Modern cars contain more electrical systems than ever before and therefore rely more than ever on their batteries. So check and maintain your car’s battery regularly to ensure vehicle reliability and life. This often involves switching off lights in the car, lights, and other electrical apparatuses before stepping out of the car. However, by proper maintenance procedures, you can avoid costly replacements and unplanned malfunctions.
Here are five practical tips to help you keep your car battery in top condition.
1. Regular Check Up
Car batteries work well when they are charged close to 100 per cent. The first step to checking your battery is to check and see if the auto-electrical systems especially the regulator voltage are working fine. This can be easily checked by seeing the battery indicator on the dashboard and seeing if the light is turned on. Make sure that whenever the ‘check engine’ light is on proper action is taken otherwise as soon as possible, or it will reduce the longevity of your car battery. Additionally, you can do a load test with the help of a multimeter regularly. If the reading is below 11.5 on the scale, it would mean that the battery needs to be recharged.
2. Clean the Battery terminals Regularly
Battery terminals are the point at which your car battery is connected with cable clamps to power the electrical components in your car. Over time grease, dirt or a white ashy substance may form around these which is a sign of corrosion. This can lead to poor connections and reduced performance of the electrical components in your car. Keeping these terminals clean is a good practice to have.
The terminals can be readily cleaned by using a solution of baking soda and water coupled with the use of a brush. After brushing these terminals using this solution one must make sure to clear the deposits off by giving it a good rinse through with water. Also, check the vents to make sure is clean, and the plugs are closed tightly.
After cleaning, it is usually a good practice to apply petroleum jelly, or Vaseline on the cable clamps or a terminal spray to prevent corrosion. Make sure to only use the above and not grease as it can discharge the battery
3. Checking Fluid Levels
Lead-acid batteries should be checked periodically to determine whether the electrolyte levels are sufficient. Ideally, the fluid should cover the battery plates, and this can be checked by removing the caps on the top of the battery. In case the levels are low, add distilled water to bring up the levels. Also, check for leaks in the battery as that can be a reason for the battery losing out on fluid. Care should be taken to not overfill as well as that can damage the battery as well.
4. Keep the Clamps secured tightly
Since car batteries are vibrating whenever it is in motion there is constant wear and tear of your battery and the electrical connections become loose over time. It is important to ensure that the battery is firmly secured to the battery tray and the cable clamps and lead wire is connected properly. Regularly checking to see if the connections are connected properly and the hold-down bar is stable can prevent vibration damage.
5. Avoid Short Trips
Taking your car for longer trips gives your car battery a workout and also replenishes its charge. Making short trips in your car should be avoided as the battery does not get enough time to recharge and only keeps losing its charge. Over time this will build up and discharge your battery. In cases where you don’t use your car regularly buy a battery charger to maintain the proper charge in your battery.
