There are several things that you need to know about car battery 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 case and verify the date code. Avoid extreme 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
To clean the battery terminals disconnect the cables at the positive or negative ends. The positive and the negative clamps can be removed separately. Some battery cables clamp onto top or side posts with bolts. Extra corrosion or corroded connections may require special tools or metal pliers. Before re-connecting cables, thoroughly clean the terminals. Apply a protective grease or petroleum jelly to the terminals after cleaning.
A solution of baking soda, water and vinegar can be used to get rid of corrosion on your terminals. 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 cleaner is aerosolized and can also be used to clean battery cables. It is recommended to use this method while wearing protective gloves.
Avoid extreme heat
To extend the life of your car battery, avoid excessive heat. 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's a good practice to clean the battery regularly and test it. Higher electrolyte to lead ratios make batteries for warmer climates more suitable for high temperatures.
The battery can also be damaged by excessive heat. The corrosion causes the battery to lose its ability and cause it to fail to charge. Your car's battery will eventually die if it is exposed to extreme heat. The corrosion process is also accelerated by hot batteries. This can significantly reduce the battery’s capacity and decrease its lifespan. 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
Clean your battery case is a must if you want to maintain your car's battery in top shape. The battery case can lead to premature drain, cracks, and leaks. You can also conceal other damage such as bulges and freezing. It will increase the battery's life by keeping it clean. Here are some tips for keeping your battery case in pristine condition:
Use a wire brush to clean the case. You should not remove any lead terminals as this can lead to corrosion. The case should be rinsed with clean water and dried with a towel. A cleaning solution can be used if the case has any residue. Petroleum jelly or any other protective coating can be applied to the case once it is clean.
Check date code
The date code on your battery will tell you how to maintain your car's batteries. A warranty on batteries will tell you when they should be changed. The date code can be found at the top of the battery. It is a combination of a two-digit number (or a letter) and it represents the year the battery was last used. 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.
Depending on the manufacturer of the battery, there may be different date codes. Some batteries indicate the date of manufacture, while others have an "inservice” 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. The date code is used by manufacturers to determine when the warranty expires. Your battery can still be used if it has not been used for two years. But it might not last as long as it did when it was fresh.
FAQ
Are you a mechanic or a technician? Can I do part-time studies?
Although a degree is not necessary, it can be helpful. Employers will prefer candidates who have completed a degree. It shows you are dedicated and have worked hard to achieve your goals.
You can still study while working, however. Some universities allow students to complete coursework over the summer holidays and finish their studies later in the year. Others let students take classes part-time throughout the year.
What qualifications do I need to be a truck mechanic?
This job requires you to be a skilled mechanic, although you do not need any formal training. Your experience is valuable because it allows you to diagnose problems quickly, efficiently and effectively.
Additionally, you have a solid knowledge of diesel technology that will enable you to determine what parts are necessary to repair our vehicles.
Is being an auto mechanic a promising career choice?
There are many exciting opportunities in the automotive industry for people who are driven to achieve excellence. This field requires hard work and the willingness to learn from others.
Because you will be spending most of your time communicating with customers and employees, you will need excellent communication skills. You will need to be able and willing travel for work, making it more difficult to commute.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in automotive, consider taking classes at community colleges and universities. Many schools offer programs designed specifically for students interested auto repair, sales, and customer services.
Mechanical engineering should be your first choice for a degree. You can earn a bachelor's in as little four years.
In addition, many companies will hire graduates straight out of school. So, it is wise to begin searching for employment while you are still able to study part time.
After your education is complete, you will probably need some training in order to become an automotive technician.
This means you'll need pass exams like the Automotive Services Excellence (ASE), certification exam. This test covers engine maintenance and brakes as well as suspension.
Once you pass the ASE test, your license can be applied for by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
You can perform repairs on private cars by obtaining a license. Based on the services rendered, you will receive compensation.
Not all states require licensing. If you intend to work in another state, however, you will need a license.
Some states won't issue licenses until you have completed a certain amount training. This could be you.
What length is an automotive course?
An automotive course lasts 3 years.
The first year of your training is devoted to theory. You will learn all about cars. The second year is spent on practical training where you learn how to drive, fix engines, and do other mechanical jobs around the car. The last year of your training is spent on practical training, where you learn how to fix real-world problems.
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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to be an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician provides repair services and maintenance to vehicles. He/she works at automotive shops, garages or service centers. Customers can rely on him/her to fix their cars, trucks and motorcycles. An automotive technician must be capable of diagnosing problems and making repairs safely, accurately and efficiently.
If you want to be an automotive technician, you need an associate degree from vocational school. After completing the program, he/she must take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification exam. ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. The first section tests for mechanical knowledge, the second for 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.
Before becoming an automotive technician, a candidate must pass the test. It varies depending on the location of the applicant. Some states require applicants to take a training course while others allow them the freedom to study on their own. Some states allow technicians to become licensed right away after receiving their license. While others wait until they have had at least six years of experience as an automotive technician.
To become an automotive technician, one must apply at a local dealership. Once hired, most new employees start out working as apprentices. Apprenticeship programs typically last three to four years. The apprenticeship program teaches students how to change oil, adjust brakes, replace tires, clean spark plugs, inspect engine compartments, and perform routine maintenance. Some students are able to perform more advanced repairs such as replacing shocks and installing air filters. Classes are offered by most schools during regular business hours. Some schools offer evening classes, however.
Once a student completes his/her apprenticeship, he/she becomes a journeyman. Journeymen typically spend four to five years learning how to install major systems, such as transmissions, differentials, steering gear, suspensions, and drive shafts. They also learn to perform complex repairs, such as remanufacturing engines, rebuilding transmissions, and troubleshooting electrical components. Many employers prefer hiring journeymen because they know the job well and understand what the customer expects.
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 number is expected to increase by 18% between 2009 and 2020. A candidate who plans to open a shop should expect to spend many thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies.
There are many factors that affect the salary of an automotive technician, such as where they live, their education and experience. On average, an unemployed person could earn $20,000 annually. An individual with a high school diploma can earn about $21,000 per annum. An associate's degree earns approximately $24,000 annually. Technicians with a bachelor’s degree made about $27,000 annually. The average annual salary for those with master's degrees was $32,000. 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.