Car Battery Maintenance

Car Battery Maintenance

It's not difficult to keep your battery in top shape during its lifetime.

    
• First, if your battery is more than four years old, it's time to replace it.

    
• Your mechanic can load-test your battery to see if it is capable of sufficient charge on below-freezing days.  Replace it if it does not pass the test.

    
• If the battery terminals have a crust on them, they should be cleaned.  A mixture of baking soda and water applied with a wire brush should take care of it.  The corrosion and deposits can interfere with current flow.

    
• Check the water level.  A conventional battery has a plastic cover that can be removed.  Ensure the water inside reaches the filler necks.  If it doesn't, add distilled water.  If it is a maintenance free battery, it probably has a light that goes black when it needs service.  Don't service it yourself; take it to a mechanic.

    
• Be sure the ends of the battery cable are tight.  They should not be able to move at all.  If they are not tight, your car might not start.

    
• Make sure the battery is secure in the tray.  If it can move around it could tip over causing under the hood damage.  Excessive vibration will wear on the battery as well.

    
• If you live in climate that is excessively cold, think about obtaining a battery or engine heater.  The heater will help the battery start the car by reducing the power necessary.

Things to Keep in Mind:

A dead battery may be able to be brought by to life with a battery charger.  BUT recharging it improperly can fry not only the battery itself, but also electrical components in the car.

There are combustible chemicals inside the battery. Do not allow open flames to be near it.

If you need to add distilled water to your battery, be very careful that the battery acid does not get on you or your clothes.  It is highly corrosive.

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