There are many things to remember about car battery care. Here's how to check and clean the battery. Keep the battery's terminals clean and avoid using baking soda. This can lead to corrosion. Clean the battery's case, and check 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 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. Separately loosen the negative and positive clamps. Some battery cables clamp onto top or side posts with bolts. You may need special tools or pliers if you have corroded or excess corrosion. Clean the terminals thoroughly before re-connecting the cables. You should then apply a layer oil jelly or protective grease to the terminals.
A solution of baking soda, water and vinegar can be used to get rid of corrosion on your terminals. 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 can also be used on batteries cables. This method can be used on battery cables, so it is important to wear gloves when performing the task.
Avoid extreme heat
To extend the life of your car battery, avoid excessive heat. If you want to prolong the life of your car battery, avoid excessive heat. Instead, keep it charged and store it in a cool location. In hot weather, it's a good idea to wash the battery and to test it regularly. A battery made for warmer climates has a higher electrolyte-to-lead ratio, making it better suited to high temperatures.
The battery can also be damaged by excessive heat. 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. Corrosion can also be accelerated when hot batteries are used. This can reduce the battery's lifespan and decrease its capacity. It is best to inspect the battery every so often to ensure that there aren't any signs of corrosion.
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. 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. Keeping your battery case clean will extend its life significantly. Here are some tips to maintain your battery case in top condition.
Use a wire brush to clean the case. 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. Use a cleaning agent if you have any remaining residue. After the case has been cleaned, you can apply petroleum jelly to protect it.
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 that states when they need to be replaced. 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 is the month and the year that the battery will expire. If the code says "A" or B, it's important that you replace the battery during the warranty period.
Depending upon the manufacturer, car battery codes may have different dates. Some batteries have a manufacturing date, while others display 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
Is it possible to work as an automotive mechanic?
Yes, it's possible. Many garages post their vacancies online. Many people apply simply because they think it might make them feel good. Applying for several positions and seeing if they accept student applications is a good way to get your foot into the door. Ask your friends and family to recommend anyone in the field. They may be happy and willing to recommend someone.
What is the job description for a mechanic in a car?
For car mechanics, there are three main areas for employment:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is where most people consider becoming a mechanic. It's also the easiest way you can get started. You can either work in a shop run by someone else, or start your business.
If you choose to work at a store, you need to join a union. After you are accepted to the union, you will receive training from it.
Once you complete the training, it's time to get started.
Register with the government if you want to open your garage. You'll need to meet certain standards after you register.
After you have registered, you will be issued a license to operate your garage.
Your license allows for minor repairs and spare parts sales. It won't allow you to fix major engine problems.
In addition to selling spare parts, you'll also be expected to offer advice and guidance to customers.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics that specialize in one aspect of the vehicle. For example, they might only deal with brakes or only replace tires.
Some dealerships hire general mechanics to handle all aspects of car repair.
These positions often require applicants to undergo specific training before being allowed to work. This allows employers to select the most qualified candidates for their roles.
Some dealerships will even hire graduates right out of university. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages aren't associated with any particular dealership. They are more focused on providing top-quality service.
Independent garages have the ability to afford higher wages, as they aren’t associated with any one company. These jobs generally pay better than those at dealerships.
However, independent garages may not be better places to work. Many business owners prefer to be in control of their businesses than to delegate it to employees.
This could lead to you working long hours with little control over your day.
Expect to earn lower salaries than if you were working in a dealership.
There are many jobs that can be switched between. To work at a dealership you will need to contact your employer to see if he is open to the idea of hiring you.
Or, if your dream is to work for an independent garage you can contact the owner directly.
The bad news? Finding a new position isn't always easy. There are many other factors that can influence your earnings.
It could be the type and cost of labor you use to repair your vehicle.
What qualifications does a truck mechanic need?
Although you don't need to have any formal qualifications, your experience working with trucks and engines is invaluable. Your experience is invaluable as you know how to diagnose problems quickly and efficiently.
Also, your knowledge of diesel technology will be a benefit as you can help us understand which parts are needed for our vehicles.
Statistics
- 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)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (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 Auto Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she is employed at automobile dealerships, garages, service centres, and auto shops. He/she works with customers to repair their cars and trucks, ATVs or snowmobiles. An automotive technician must be able to diagnose problems and make repairs quickly, safely, accurately, and efficiently.
An associate degree should be obtained from a vocational school if you wish to work as an auto technician. 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 the ability to use mechanical knowledge. The second section tests the ability to apply practical skills. To take the test, you must visit one of the approved testing locations. These locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
Before becoming an automotive technician, a candidate must pass the test. The process will vary depending on where an applicant lives. Some states require applicants to take a training course while others allow them the freedom to 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.
To get started as an automotive technician, a person should apply to a local automotive dealership. Most new employees work as apprentices after they have been hired. Apprenticeships typically last three years. The apprenticeship program teaches students how to change oil, adjust brakes, replace tires, clean spark plugs, inspect engine compartments, and perform routine maintenance. 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 is done with his/her apprenticeship he/she can become a master 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.
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 was expected increase 18% 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. On average, a jobless person could expect to earn $20,000 annually. Someone who has only a highschool diploma could earn around 21,000 dollars per year. Earnings for those with an associate's diploma are approximately $24,000/year. Technicians with a bachelor's degree earn about $27,000 per annum. And those with master's degrees made around $32,000 per year. Salary increases are common, so a professional who earns less than $30,000 now could reasonably expect to earn $40,000 or more in just a few years.