Maintaining your car battery is something that every driver has to do – unless you like getting stranded.
Your car battery is responsible for providing the energy needed to turn your engine over.
After that, the alternator takes over the task of providing electricity to components such as the infotainment system and headlights. But if there’s not enough power, the extra juice needed is drawn from the battery’s stored power.
That’s why keeping it in tip-top condition is very important!
CAR BATTERY MAINTENANCE TIP #1: CHECK THE TERMINALS FOR CORROSION
The tropical climate is responsible for much of the wear and tear experienced by our cars.
With heat, humidity and age, your car battery terminals can get corroded. When this happens, the battery won’t be able to transfer its power.
Clean the battery terminals regularly to help prevent corrosion.
CAR BATTERY MAINTENANCE TIP #2: TIGHTEN THOSE CONNECTIONS
Loose connections make it harder (or impossible) for the current to flow from the battery.
This will result in a hard and/or slow starting.
Check that the connections are tight and tighten when necessary.
CAR BATTERY MAINTENANCE TIP #3: IS YOUR BATTERY THIRSTY?
If you don’t have a maintenance-free battery, you will need to top it up with distilled water from time to time.
The battery in the above image has holes for the car owner to top-up the battery water when necessary.
If you have this type of battery, check it every week and ensure that the water level doesn’t fall below the minimum line.
Should you disconnect your car battery if you’re going on a long holiday?
CAR BATTERY MAINTENANCE TIP #4: MAKE SURE YOU START AND RUN YOUR CAR REGULARLY
Your car battery is charged via your vehicle alternator. But only when your engine is running!
As mentioned earlier, your battery provides the power to start your car. Once the car is started, the alternator powers the electrical devices and charges the battery.
Most cars whose batteries are in good condition can withstand not being started for two weeks.
However, if you constantly do this due to the nature of your work (overseas assignments), there is a chance that your battery will eventually go flat.
Get somebody to drive your car regularly. Even 30 minutes three times a week should be enough to maintain your battery’s charge.
Cars today no longer have volt meters. How can I ensure I don’t get stuck with a flat battery?
