Sunday, September 23, 2012

Car Batteries Maintenance Tips

Car Batteries Maintenance Tips


A car battery's life can be shortened if not maintained correctly, to keep a battery in top condition here are some tips that may help.After all some batteries can be very expensive to replace, make sure you get your monies worth from them.Make sure the battery is fitted in the correct compartment of your vehicle, the battery tray should be clean and rust free and it should be a good level surface.The battery should be kept securely in this battery tray.Regularly clean the terminals and terminal connectors, if there is any signs of corrosion on the terminals then wash off with hot water and clean with a wire brush.Apply grease to the terminals and make this an important maintenance task.Make sure the electrolyte level is maintained at the correct level never overfill or underfill a car battery.Always use demineralized or distilled water and never use tap water or bottle water.If you have to replace a battery always disconnect the - negative terminal first and then the + positive, when the securing nut is slackened off always twist the terminal to release the hold and never just pull up.When fitting a new battery, apply a good quality grease first to the terminals and then connect the + positive first and then the - negative.If a battery has to be charged away from the car, then always charge in a well ventilated area, always away from any naked flame.It is best to use a trickle charge if possible, this will ensure the battery receives a good thorough charge.Problems with a vehicles charging system are not always the fault of a battery, other electrical items fitted to a car can cause problems.If you suspect you have a problem with a car battery, then it is always a good idea to have the battery checked first.A battery can be tested by either checking it's charging rate by using a multi meter or a hydrometer can be used to check the electrolyte in each cell or a discharge rate tool can be used.This is connected across both terminals and a heavy discharge is applied to the battery.The readings are monitored and a report on the battery condition is then given.A faulty starter motor can also have an effect on the vehicles cranking ability, if a starter is faulty it can often turn the engine over slowly or even not at all.These are symptoms very similar to a flat battery.Another simple test you can do yourself is to wait until it is a little dark and start your car engine.While facing a wall or fence turn your lights on.If you increase the speed of the engine while looking at the lights on the fence or wall ahead, you should see the lights get brighter.If the lights do get brighter it will show that the charging system of this vehicle is working and the alternator is not at fault.

Car Batteries Maintenance Tips



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