How to Maintain a Car Battery

If you often find yourself buying a new battery for your car before it reaches the end of its service life, maybe you are failing in the maintenance department. A careful inspection of your car battery during tune-ups, on a monthly basis or some other regular schedule could increase its life. Here we will learn some simple tasks that will help you maintain the battery in optimal condition, avoid some road hassles and save you money in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. Foam cup with a solution of baking soda and water
• Rag
• Six-point wrench set
• Wire brush
• Petroleum jelly
• Standard screwdriver
• Distilled water

Instructions

1. Clean the top and sides of the battery. Dirt may cause starting problems and reduce battery life. Dissolve 1 tbsp. of baking soda in 8 oz. of water in a foam cup. Use a brush to apply the solution and remove the dirt, wiping off the solution with a rag. This will neutralize any acid deposits on the battery case. Be careful no to let any dirt or debris fall through the vent caps.

2. Clean the battery terminals. Dirty terminals may provide less than full current to the starting and electrical systems in the vehicle and cause unpredictable malfunctions. Remove the battery cables using a six-point wrench to loosen the bolts, being careful not to damage the post or terminal.

3. Use a solution of baking soda and water as in step 1 or a wire brush to clean the terminal and post.

4. Reconnect the battery terminals and then apply a coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals to inhibit corrosion build up.

5. Check the electrolyte level. Carefully remove the battery cap or caps with a standard screwdriver. The electrolyte should be over the battery plates and reaching the indicator split ring, just inside the filler opening.

6. Fill the cells up to the correct level if necessary using distilled water. If your battery doesn’t have caps, it is most likely a free maintenance type and can operate for long periods without loosing electrolytes.

7. Check for cracks or buckling around the case. These may be caused by overly tight or loose hold-down clamps. Make sure the battery posts are not loose either. If any of these conditions are present, replace the battery.

8. Clean the battery tray and make sure there are no strange objects, dirt or debris that might prevent the battery from sitting properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Besides a regular battery maintenance schedule, make a quick visual inspection of the battery every time you open the hood of your car. This will help you create a good habit and catch the sudden presence of a problem before it gets serious.

• Make sure to wear safety goggles every time you work on a car battery. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and may cause blindness.

• The chemical reaction inside a car battery produces hydrogen gas which is extremely flammable. Make sure to work in a well ventilated area and away from sparks and flames that can cause the battery to explode.