Take care of your car battery

Lifestyle Sunday 11/June/2017 19:02 PM
By: Times News Service
Take care of your car battery

When it comes to your car battery, there are several things you can do to prevent a premature car battery replacement. By following the maintenance tips listed below, you can save yourself time and money. By taking care of your car battery, you can prolong its life — and reduce the risk of a dead battery.

1. Drive your vehicle regularly — Leaving your vehicle stationary for an extended period affects your battery’s charge. To maintain the required level of charge in your battery make sure you regularly drive your vehicle.

2. Have your engine serviced regularly — Poor engine condition can overload the battery and reduce its life.

3. Check the charging rate — Have the charging rate checked at every major service. Both under and over-charging will reduce car battery life and void the warranty.

4. Avoid draining — Leaving vehicle accessories on will discharge the battery — which will then require a recharge. Constant recharging may shorten the life of your battery.

5. Keep it clean — Dirt and dampness can damage your battery case and may cause your battery to lose its charge. Ensure the case and terminals are checked and cleaned during every major service.

6. Secure it — Check that your battery is secure at all times, as vibrations can damage the battery plates. Inspect battery terminals regularly; loose connections can cause breakdowns.

7. Avoid jump-starting — Don’t attempt to jump-start a dead battery as it can damage the electronics in many of today’s vehicles. Call an auto repair shop for assistance.
Batteries have a limited lifespan — make sure your car battery is guaranteed for the life of the warranty.