A car battery is a crucial part that keeps many components up and running. The below tips will help you keep it in a top-notch condition.
In its entire lifespan, a car’s battery goes through several adverse situations. In fact, the durability of the battery depends a lot on how it is managed under severe temperatures, driving habits and overall maintenance.
So, below are some of the important tips on how you can take care of your battery and avoid breaking it down.
- Disconnect the battery if not in use
Not many people drive every day, even there are many who hardly take them for a spin once a week. If you are planning to go out of station or abroad and will not be driving for some time, then the best way to keep the battery in a good condition is to disconnect the terminals and keep it safe in a climate-controlled area.
The battery power drains if not in use for a long period of time and you will then need to jumpstart it to get it running back. So, disengage the battery terminals system to preserve the battery. You can also purchase insulated covers to keep the battery safe from extreme temperatures.
- Take frequent trips or increase your driving time
The battery is not a single component responsible for charging but a part of the charging system, deriving the electricity from the alternator during the course of the drive. So, driving your car more often will ensure the battery keeps charging itself from time to time.
If you are not able to take your car on frequent short trips, take it for a spin on a longer route at least once in a while. It's a great way to increase the life expectancy of the battery.
- Keep the battery clean
Electrical components tend to become dirty with grease or get corroded over time. Especially, the battery terminals are prone to corrosion and eventually result in decreased performance, when not properly maintained. So, keep cleaning your battery from time to time to preserve its integrity.
The easiest way is to wipe the terminals, and the surrounding area with a paper towel, wire brush or a rag. Check for any harmful chemicals, especially the leakage of the battery acid which may take a toll on other under-hood components.
- Add Distilled Water
If you want to extend the battery life, you may want to add pure, distilled or demineralised water to maintain the healthy balance inside the battery. This affects the chemistry of the acid solution present inside the battery. It will also prevent evaporation of the battery fluid in hot summers and reduce the cells damage due to overheating.
- Look for warning signs
Watch for noises like when you turn on the ignition the engine cranks or clicks. In some cases, dashboard light may go dim or headlights looking dim. All these are some of the tell-tale signs that the battery is in a bad condition.
Though the performance of modern-day car batteries is good, still you need to be careful and keep a regular inspection before it completely breaks down.
