You need to be familiar with several aspects of car battery maintenance. Here's how to clean and check the battery. You should clean the terminals of the battery with a dry cloth. Avoid using baking soda as it can cause corrosion. Clean the battery's container 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 will take some effort, you'll be amazed by the difference between healthy batteries and ones that aren't.
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 clamp onto top or side posts with 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. 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 extremely dilute to remove the heavy corrosion. Alternatively, you can use a specialized battery terminal cleaner which can be applied with a brush. This cleaner is aerosolized and can also be used to clean battery cables. Protective gloves are recommended when using this method.
Avoid extreme heat
Avoid excessive heat to prolong the life of your car's battery. Avoid excessive heat by charging your battery regularly, keeping it cool when not being used, and parking in the shade. In hot weather it is a good idea wash the battery and to test it frequently. A battery designed for warmer climates will have a higher electrolyte/lead ratio. This makes it more suited to high temperatures.
A battery can also become corroded by heat. Corrosion can weaken the battery's ability hold a charge, and can result in malfunctioning charging systems. Extreme heat can eventually cause the death of your car's battery. Hot batteries also speed up the corrosion process. This can greatly reduce the battery’s life expectancy and its capacity. 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. A dirty battery box can lead to all kinds of problems from premature drain to cracks, leaks, and more. This can hide other damage like bulges or freezing. Keeping your battery case clean will extend its life significantly. Here are some tips that will help you keep your battery box in tip-top shape.
Use a wire brush to clean the case. Be careful not to remove any leads from the terminals. It could lead corrosion. Next, rinse the case with water. Dry it with a rag. To remove any remaining residue, use a cleaning product. 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. 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 says "A" or B, it's important that you replace the battery during 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 confusing to figure out the battery date. The battery's date code "2014" means that it was made in December of 2014. To determine the expiration date of a warranty, manufacturers will also place the date on the battery. 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
What are the different types of jobs available in car mechanic?
Car mechanics can find work in three areas:
-
Automotive repair shops
-
Dealerships
-
Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
Most people think of this as the first step to becoming a mechanic. It's actually the easiest way to start. You have two options: work in an existing shop or open your own.
If you choose to work at a store, you need to join a union. After being accepted into the union, the union will provide training.
Once you complete the training, it's time to get started.
If you decide to open your own garage, you'll need to register with the government. After you register, you will be required to meet specific standards.
You will receive a license to run your garage once you have registered.
Your license allows you to sell spare parts and make minor repairs. It will not permit you to fix major engine issues.
You will be expected to sell spare parts and also offer guidance and advice to customers.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics that specialize in one aspect of the vehicle. They might be able to only fix brakes or replace tires.
Some dealerships have the option to hire general mechanics who can take care of all aspects.
Some positions require that applicants complete training before they can be allowed to work. This means employers can choose which candidates are best suited for their role.
Some dealerships hire students straight out of college. These graduates are already familiar with basic mechanics and can therefore learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages do not belong to any dealership. Instead, they focus on high-quality customer service.
Independent garages have the ability to afford higher wages, as they aren’t associated with any one company. Because these jobs don't have to be associated with any company, they can generally offer better wages than dealerships.
Independent garages don't necessarily make for better work environments. Many owners prefer to run their businesses themselves rather than delegate responsibility to employees.
This could lead to you working long hours with little control over your day.
Additionally, you should expect to earn lower wages if employed by a dealership.
The good news? You can easily switch between different types of jobs. To work at a dealership you will need to contact your employer to see if he is open to the idea of hiring you.
If you prefer to work in an independent garage, you might consider applying directly to its owner.
The bad news is that finding a new job isn't always easy. Many other factors can also influence the amount you earn.
It could be the type and cost of labor you use to repair your vehicle.
Is it worth learning to be a mechanic?
The answer to this question depends on what you want from life if you are looking for money, then yes, but if you're looking for meaning and purpose, 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 won't make you famous. It is unlikely that you will be made famous.
It would take you years to learn how to do everything correctly. Also, you would need to hire someone else to fix it if it broke down. Most people won't bother to do it. They find something more worthwhile.
Summarising, if your goal is to make lots of money, go for it. If you are looking for a fulfilling life, however, then stay clear of the mechanics' industry.
How long is an automotive mechanic apprenticeship
It takes approximately three years to complete an automotive mechanic apprenticeship. The apprenticeship includes two years studying at school and two more as an apprentice. The first year is used to learn all aspects of the trade including safety procedures and theory. During this time, you'll also learn how to use tools safely and efficiently. After completing the first year, you'll then spend another year on-the-job training where you'll gain experience in different areas of the trade. You will have the opportunity for formal training during these years.
The last year of your program will be spent earning qualifications and becoming certified. These include NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications), that are given after passing specific industry exams. There are also HNCs (Higher National Certificates), which cover general subjects like management, business administration, customer service, and more. City & Guilds certificates may be available for those who are interested in becoming qualified in specific trades.
What is the length of an automotive training course?
An automotive course lasts for three years.
The first year focuses on theory and learning about cars. Practical training is the second year. You will learn to drive, fix engines and perform other tasks around the car. The final year is spent doing a placement at a local garage, which gives you experience in fixing real-world problems.
Statistics
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to set up a business plan for a car repair shop
Before you can do anything else, it is important to have a solid understanding of how to begin a business. First, make sure you know what type of business it is. You may want to consider getting started in a small town with few competitors. In this way, you don't have as much to lose if the first few months go poorly. If you do decide to open an auto repair shop, it is important to choose a locale near a large number of people. Customers will be able come to you when they have issues and you'll be willing to sell them parts at a low price.
If you are just starting out, it might be worth considering opening a franchise. Franchises typically require less capital than traditional businesses. However, you still have to pay royalties and fees to the franchisor every month. It is also important to know that you must be very careful when choosing a franchise because some franchises are scams. Many franchises promise high returns, but do not deliver.
If you already have experience working in retail, then you could try running your own auto repair shop. Many people who run their own businesses say it was one of the best decisions they ever made. You still need to make a business plan prior to you can start. It is important to write down every goal you wish your business to achieve. This could include goals such as increasing sales or improving customer service. You can then look for ways you can achieve these goals once you have them written down.
If you're interested in opening an auto repair shop, then the next thing you need to do is to figure out how to finance it. Most people borrow money from banks and credit unions to fund their businesses. Banks will typically require collateral. That means you have to provide something of value as security. Many people take out loans against their home. To be eligible for a loan you must prove that you have sufficient cash flow to repay it.
After you have funded your business, you will need to obtain a license. There are several licenses that you could obtain, depending on the type and purpose of your business. A state license is required for auto mechanics, but a federal license is required for body shops.
You don't need to create a marketing plan. Before you advertise, you need to decide what your company stands for. What makes your company different from other companies in this regard? What can you learn from others? These questions are part of creating a strong brand image. With this information, you'll be better prepared to design effective advertisements.