Keeping a car battery in top condition is not only a good idea to prevent being stuck somewhere with a car that won’t start, but it also helps to cut down on the cost of battery replacement.
Batteries typically last about three to five years, with some variation based on driving conditions, regular battery care and even the type of weather in your area. Maintaining car batteries and knowing some simple troubleshooting tips can be helpful to extend the life of the battery or recognize a serious potential issue with the battery.
Maintenance
Most car batteries today are very low maintenance. If you get your oil changed regularly and they do an inspection, they will check battery fluid levels and top up any shortages in the cells.
You can also look for any signs of the bubbly or crusty looking corrosion around the terminal posts or the terminal connection. This can be cleaned with a mixture of baking powder and water applied with a toothbrush and then rinsed off. However, this is a sign of a potential problem with the battery and should be checked and monitored.
It is also a good idea to check that the battery clamps are holding the cable in place on the terminal post. If you can wiggle the cable easily, it should be tightened to avoid problems with the connection that may prevent the engine from starting.
In cold climates or very hot driving conditions, a battery blanket can help to maintain an even temperature. This places less heat stress on the battery and also helps car batteries to start even in very cold weather.
Troubleshooting
If the battery suddenly fails to start, it may not actually be a fault of the battery. Most of the time a car battery will slowly become less powerful, which may mean having to turn the key several times to start the vehicle or having the battery quickly lose power and require charging.
To charge a battery that has been drained due to lights left on or other issues it is important to use the right type of charger and, whenever possible, use a slow or trickle charge method. Allow the battery to come up to full charge before attempting to start the vehicle, and disconnect the charger before starting.
Other factors can also be involved in a vehicle that won’t start. The alternator or starter can also be an issue, and having a mechanic check the voltage on the battery is often the first step in knowing which parts need to be repaired or replaced. For more information related, car batteries visit at website domain. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
