Car batteries aren’t cheap. I just replaced mine and it was just over $100! So that got me thinking about the maintenance that I should be doing to make sure that I don’t help end my battery’s useful life prematurely. I came up with 6 tips to get the most out of your battery.
1. Check the water level in your battery every 2-3 months.
Check on your battery for signs indicating the fill line. Don’t overfill your water reservoir, if you do, it will spill acid and corrode whatever it lands on. Also, double check to make sure your battery is one that requires water to operate, some newer models do not.
2. Clean the terminals with a wire brush every 6 months.
You know that weird stuff that grows out of your battery terminals? That’s not a good thing. That can also stop your battery cables and battery from conducting electricity. Get a good wire brush, remove the cables, and get all of that acid build-up off. Using a paste of baking soda and distilled water will definitely help remove the acid.
3. Coat the battery with grease made for high temperatures.
Applying this battery grease will protect it from rust and corrosion.
4. Check your cell voltage every time you get your oil changed.
When you’re at the service center, getting your oil changed, ask the repairman to check your voltage. They should have a voltmeter to check the output of your battery. Make sure it’s somewhere around 12.5 volts when it’s fully charged.
5. Check your battery’s insulator.
These come in handy when you live in an area with extreme temperatures. Texas being one of them. Extremely high temperatures can cause the fluid to dry out more quickly and shorten your battery’s life. These insulators protect them from getting too hot or too cold.
6. Check with a service center for regular check-ups.
Only a car repair professional can diagnose problems with your battery. Always check with a pro before you spend the money on a new battery. Who knows? You may not even need a new one!
If you know of any other tips and tricks to keep your battery running strong, find us on Facebook and let us know!
