We often take it for granted that our car will start whenever we need it, forgetting that a significant amount of maintenance needs to be put it in order to keep it running. For someone who is not well-versed in motor-vehicle maintenance, this can be difficult, especially for the car battery. But it does not have to be as confusing as you think.
When you are maintaining a car battery, there are important steps to remember. Cleaning the battery regularly to remove battery acid will keep it operating smoothly, and keeping its fluid levels correct will ensure that there are no future issues. If this all sounds a little bit confusing, below are some top tips for maintaining your car battery.
Keep It Clean
One of the most important parts of maintaining your car battery is keeping it clean. You can clean the battery terminals with water and baking soda in order to remove any residual battery acid, but be sure ot wear thick gloves as well as a face and eye mask. Always disconnect the negative side first and then the positive side to remain safe.
Be sure not to touch any of the wires or cables to any of the metal parts of the car. Using a hard-bristle brush, scrub both battery terminals until they are clean. Wipe the terminals down with a damp rag, being sure not to squeeze too much moisture into the battery. When reconnecting the battery, always start with the positive terminal first.
Tighten It Up
Once you have cleaned your car battery, you will need to ensure that the hold-down mechanism is tightened enough so that it does not rattle around. A car battery that rattles too much can easily become damaged. You can test your battery hold-down by opening up the hood of your car and shaking the battery.
If the battery moves, then it is too loose. Locate the bolts connecting the hold-down to the battery, which are usually found along the top of the battery. Using a socket wrench, turn the bolts clockwise to tighten them. There are different types of hold-downs such as the hold-down pad, located at the bottom of the battery.
Go For Regular Drives
For those who use their vehicle on a daily basis, driving regularly is not a problem. However, if you know that your vehicle will be standing for a few weeks or even for over 10 days, it is important to ask someone to start it for you and go for a drive at least twice a week to maintain its charge.
If you do have a car battery charger, you will be able to remedy a low charge problem easily, but this should be avoided if possible. Driving medium to long distances on a regular basis will help to keep your battery charged, but be sure to check the charge level before heading out on a long journey. Even starting your car and letting it run for a few minutes twice a week can maintain its power.
Turn It Off
Leaving the radio on, the air conditioner on, and the interior light on while a car is stationary can discharge the battery, causing it to lose charge and even stop working completely. If you have stopped in a parking lot to answer a call or are waiting for someone to leave a store, rather turn off your car completely instead of leaving all of these accessories on.
Be sure to double-check that your exterior lights have been turned off, as leaving these on while your car is off for a long period of time will certainly drain the battery. Ensuring that all accessories have been switched off will help to maintain your battery and avoid any inconvenient situations where you might have to charge your car battery in an awkward area.
Remember To Replace It
A vital part of maintaining a car battery, or rather your car, is to replace your car battery every three to four years. This will ensure that your car keeps running smoothly and that you are not left stranded somewhere with an uncharged car battery. A reconditioned car battery can run just as well as a new battery, for those who might have a lower budget for their car maintenance.
If you take the time to perform regular checks on your car battery, you will soon see when it needs to be replaced. For high-quality new and reconditioned car battery supplies, speak to Battery Clinic today or come into one of our branches for more information.
