The whole of a vehicle’s body is composed of metal. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to use welding for any small repairs. However, welding requires power, which controls many circuits for the vehicle to function. Hence, it’s vital to know what you need to consider when welding on a vehicle.
Protect the Battery at All Costs
A car’s battery is its most essential component, considering it powers the radio, digital dashboard, and power windows, among other functions. Welding requires a high-voltage electrical current. Using a clamp, the work surface couples to the power source. Once the electrode contacts the surface, it causes a short circuit, an arc, and supplies enough heat to fuse the metal. Therefore, damaging your battery should be at the forefront of your mind when welding on the car frame.
Unplug the Radio
In the famous words of Lloyd Christmas, “Radio? Who needs a radio?” That will need to be your glass-half-full approach if you damage your car radio when welding. Considering most car radios need a functioning battery, any battery damage might fry the radio. If you are doing any welding work on a vehicle, you must unplug the radio before beginning. Otherwise, a tremendous amount of electrical surge will render it useless.
Ensure Everything Functions After Welding
Other than the engine, every car component gets its juice from electricity, although the engine still needs power from the battery to start. The lights, horns, wipers, windows, and door locks require hundreds of circuits to work in unison.
If unsatisfactory welding on the body damages the circuits, it might get you into problems, especially if you use your car daily. The primary issue is that you may be unaware that these things happened throughout the welding process. When you discover the truth, it may be too late.
Disconnect the ECU
Another vital aspect of your vehicle you might take for granted is that your airbag always works. The sensors can even determine which side of the vehicle has been struck and which occupants may have sustained injuries.
The ECU deploys the airbag after assessing all the relevant data. Welding on a vehicle’s structure might render the airbags inoperable, and like your horn or headlights, you may not even know it. Considering these things when welding on a vehicle assures you do a quality job, everyone stays safe, and the vehicle is in good working order.
