Top 10 Tips for Car Battery Care
Car battery is the rechargeable battery that provides electric power to different components of the car. The primary function of the battery is ignition. In addition, the battery provides extra power for various electronic car components.
If the car battery plays such an integral role in the functioning of the car, then it’s very important to take good care of the battery. Seasonal checks and periodical maintenance of the car battery is crucial to enhance life of the battery as well prevent ignition blues.
Signs of Low Battery
Here are some of the signs that indicate that the car battery is either low or needs to be replaced:
- Dim headlights
- Slow Ignition
- Improper functioning of the car air-conditioner
- Spark in the electric wires
- Car electronics not working effectively
Here are top 10 tips for car battery care:
- Firstly, it is important to keep the battery clean and free from dust. To do so you can use baking soda and a non-metallic brush to get rid of any corrosion from the cables.
- Then, disconnect the cables and clean the area surrounding the battery terminals and cables.
- To remove the battery cables first disconnect the negative cables and then the positive.
- Remove the battery cover and check the level of electrolyte/ it should be about half an inch deep. If the level is not maintained add clean distilled water and let it mix with the electrolyte.
- Inspect the battery case for any kind of leakage and cracks. If in case there is any crack replace the battery case.
- Make sure the car battery is well secured inside insulated case because the vibrations caused while driving may damage the battery. Ensure that to protect the battery from vibrations, you don’t over tighten the clamps.
- To replace the car battery carefully lift the battery because the acid inside can be dangerous.
- To reinstall the cables, first connect the positive cables and then the negative.
- Smear a little petroleum jelly onto the battery terminal before fastening the cable clamps to the posts. This jelly like substance will help slow down corrosion and enhance life of the attery.
- These days many different types of car batteries are available. If in case you have a non-maintenance battery, check if you can see a green dot in the charge indicator. This green dot indicates that the battery is functioning effectively and if the indicator light turns yellow or no colour, it needs to be replaced.
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By kavita k, November 14, 2009 @ 4:59 am
batteries are not built to last more than 2 or 3 years so dont waste to much time nursing it.a regular ,once a week , run out with the car is enough maintenence .
By Danish Deshmukh, November 14, 2009 @ 5:38 am
Get maintenance free battery. Interstate batteries are the best, but they also make most of them… Sears, Auto Zone, these are two that I can thank of quickly that Interstate makes and of course the Interstate brand. Battery life has nothing to do with tune-ups, etc. Most if not all have a warranty for so many years, depending on how good of battery you get. Most will only last about that many years.
By chinky m, November 14, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
Yes
By moondreamer721, November 15, 2009 @ 5:08 am
no thats why they are called maintenance free. once they no longer hold a charge or can be charged then they are replaced.
By ladyboxer, November 15, 2009 @ 7:09 am
if it was maintenance free there wouldn't be anything on the top to pry off it would be completely sealed
By Adam, November 15, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
does the battery have caps that come off so you can add water? low maint. no caps no maint
By Tiara, November 16, 2009 @ 6:55 am
AS A GENERAL RULE—
Most car batteries are good for from 3-5 years, depending on the quality and the degree of maintenance.
As for the telltale signs of failure, there aren't many other than the car begins to crank over a little slow. The only other sign is the car won't start in the morning.
There are signs that the mechanic sees, but you won't notice it because you aren't checking it and probably don't have the equipment.
As for tires, those are easier to check.
If you look closely at the tread pattern, at the bottom of the grooves, you will see little raised bars that run across the entire tread. When you can see them clearly, and they are as exposed as the tread, the tires are no longer safe or legal.
These are the 'safety bars' that are cast into the rubber to identify when they have reached a tread depth less than 2/32".
You can also tell it is time when you place a penny with Lincoln's head toward the tread. If you can see the top of his head, you have less than 2/32" remaining.
It is smart to not allow them to get this worn, because this is the absolute minimum tread. It is best to keep at least 4/32" (1/8") tread depth, and then begin to look for sales.
Replace them with the size recommended by the manufacturer, and replace them in matching pairs left to right.
Keep them inflated properly (check the owner's manual or the driver's door post) for longer tire wear and safety, not to mention the fuel economy.
Hope this clears things up
Good Luck
By Joe, November 16, 2009 @ 9:46 am
replaceing the posative cable isnt all that hard to do but you need to disconect the cables from the battery and then follow the posative cable down to where it is connectted and disconnect it and put the new cable in its place it isnt hard to do but if you aint careful you can bump something else and that may cause something else not to work so heres the deal i am a 16 yr mechanic and i am retired now and i have worked on some camarys in my time and they can be tricky the best bet is to take it to a pro mechanic and have them do it that way it is under warrenty and if theres a problem you can take it back and it wont cost you all that much either ok i hope this helps thanks for reading this ……..
By AAGI, November 17, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
Maintenance free means just that. It is sealed and water cannot be added. Typical battery life is usually around 5 years max. You got 8 years out of it. Best to replace it.