How to Save Car Batteries

Taking proper care of your car battery prevents you from being stranded.

When a car battery does not work the way it is supposed to, you can find yourself in a variety of frustrating situations. This is why it is important to learn how to preserve your car battery. Doing so can help prevent it from losing power at an inopportune moment, and with the right care and energy-saving tips, you can keep your car battery at optimal performance for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Cola
• Protective gloves
• Wet sponge
• Rag
• Bowl
• Goggles

Instructions

Make Sure all Doors Shut Completely

1. Check all doors and compartments within your vehicle and make sure they stay shut. This includes the glove compartment door, all doors within the car as well as the trunk. Many vehicles have lights connected to these doors; therefore, when doors are not completely shut, the lights may stay on and drain valuable energy from your battery.

2. Repair any broken hinges or locks on the doors. If your glove compartment has too many items within it, this can prevent the door from closing securely.

3. Remove any excess items within your glove compartment. Remove any items near doors that prevent them from closing completely.

Clean Terminals on Car Battery

1. Open the hood of the car. Look at the condition of the terminals on your car's battery. If you notice any rust or corrosion surrounding the terminals, this can cause the battery not to function properly. It will also drain energy from the battery.

2. Put on protective gloves and goggles. Clean the terminals on the car battery. A combination of natural elements influence the formation of rust. Three of these elements include, salt, water, and heat. You should check the terminals on the battery at least once every six months.

3. Pour the cola onto the battery terminals. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Take the wet sponge and wipe off the residue from the battery terminals.

Clean the Bolts Surrounding the Battery

1. Take the cola and place some inside of a bowl. Place the rag inside and allow the cola to saturate the rag.

2. Pick up the rag from within the bowl and gently ring out any excess liquid. Take the rag and place it around one of the bolts.

3. Leave the rag on the bolt for five minutes. Repeat this same process with the other bolts surrounding the battery. This process will help remove any rust or corrosion from the bolts on the battery, which also helps prolong the life of the battery.

References

• Cars Direct: Car Rust Protection- Your Guide to Preventing Car Rust
• Reader's Digest: 10 Ways to Save It With Soda