The Do's And Don'ts Of Car-battery Maintenance
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Replacing a car battery can be a hassle so it is important to know how to keep this essential power source in top-notch condition. To help your car battery maintain its peak performance follow these suggestions by CarMax, the nation's largest retailer of used cars:
Do
Check the terminals where cables connect to be sure they are tight and corrosion-free.
If corrosion if present, have terminals cleaned by a professional. Periodically lubricate terminals with a dab of petroleum jelly to keep cables clean longer.
Make sure the battery is firmly secured to its mounting bracket.
An unsecured battery can become damaged and cause short circuits.
Check the fluid level unless it's a maintenance-free battery.
If the fluid is low, add distilled water. If there is no fluid visible, replace the battery.
Keep your battery case clean.
Dirt conducts electricity which can discharge the battery. Use a solution of baking soda dissolved in warm water to clean. Then wet the case and agitate with a nylon bristle to scrub the surface.
Batteries come in many different sizes.
When replacing a car battery make sure you choose the right size for your vehicle. Always disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last.
Don't
If your battery is frozen, do not charge it because it may explode.
One visual sign of a frozen battery is that the sides are bowed out. This condition is not repairable and you need to replace the battery.
If you need to charge the battery yourself, switch the charger to a low-charge setting.
Most chargers have this feature, but if not have a professional charge the battery.
Don't charge a dead battery with a car's alternator.
An alternator is not designed to function as a charger and it may be damaged or have a shortened life as a result.
Never lean over a battery when charging, testing or jump-starting the engine.
Also, don't disconnect battery cables while the engine is running (your battery acts as a filter). Don't let the battery get hot or the electrolyte boil while charging.
Don't let the battery get totally discharged.
Most car batteries get their power from lead cells submerged in electrolyte and these cells can be damaged when the battery is totally discharged.
By Marshall Loeb