A Quick Guide to Car Battery Maintenance
Are you interested in learning how to care for your car battery so that you don’t get stuck in a scurry?
Car batteries are regarded as one of the most important parts of a car. Aside from the fact that it’s what gives your car the power to run, it’s also what aids you when you’re stuck in a predicament, and need your car to start up as fast as possible.
If you’re wondering what things you can do to maintain your car battery, look no further than this quick car battery maintenance guide.
Checking Battery Level
Ensure that the battery is clean and free of debris. If necessary, use a voltage meter to measure the remaining charge. Check the service manual on how to maintain your car battery level.
When necessary, give it a charge with the engine running. Finally, be sure to check the charge level often and replace the battery when it is no longer functioning. With regular battery maintenance, you’ll be able to ensure your car battery has a long-lasting life.
You may also consider EFB vs AGM batteries and check which is the best for battery level.
Identifying Corrosion Buildup
Open the car hood and locate any exposed metal on the battery. If present, look for any green or white discoloration, which can also be a sign of corrosion. To access the battery terminals, you will likely need to remove the battery coverings.
Once they are exposed, use a small mirror to observe any residue on the bottom of the posts. If corrosion is present, it should appear as a white, chalky powder.
Avoiding Overcharging
Overcharging can cause oxidation of the electrolyte and the resulting buildup of sediment, ultimately leading to reduced battery life. However, there are other dangers associated with overcharging your car battery.
It can cause rapid erosion of the plates in the battery, lead to the internal temperatures of the battery rising, and cause corrosion of the case and terminals. Check the battery regularly with a voltmeter to be sure it’s charging correctly.
Maintaining Battery Connections
To maintain battery connections, start by cleaning any corrosion or dirt off the terminals and posts using a damp cloth or baking soda and water paste. Then, using a wire brush, clean off any remaining corrosion on the posts.
Once your terminals and posts are clean, reattach them securely to the rest of the battery. Finally, wipe down the entire vehicle battery to clean off any dirt and grime that may be present, and re-screw any shaking terminals.
Storing Your Battery Properly
If a battery is stored for an extended period of time, it should be recharged every two or three months. When choosing a storage location, it should be in a cool, dry environment with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
It’s also important to keep the terminals clean and regularly check the battery’s charge and water levels. If a battery is maintained correctly, it will last for a long time, saving money, time, and hassle.
A Guide to Battery Maintenance
Regular car battery maintenance is very important in ensuring your car stays running at optimal levels. Make sure to regularly clean the terminals and check the level of the electrolyte.
By doing this, you can detect and prevent any potential damage and extend the life of your car battery. If you’re still experiencing problems with your car battery, you should contact an experienced technician.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!