There are many things to remember about car battery care. Here's how to clean and check the battery. Keep the battery's terminals clean and avoid using baking soda. This can lead to corrosion. Clean the battery case and verify the date code. Avoid excessive heat. And remember to drive the car at least three times a week to keep it in good condition. While this may take some extra time, it's worth it.
Clean battery terminals
First, disconnect the cables from both the positive and the negative terminals of the battery to clean them. Separately loosen the negative and positive clamps. Some battery cables attach to top or side posts using bolts. Excess corrosion or corroded terminals may require metal pliers or a special tool. Before re-connecting cables, thoroughly clean the terminals. Apply a protective grease or petroleum jelly to the terminals after cleaning.
If your terminals are heavily corroded, a solution of baking soda and water can be used to remove it. The solution should not be too concentrated and should remove any heavy corrosion. A specialized cleaner for battery terminals can be used, which can be applied by brush. This type of cleaner is often aerosolized and can be used on battery cables as well. 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. 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 made for warmer climates has a higher electrolyte-to-lead ratio, making it better suited to high temperatures.
Also, excessive heat can cause corrosion in the battery. This corrosion can cause the battery to lose its ability to charge and may result in malfunctioning charging system components. In general, extreme heat will eventually kill your car battery. The corrosion process is also accelerated by hot batteries. This can drastically reduce the battery’s ability to last and also cause it to be less efficient. 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
The first thing you should do when your car battery needs to be in top condition is to clean its battery case. A dirty battery case can cause all sorts of problems, from premature drain to cracks and leaks. It can also hide other damage from the battery, such as bulges or freezing. Keeping your battery case clean will extend its life significantly. Here are some tips to maintain your battery case in top condition.
Using a wire brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the case, you can get rid of the traces of corrosion. You should not remove any lead terminals as this can lead to corrosion. Use clean water to rinse the case, and then dry it using a rag. If there's still residue on the case, you can use a cleaning solution. 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. Most batteries have a warranty that outlines when they should be replaced. The date code is located on top of the batteries and is a combination two-digit number plus a letter. The number represents the month or year when the battery expires. If the code says "A" or B, it's important that you replace the battery during the warranty period.
Car batteries can have different date codes depending on their manufacturer. Some batteries indicate the date of manufacture, while others have an "inservice” date. It can be difficult to understand the battery date. If the date code for the battery reads "2014", this means that it was manufactured December 2014. The warranty expiration date is also calculated by manufacturers. If your battery is older than two years, you can still use it, but it might not hold a charge like it did when it was new.
FAQ
What is the difference between an automotive technician and a mechanic?
These two jobs are very similar but not identical. The mechanic fixes cars while the technician maintains them.
A mechanic must be skilled in manual dexterity and able to complete simple tasks quickly. A mechanic must be able diagnose and fix problems quickly and accurately.
An automotive technician must be more technically proficient than a mechanic. They should be able read blueprints and use tools like drills and wrenches.
They should also be capable of safely performing complex procedures. They need to be familiar with various types of engines and electrical system.
They must also be able to understand how various parts interact with each other.
This means that mechanics usually make less money than automotive technicians. Both jobs offer many possibilities.
Do I need to have a degree to work as an automotive mechanic? Can I do part-time studies?
While a degree is not required, it does help. Employers will prefer candidates who have completed a degree. It shows that you've put the effort in and have done everything possible to succeed.
This doesn't necessarily mean you can't continue to work while studying. Some universities let students complete their coursework in the summer and then continue their studies during the school year. Students can also take classes part time throughout the academic year.
What is the best way to learn about car mechanics
To work as an auto technician, you don’t need to know much about cars. The only thing you need is the ability to fix them. Most people start by fixing things like changing tires or fitting brake pads.
You'll need to know how to read diagrams, understand written instructions and follow basic rules of good practice. 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 when you are dealing with costly components like engines and 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 means understanding the principles behind how engines work and how brakes function.
It is important to realize that you must be ready for all types of situations. For instance, you might find yourself in charge of a vehicle that has been in a serious accident. Also, you'll need to be familiar with dealing with accidents or breakdowns.
You must also be willing to learn quickly. As well as being able to diagnose problems, you'll need to be able to perform simple maintenance tasks such as tightening nuts and bolts.
How do I fix my vehicle as a hobby?
You might be interested in cars as a hobby. It is possible to learn about cars, repair them, purchase parts, or simply enjoy them. If you are looking for something new, this would be a great hobby.
It's difficult to make this a fulltime job. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It will also require a large amount of investment.
You may not be able to have an emotional connection with cars unless there is a valid reason.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to become an automotive technician
An automotive technician provides repair services and maintenance to vehicles. He/she can be found at auto shops, garages and service centers. He/she assists customers in fixing their cars, trucks or motorcycles. An automotive technician must be capable of diagnosing problems and making repairs safely, accurately and efficiently.
A person who wants to work as an automotive technician should first obtain an associate degree from a vocational school. After completing this program the student must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam (ASE). ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. The first section tests the ability to use mechanical knowledge. The second section tests the ability to apply practical skills. You will need to attend an authorized testing site in order to pass the test. These locations can be found online or at your local auto dealer.
A candidate must pass the state exam after passing the test to become an automotive technician. This process is different depending on where you live. For example, some states require candidates to attend a training course, while others allow them to study independently. 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. 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. Some students will learn advanced repair techniques, such as changing shocks, installing air filters, and replacing engines. Many schools offer classes during regular 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. Because they have a good understanding of the job and what customers expect, many employers prefer to hire journeymen.
If a candidate successfully passes the required exams and receives a license, he/she might want to consider starting his/her own shop. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1.7 million automotive mechanic jobs were available in 2010. This number is expected to increase by 18% between 2009 and 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 for an automotive technician depends on several factors, including the type of employer, location, education level, and experience. On average, an unemployed person could earn $20,000 annually. A high school diploma is all that's required to earn approximately $21,000 annually. Those with an associate's degree earned approximately $24,000 per year. A technician with a bachelor's degree earned approximately $27,000 annually. A master's degree earns around $32,000 per a year. Salaries are increasing so that a professional earning less than $30,000 could expect to make $40,000 in a few years.