Your vehicle’s battery is its lifeblood, providing power for starting its engine and various electronic components. Unfortunately, we often take its maintenance for granted until one day it fails, leaving us stranded on the side of the road. To prevent such unfortunate experiences, it’s vitally important that we pay close attention when maintaining your battery – here we explore some essential tips on keeping it healthy!
Schedule regular inspections: As part of regular vehicle maintenance, schedule periodic battery inspections at oil changes or whenever visiting your trusted mechanic. Professionals will check battery terminals for signs of corrosion to ensure secure connections and clean contacts for an uninterrupted charge cycle.
Maintain the battery terminals: Over time, dirt, grease, and corrosion build-up on battery terminals can obstruct their ability to deliver electricity efficiently. To keep your battery in optimal shape and extend its lifespan, regularly cleanse its terminals using baking soda dissolved in water mixed using a small brush dipped into this solution and rinsed in clean water – this simple task can improve performance while lengthening battery lifespan!
Secure connections: Loose or corroded battery connections can create electrical issues and diminish performance, so make it a habit of checking that all connections are tight and secure before every use. If there are signs of corrosion, consider cleaning using the method described earlier and applying petroleum jelly as a coating to further inhibit future corrosion.
Avoid power drain: Letting the electrical components of your vehicle run when its engine is off can quickly drain its battery, so be sure all lights, radios, and accessories are off before exiting your car. Also invest in a smart charger or trickle charger to help maintain proper charging levels without overcharging its cells.
Extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can put immense strain on a vehicle’s battery, whether cold or warm, taking their toll. In colder climates, consider using battery blankets or insulation to help your battery maintain charge without overcharging; in hotter environments park in shade whenever possible to limit heat exposure; regularly checking voltage during extreme temps can help identify any potential issues early.
Battery maintenance is an essential aspect of responsible car ownership. By following these simple tips, you can significantly extend its lifespan, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and ensure reliable rides. Should any persistent issues or potential malfunction arise with regards to battery health or performance, consult the ASE-certified automotive technicians at Clark Automotive in Blaine, MN who can inspect and conduct necessary repairs – remembering a properly functioning battery gives peace of mind on the road!
