How To Maintain Your Car Battery

One of the most common reasons your car won’t start is a car battery. You probably didn’t know, but there are some easy car battery maintenance tips you can follow. Here are some steps on how to care for your car battery.

How To Keep Your Battery in Good Condition

Keep the Battery Terminals Clean

Regularly check the terminals of your car battery and clean them if necessary. Use a wire brush, baking soda, and water to loosen any dirt or corrosion built up around it. Use safety goggles and gloves during this process, as the acid can be in the corrosion.

Drive Your Car More Often

An easy way to extend your battery life is to drive it more often. Driving your car helps maintain the battery’s charge level. If you don’t drive for long periods, consider investing in a battery tender or charger to keep your battery charged and ready to go. Your car battery should always read above 12.4 volts. If your battery is below this, it’s time to replace it.

Keep It Cool

Your car battery should stay cool and dry at all times. Keep it away from extreme temperatures as heat can impact the life of your battery. Consider using a thermal wrap for your car battery if you live in a hot climate. Make it a habit to park in the garage if you have one. You’ll be surprised how much longer your battery will last by not baking in the hot sun.

Check the Battery’s Water Level

You can skip this step if your car battery is sealed and maintenance-free. However, if it’s an unsealed or wet cell version, check the water level every few months to ensure it’s topped off with electrolyte liquid. Do not overfill the cells and use only distilled water when adding liquid.

Keep an Eye on the Battery Cables

It’s essential to monitor your car battery cables for any signs of wear or tear. Look for frayed wiring and ensure all the terminals are securely tightened. If you see anything suspicious, have it checked immediately by a professional.

Turn off the Accessories

Before turning off your car, ensure all the accessories are turned off. This will help ensure that your battery doesn’t drain while not in use. Don’t forget to turn off lights, infotainment systems, and other electrical components. Leaving these on is a quick way to shorten your battery life.

Car battery care is relatively simple, and by following these easy tips, you can ensure that your car battery will last a long time. Always keep an eye on the battery terminals and charge level and replace it when necessary. With regular maintenance, you can ensure your car is running for many years.

Categorised in: Batteries

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