be manufactured in December 2014. Manufacturers also put the date on the battery to calculate the warranty expiration date. Although your battery may still be usable after two years, it might not keep the charge as well as it did before that date.
FAQ
What are the basics of car mechanics?
To be an auto mechanic, you don't have to know much about cars. The only thing you need is the ability to fix them. This is why most people get started with simple jobs such as changing brake pads or tires. Then they move on to more difficult repairs.
You will need to understand written instructions, read diagrams and follow the basic rules of good practices. You'll also need to be able to judge whether parts need replacing or repairing.
It's important to remember that you shouldn't attempt to repair vehicles without having received proper training and guidance. This is especially true if you deal with expensive components such as engines or transmissions.
Even though you don't need to be an expert on cars, it is important to understand the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and physical physics. This involves understanding how engines work and how brakes work.
It is also important to remember that you will need to be able to handle many situations. One example is when you could be working on a vehicle involved in a serious crash. Also, you'll need to be familiar with dealing with accidents or breakdowns.
You must also be willing to learn quickly. It is important to be able both to diagnose problems and perform simple maintenance tasks, such as tightening nuts.
Is it really worth becoming a mechanic.
The answer depends on what you are looking for in life. If money is your goal, then you can answer "yes". But if you are searching for meaning and purpose, then you should not answer this question.
If you don't have any mechanics skills, then there's no point getting into it because you'll just end up wasting time. You won't become rich from it. It's unlikely that you will be famous. You won't be famous.
This would require you to spend many years learning how to properly do everything. Also, you would need to hire someone else to fix it if it broke down. It's the reason most people don't bother. They find something more worthwhile.
In conclusion, if money is your main goal, you should go ahead. If you are looking for a fulfilling life, however, then stay clear of the mechanics' industry.
How do I prepare for a mechanic apprenticeship?
It is important that you understand the ramifications of your actions. Understanding the mechanics and working of cars is essential. This will help you to plan your first day in the garage.
You also need to know how to fix simple problems such as broken lights, tires, etc.
You will be able to diagnose and repair problems yourself.
For the purpose of putting them back together again, you'll need to be able to identify how each piece fits together.
And finally, you must know how to use tools safely and efficiently.
These things will enable you to be a competent mechanic.
Statistics
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- 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)
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
External Links
How To
How to Become an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she works at car dealerships, auto shops, garages, service centers, etc. He/she assists customers in fixing their cars, trucks or motorcycles. A technician in automotive must be able diagnose and repair problems quickly, safely, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program, he/she will need to pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence's (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. There are two sections to the ASE certification test. The first section tests for mechanical knowledge, the second for practical skills. To pass the test, you will need to visit an authorized testing location. These locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
Before becoming an automotive technician, a candidate must pass the test. This process is different depending on where you live. Some states require applicants to take a training course while others allow them the freedom to study on their own. In addition, some states license technicians immediately after they receive their license, while others wait until they have completed at least six months of employment as an automotive technician.
To get started as an automotive technician, a person should apply to a local automotive dealership. New employees are usually apprentices when they first get hired. Apprenticeship programs last about three years. Students learn basic repair skills such as changing oil and adjusting brakes, changing tires, cleaning spark plugs and inspecting engine compartments. Advanced repairs can be done by some students, including replacing shocks, installing air filters and repairing engines. Most schools offer classes during regular business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
Once a student finishes his/her apprenticeship, it is possible to become 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 are also taught how to troubleshoot electrical components and remanufacture engines. Many employers prefer hiring journeymen because they know the job well and understand what the customer expects.
After passing the exams, candidates may be eligible to open their own shop if they pass all requirements. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010), almost 1.7million automotive mechanic jobs were on the market. This number was expected increase 18% between 2009 - 2020. When a candidate plans to open his/her own shop he/she should be ready to invest thousands of dollars in equipment.
The salary of an automotive technician will depend on many factors including where you live, your education level, experience and the type of employer. A jobless person can expect to make $20,000 per year. Someone who has only a highschool diploma could earn around 21,000 dollars per year. An associate's degree earns approximately $24,000 annually. Technicians with bachelor's degrees earn approximately $27,000 per year. Masters' degree holders earn around $32,000 per annum. Salary increases can be common. A professional who earns less that $30,000 today could reasonably expect a $40,000 increase in the next few decades.