There are many things you should know about car battery maintenance. Here's how to clean and check the battery. Clean the battery's terminals with clean water. Do not use baking soda because it can cause corrosion. Clean the battery case and verify the date code. Avoid extreme heat. Keep your car in tip-top shape by driving it at least 3 times per week. Although it may take some time, you will be amazed at how much a healthy battery can make a difference in your car's performance.
Clean battery terminals
To clean your battery terminals, first disconnect cables from the positive/negative posts. The positive and the negative clamps can be removed separately. Bolts can be used to attach some battery cables to side or top posts. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Corrosion can also occur in the battery when there is too much heat. 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. Also, hot batteries can accelerate the corrosion process. This can severely reduce the battery's capacity and shorten its lifespan. You should check your battery frequently to make sure there are no signs of corrosion.
Clean battery case
When you want your car's battery to last a long time, the first thing to do is clean the battery cover. A dirty battery case can cause a variety of problems, including premature drain and cracks or leaks. It can also hide other damage from the battery, such as bulges or freezing. The battery's life will be significantly extended if the case is clean. 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. As this could lead to corrosion, you should avoid removing any lead from the terminals. Next, rinse the case with water. Dry it with a rag. A cleaning solution can be used if the case has any residue. After cleaning the case, you can apply petroleum jelly and other protective coatings.
Check date code
The date code on your battery will tell you how to maintain your car's batteries. Many batteries come with a warranty that states when they need to be replaced. The date code, which is located on the top and includes a two-digit and a letter number, can be found on most batteries. The number represents the month or year when the battery expires. If the code is A or B, you need to replace the battery within the warranty period.
Depending on the manufacturer of the battery, there may be different date codes. Some batteries indicate the manufacturing date, while others show an "in-service" date. It can be difficult to understand the battery date. The battery's date code "2014" means that it was made in December of 2014. Manufacturers also put the date on the battery to calculate the warranty expiration date. Although your battery may still be usable after two years, it might not keep the charge as well as it did before that date.
FAQ
What are the requirements for an automobile technician?
You must have completed high school or GED with good grades in maths and English. It is also necessary to be able both to read and to write. To be allowed to work, you must pass a written and practical test.
Does it really matter what college I choose?
Not really. There is no difference between colleges in terms of how to get into the automobile industry. There are some schools that offer more specific programs than others.
Is it hard to get a job working as an auto mechanic?
It can be done. Garages often advertise their jobs online and people just apply because it seems fun. To get your foot in front of the door, try applying for a few positions to see if any accept student applications. You could also ask your family and friends if they know anyone in the industry. They may be happy to recommend someone.
Are you looking for a career as an automotive mechanic?
For those who are passionate about excellence, automotive is a rewarding industry. You can only succeed in this field if you work hard and learn from others.
Communication skills are important as customers and coworkers will often be your main focus. It's important to be flexible and willing to travel. This will make commutes difficult.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in automotive, consider taking classes at community colleges and universities. Many schools offer programs specifically designed for students interested in auto repair, sales, or customer service.
If you decide to pursue a degree, you should study mechanical engineering. It is possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in only four years.
In addition, many companies will hire graduates straight out of school. It's a smart idea to begin looking for work while you have the opportunity to study part-time.
Once you've completed your education, you'll probably need to complete some form of training before being able to take up a position as an automotive technician.
This means you'll need to pass exams such as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. This test covers topics like engine maintenance, brakes system, suspension, and many other subjects.
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. You will be compensated based on how many services you performed.
Not all states require licensing. If you intend to work in another state, however, you will need a license.
Some states don’t issue licenses until a certain amount has been completed. If this is you, you may need another option.
What qualifications is required to become an mechanic?
You will need to pass several exams in order to become a mechanic. These include:
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A test of general knowledge
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A practical examination
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An apprenticeship test
These tests are designed for you to understand the basic concepts and principles of mechanics before your start as a technician.
These tests will allow you to be a mechanic once you have passed them. However, you'll still need to complete an apprenticeship. This will involve trade training.
To fully understand the mechanics of vehicle repairs, you'll need workshops and classes. Experienced mechanics will also be required.
A mechanic must be highly focused and attentive to detail in order to succeed. You will need to pay careful attention to every aspect when repairing vehicles.
To be a successful mechanic, you will need patience and perseverance. If you don’t like following directions, then this career path may not suit you.
But if you love cars and enjoy fixing them, you could be very happy in this line of work.
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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to Become an Auto Technician
A technician who works on vehicles is an automotive technician. He/she can be found at auto shops, garages and service centers. He/she assists customers in fixing their cars, trucks or motorcycles. A technician in automotive must be able diagnose and repair problems quickly, safely, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program the student must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam (ASE). ASE stands to American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Two sections make up the ASE certification examination. One section tests knowledge of mechanical components, while the other section tests skills in practical areas. To pass the test, you will need to visit an authorized testing location. These locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
After passing the exam, a candidate must take a state exam before being licensed as an automobile technician. This process varies depending on where the 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. New employees are usually apprentices when they first get hired. Apprenticeship programs last about three years. This is when a student can learn how to do basic repairs such as changing oil, adjusting brakes and replacing tires. Some students will learn advanced repair techniques, such as changing shocks, installing air filters, and replacing engines. Many schools offer classes during regular hours. However, some schools offer evening classes if needed.
When a student has completed his/her apprenticeship, they become a journeyman. Journeymen can spend up to five years learning how major systems work, including transmissions, differentials. They also learn how to adjust steering gear and suspensions. Journeymen also learn to fix complicated problems, such as rebuilding engines or troubleshooting electric components. Employers prefer to hire journeymen as they are familiar with the job and can anticipate customer needs.
If a candidate successfully passes the required exams and receives a license, he/she might want to consider starting his/her own shop. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were nearly 1.7 million jobs available for automotive mechanics in 2010. This figure is expected to rise 18 percent between 2009-2020. A candidate who plans to open a shop should expect to spend many thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies.
Many factors affect the automotive technician's salary, including location, education, experience, and employer type. An average salary for a jobless individual is $20,000 per annum. Someone who has only a highschool diploma could earn around 21,000 dollars per year. Those with an associate's degree earned approximately $24,000 per year. Technicians with a bachelor’s degree made about $27,000 annually. The average annual salary for those with master's degrees was $32,000. Salary increases are common so professionals who make less than $30,000 a year could realistically expect to earn $40,000 over the next few years.