There are many things to remember about car battery care. Here are some tips to check and clean your 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 extreme heat. And remember to drive the car at least three times a week to keep it in good condition. While it might take some time, the difference between a healthy and a dead battery will amaze you.
Clean battery terminals
To clean your battery terminals, first disconnect cables from the positive/negative posts. Separately loosen the negative and positive clamps. Some battery cables are secured to posts by bolts. If you find the terminals are corroded or have excess corrosion, you may need to use metal pliers or another tool. You should thoroughly clean the terminals before connecting the cables again. 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. This solution should be very concentrated and should remove all traces of corrosion. You can also use a special battery cleaner that can be applied using 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
To prolong the life and durability of your car battery, you should avoid heat. 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.
Corrosion can also occur in the battery when there is too much heat. Corrosion can weaken the battery's ability hold a charge, and can result in malfunctioning charging systems. The temperature extremes can cause your car battery to die. Hot batteries also speed up the corrosion process. This can significantly reduce the battery’s capacity and decrease its lifespan. You should check your battery frequently to make sure there are no signs of corrosion.
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 box can lead to all kinds of problems from premature drain to cracks, leaks, and more. It can conceal other damage, such as bulges. Keeping your battery case clean will extend its life significantly. Here are some ways you can keep your battery's case in tip top shape.
To remove corrosion traces, use a wire brush and an old toothbrush. You should not remove any lead terminals as this can lead to corrosion. Next, rinse the case with water. Dry it with a rag. You can clean the case with a cleaner solution if there is still any residue. After the case has been cleaned, you can apply petroleum jelly to protect it.
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 is located at the top, and is composed of a number and a letter. The number indicates when the battery is due to expire. If the code is "A" or "B," you should replace the battery within the warranty period.
Depending upon the manufacturer, car battery codes may have different dates. Some batteries indicate the manufacturing date, while others show an "in-service" date. It can be confusing to figure out the battery date. A battery with a date code of "2014" on it will likely be manufactured in December 2014. To determine the expiration date of a warranty, manufacturers will also place the date 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
How long is an automotive mechanic apprenticeship
An automotive mechanic apprenticeship takes around three years to complete. This includes two years in school and two as an apprentice. The first year is spent learning all aspects of the trade, including theory, practical skills, and safety procedures. You will also learn to use tools efficiently and safely during this period. After the completion of the first year, you will spend another year on the job training. Here you'll gain valuable experience in different trades. These years will offer you the opportunity to attend formal classes.
The last year of your program will be spent earning qualifications and becoming certified. These include NVQs, which are obtained after passing industry-specific exams. The HNCs (Higher National Certificates), on the other hand, cover general subjects like customer service and management. For those interested in pursuing certain trades, City & Guilds certificates are available.
What are the requirements for an automotive technician?
High school graduation or GED is required with excellent grades in English and math. You must also be able to read, and write. The written test will be passed and you will then have to take several practical exams before you can begin work.
Is it worth being a mechanic.
This question is dependent on your life goals. If you are looking to make money, then yes. But if meaning and purpose is what you seek, 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 will not make you rich. It's unlikely that you will be famous. And it's unlikely to change your life.
You'd need to spend years learning how everything works. It would be expensive to have your car fixed by someone else. That's why most people don't bother doing it at all. They find something they enjoy instead.
In conclusion, if money is your main goal, you should go ahead. You can't live a meaningful existence if your goal is to make a living in the mechanic's business.
What is the difference?
Although they may be similar, they are not identical. A mechanic repairs cars and an automotive technician performs maintenance.
A mechanic should be able to do simple tasks quickly and have good manual dexterity. They should be able to accurately diagnose problems and repair them efficiently.
A technician in automotive is more technical than a mechanic. They must be capable of reading blueprints and using tools such as drills, wrenches, etc.
They must also be able to carry out complex procedures safely. They should also be familiarized with the different types of engines as well as electrical systems.
They must also be capable of understanding how parts interact.
As a result, mechanics typically make less than technicians. There are many job opportunities in both.
What length of an automotive course is it?
A course in automotive lasts three years.
The first year focuses on theory and learning about cars. The second year is dedicated to practical training, where you will learn how to fix cars, drive them, and do other jobs around the car. The last year is spent at a local shop, where you will get practical experience with real-world problems.
Statistics
- 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)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to safeguard yourself against auto mechanic scams
Scamming by auto mechanics is a problem that consumers face. The average American spends $1,500 a year on vehicle repairs. This means that there is plenty of people willing to take advantage. If you are aware of what to look out for, you can avoid falling for scammers. These tips can help you identify scammers and stop them from stealing your money.
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Never pay upfront. You should never pay upfront if someone asks. Always ask for payment once work has been completed. You can call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at 1-888-322-8138 if you are unsure if something is legal. They'll provide advice and guidance.
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Ask for referrals. It's a great way to verify that you're dealing directly with a service provider who is trustworthy. Online reviews are also a great way to verify the service provider's reputation. It is important to ensure that every business you deal has a positive reputation.
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Conduct background checks. It is a good idea to do background checks before hiring. Check the BBB website to see if there are any complaints against the business. Also, make sure that the license number of the vehicle belongs to the owner.
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Don't be afraid if you have to leave. Sometimes, even when a business seems legit, they try to trick you into paying too much. If you feel that you have been exploited, don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty more businesses to choose from.
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Do not be lured into "free" service. There are many companies that offer free inspections and estimates. Many of these companies charge exorbitant fees in the future. Before you agree to anything, make sure you ask about any additional fees.
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Avoid being pressured. When a company offers you a great deal, it's because they think they can get away with charging you less than you deserve. It is possible to fall for a scam if you are forced to buy something.
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You should look for high-quality products. When looking for a repair shop, you want to ensure that they use high-quality parts. For instance, if you require new brake pads you should not go to a place that uses low-quality pads. You should instead go to a shop that is specialized in brakes.
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Get multiple quotes. It is important to compare prices across shops. This will increase your chances of getting a fair price.
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Keep records. Keep track of everything related to your repair. This includes invoices, receipts, and warranties. You should also write down any phone numbers or addresses that you receive.
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