You need to be familiar with several aspects of car battery maintenance. Here's how you can clean and inspect your car battery. Keep the battery's terminals clean and avoid using baking soda. This can lead to corrosion. Clean the battery's container and verify the date code. Avoid excessive heat. For a healthy car, it is important to drive it at minimum three times per week. Although it will take some effort, you'll be amazed by the difference between healthy batteries and ones that aren't.
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 are secured to posts by bolts. Metal pliers are required for damaged or excessively corroded terminals. It is important to thoroughly clean the terminals before you re-connect the cables. Apply a protective grease or petroleum jelly to the terminals after cleaning.
You can remove corrosion from terminals by using a mixture of baking soda and warm water. You should dilute the solution to remove any corrosion. Alternatively, you could use a specialized cleaning solution for your battery terminals that can be applied with an electric brush. This cleaner is aerosolized and can also be used to clean battery cables. When using this method, it is recommended that you wear protective gloves.
Avoid extreme heat
Avoid heat in order to extend the life span of your car's batteries. 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.
Also, excessive heat can cause corrosion in the battery. The resultant corrosion reduces the battery’s ability to hold charge and can lead malfunctioning charging system components. Extreme heat can eventually cause the death of your car's 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. 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 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. Clean battery cases will help extend their life. These are some ways to keep your battery case clean.
To remove corrosion traces, use a wire brush and an old toothbrush. As this could lead to corrosion, you should avoid removing any lead from the terminals. The case should be rinsed with clean water and dried with a towel. To remove any remaining residue, use a cleaning product. You can then apply petroleum jelly or another protective coating to clean the case.
Check date code
If you want to know how to maintain your car battery, you should check the date code on the battery. 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 the month and year the battery expires. If the code is "A" or "B," you should replace the battery within the warranty period.
Depending on the manufacturer, car batteries have different date codes on them. Some batteries display the manufacturing date, others an "in service" date. It can be difficult to understand the battery date. A battery with a date code of "2014" on it will likely be manufactured in December 2014. The date code is used by manufacturers to determine when the warranty expires. 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
What's the difference between a mechanic and an automotive technician?
Both are related, but they are not the same. An automotive technician maintains cars, while a mechanic repairs them.
A mechanic needs to be able and quick to use their manual dexterity. They should also be able correctly diagnose and repair any problems.
An automotive technician is required to have more technical knowledge than a mechanic. They must be able to read blueprints and use tools such as drills and wrenches.
They must also be able to carry out complex procedures safely. They must also be familiar with different types of engines and electrical systems.
They must also be able to understand how various parts interact with each other.
A mechanic typically earns less than an automotive technician. Both careers have many options.
What length is an automotive course?
A course in automotive lasts three years.
The first year of your training is devoted to theory. You will learn all 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.
What qualifications do you need to be a truck-mechanic?
You don't have formal qualifications for this role, but you are very experienced working on trucks and engines. Your experience is invaluable as you know how to diagnose problems quickly and efficiently.
Your knowledge of diesel technology will allow you to identify the parts that are required to fix our vehicles.
How do I prepare for a mechanic apprenticeship?
It is important that you understand the ramifications of your actions. You must understand the workings of cars. You will be able to know exactly where to begin when you arrive at the garage for your first day.
You also need to know how to fix simple problems such as broken lights, tires, etc.
This should help you learn how to diagnose issues and repair them yourself.
For the purpose of putting them back together again, you'll need to be able to identify how each piece fits together.
Finally, be proficient in using tools safely and efficiently.
All these things will help you to become a competent mechanic.
What is the length of an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic?
The apprenticeship to become an automotive mechanic takes about three years. This includes two year at school as well as two years as an apprenticeship. The first year of training is spent in the trade. This includes theory and practical skills as well as safety procedures. This year, you will also learn how to safely and efficiently use tools. After you have completed the first year of training, you will be able to spend an additional year on-the job learning different trades. These periods will also give you the chance to take formal courses.
The last year of the program is dedicated to gaining certification and qualifications in the field. These include NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications), that are given after passing specific industry exams. Additionally, HNCs are Higher National Certificates that cover general subjects such management, customer service, and business administration. City & Guilds certificates can be obtained for individuals who want to learn certain trades.
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 get a mechanic certification
The mechanic's certifications can be used by people who wish to become professional automotive technicians. They cover all aspects of auto repairs including engine diagnostics. Electrical systems. Brakes, suspension. steering. Fuel injection. Air conditioning. Heating. Exhaust. Diagnostic tools. Body repairs. Collision damage repair. Paintless dent removal. Motor vehicle emissions testing.
The program includes 12 hours of classroom instruction as well as three months of training on the job at a participating dealer. The semester must include at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and passing a written exam that includes theory and practice questions. Upon completion of the coursework, students may take the state examination administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Automotive service technicians must be certified by ASE.