Your battery provides the power needed to start your car, which is why it’s essential to make sure it’s in good working order. Fortunately, checking up on your battery’s performance doesn’t require an expensive trip to an auto repair shop. There are several simple steps you can perform to maintain your battery. You can also look out for some warning signs that will let you know when it’s time to get a new battery.
What Does a Car Battery Do?
Car batteries provide the energy your ignition and engine need to start moving when you start your car. They also power the electrical equipment in your car, such as your stereo and visual displays.
Batteries lose their charge over time, but your alternator ensures that your battery recharges whenever you’re driving. However, batteries will gradually deteriorate once they approach the end of their working life, which tends to be four or five years.
How to Maintain Your Battery
One way to ensure your battery stays in good working order is to check its acid levels every six months. The acid and water mixture in the terminals, which is known as electrolyte, should be well-mixed.
If you notice that the acid has sunk to the bottom and is separating from the water, you have what is called a stratified battery. This can be caused by frequent short journeys that don’t enable your battery to charge fully. A simple way to prevent a battery from stratifying is to take longer journeys now and then so your battery can charge fully.
Another maintenance option is to add water to your battery’s terminals. If you choose to do this, put on protective gloves and glasses. Battery acid can be dangerous if it gets onto your skin. Then top up the electrolyte using distilled water until the solution covers the battery plates.
A third point to keep in mind is the length of time between your drives. If you leave your vehicle sitting unused for a long period of time, your battery can lose its power and deteriorate. That’s why it’s best that you can take your car for a short drive every so often to enable your battery to charge a bit. If this isn’t possible, even running your engine for 15 to 30 minutes should do the trick.
Batteries also last longer in storage if you keep your car indoors, such as in a garage. This is because batteries are sensitive to the cold, which can prevent the electrolytes from holding their charge.
A final important part of your battery maintenance strategy is getting it tested regularly. Most auto dealerships offer a quick and easy battery testing service that will tell you what your battery’s load is and how it’s performing.
How to Clean Your Battery
Keeping your battery free of dirt and debris is crucial because dirt can cause corrosion. All you need for this task is a mixture consisting of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of water, with a non-metallic brush to apply the solution. Start by scrubbing any debris off the top of your battery and removing corrosion from around the terminals.
When you remove the cables to clean around the terminals, always remember to remove the negative cable first so your wrench doesn’t arc. After you’ve finished cleaning the terminals, reconnect the cables, starting with the positive connection.
How to Know When Your Battery Is Failing
No matter how thorough you are in your maintenance regime, your battery will need replacing at some point. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing your battery every four years as a safety precaution so you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a drained battery.
One indication that your battery is nearing the end of its life is that your engine takes an unusually long time to start. If you hear the ignition turning more slowly than normal or your engine stuttering for a few seconds after you turn the ignition, chances are your battery is on the way out.
Another clue is that your headlights appear dim but become more powerful when you rev your engine. This suggests that your battery lacks the charge to power your headlights by itself.
How to Replace Your Battery
When it comes time to change your battery, the first step you need to take is to select a correct replacement. You can do this by checking the battery’s group size, which is listed on a label on the top or side of your battery. The group size tells you what the battery’s dimensions are.
Once you have the group size, purchase a new battery with the same number. If you can’t find the group size on your battery, it should be listed in your owner’s manual. Alternatively, several online search engines allow you to enter your vehicle’s make and model in order to find out its battery’s group size.
Another important value you need to know is your battery’s cold cranking amps (CCA). You’ll find it in the form of a three-digit number with “CCA” listed alongside it. This tells you how much power your battery has at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you buy a battery with a CCA that’s too low, it will lack the power necessary to start your vehicle.
When you lift out the old battery, be sure to fasten it tightly in its carrying strap so you don’t drop it. To protect your eyes and hands from battery acid, you should also wear gloves and glasses. Before you lower your new battery into place, clean the battery tray of any debris or corrosion.
Getting Help Replacing Your Battery
Here at Wendle Ford, we’d be delighted to help you if you’re having battery trouble. We can carry out battery load tests, offer you batteries to purchase, and replace your battery at our service center. If you have any questions or would like to take advantage of our battery services, contact us today to make an appointment.
Image via Flickr by Truckhardware
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