We all assume that when we turn the key in our car, it will start right up, but the battery is actually what provides the starting power. So if your battery is weak, your car won’t start. Therefore car battery maintenance is crucial to your vehicle. We will list down ways to maintain your car battery which will be essential to the longevity and efficiency of the battery.
Be very careful and wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when handling batteries.
Cleaning surface of battery
Ensure that the surfaces on the battery are clean. Dirt and dust on the battery surface can become conductive, which causes voltage drop and result in draining your battery slowly. If the battery terminals are corroded, clean them with a brush before spraying them with battery terminal spray to prevent further corrosion. Be sure to coat both terminals. Periodically cleaning the battery surface can ensure unnecessary surface drain.
How to clean surface of battery?
Cleaning the battery’s exterior using a baking soda and water mixture is sufficient. Additionally, you may use a degreaser to remove those stubborn grease and oil on the case. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe off any baking soda and water mixture residue before reconnecting the battery post to the connector terminals. The idea is to clean the case to get rid of the surface charge.
Checking Electrolyte level
You can remove the individual caps to inspect the electrolyte level. In some batteries, you must pry open the covers to view the electrolyte level. If unsure, you may refer to the battery manufacturer guide. Be careful not to get dirt down inside the battery after opening the caps/covers.
Look inside with a flashlight, and it’s fine if you see water covering the plates. Else, you may top it off with distilled water to cover the metal plates. The water evaporates out of the battery, especially during hotter climates. Therefore, it is best to check on the levels and top it off with distilled water when low. For a more elaborated guide on maintaining your battery, refer to the article here.
Test the battery
Have a mechanic check your batteries once in a while using a battery tester/analyzer; it’s a simple test that only requires connecting to your battery and pressing a button to start. It will provide a complete view of the battery’s health, including battery diagnostics and warning you to change batteries before they fail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a car battery is essential to ensure that your car battery is always in a healthy state to avoid any issues starting the car. Especially in a modern car where everything is electronically dependent such as the ignition system, fuel injection and the accessories within the vehicle itself.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or leave a comment on this post.
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