Lori Biever-Launder
01-08-2003, 07:25 PM
Ok ladies, I was in the automotive industry for 7 1/2 years and DH has been in it for 20. Get your car manuals out and read them. It will tell you where to put the brake fluid, oil, etc. in. You wouldn't believe how many people (male AND female) don't know how to do this. This is very, very basic info and can save you a TON of cash in the long run!
Also, learn how to put air in your tires, add antifreeze, washer fluid and clean the battery terminals! These simple things can potentially save you hundreds of dollars! An engine without oil can freeze up. By allowing the oil to leak out without refilling it, you could cost yourself in the neighborhood fo $4000.00 (or more!).
The lesson for today: cleaning your battery terminals. Get an old toothbrush and some baking soda. Put on an old shirt because if you get battery acid on your clothes, you can ruin them. Carefully pour some baking soda on the terminals (where the cables attach to your battery) and clean all the white corrosion off (if you have any). It will bubble and hiss (sounds kind of like Alka Seltzer). After you have done this, pour some water over the terminals several times and rinse off the spots it will leave on your concrete. Make sure to rinse thoroughly because if an animal steps in this, theiy can burn their feet. You also don't want this kids tracking it in onto the rug! BTW, do NOT use the toothbrush for anything else other than this!
Lastly, go inside and wash your hands very, very, very well with lots of soap and warm water. Acid can gradually burn your skin. If you have any itchy spots on your hands after washing, go wash AGAIN. The "itch" is actually a bit of the acid burning.
Also, learn how to put air in your tires, add antifreeze, washer fluid and clean the battery terminals! These simple things can potentially save you hundreds of dollars! An engine without oil can freeze up. By allowing the oil to leak out without refilling it, you could cost yourself in the neighborhood fo $4000.00 (or more!).
The lesson for today: cleaning your battery terminals. Get an old toothbrush and some baking soda. Put on an old shirt because if you get battery acid on your clothes, you can ruin them. Carefully pour some baking soda on the terminals (where the cables attach to your battery) and clean all the white corrosion off (if you have any). It will bubble and hiss (sounds kind of like Alka Seltzer). After you have done this, pour some water over the terminals several times and rinse off the spots it will leave on your concrete. Make sure to rinse thoroughly because if an animal steps in this, theiy can burn their feet. You also don't want this kids tracking it in onto the rug! BTW, do NOT use the toothbrush for anything else other than this!
Lastly, go inside and wash your hands very, very, very well with lots of soap and warm water. Acid can gradually burn your skin. If you have any itchy spots on your hands after washing, go wash AGAIN. The "itch" is actually a bit of the acid burning.