Maintaining Your Car Battery

Some people think that a car battery does not require maintenance. However, there is a lot that can be done to extend the life of your battery and prevent the inconvenience that comes with finding yourself stranded with a dead power source. Our auto body shop in Seattle offers the following tips on how to get the most out of your car battery:

  • Keep the battery clean. Simply by wiping down a dirty case with a damp rag, you can prevent a lot of costly drain on your power.
  • Keep your battery posts or terminals clean. Start by loosening the negative cable, and then the positive cable. With a brass wire battery brush, apply a solution of baking soda and water to the posts and scrub them clean as needed. You will then need to apply a thin coating of grease to your terminals and clamps and then reconnect the cables, attaching the positive first and then the negative.
  • Watch your battery for damage. Do you see any cracks or bulges? This could mean that your battery needs to be replaced.
  • Does your battery have vent caps? It may need to have its water checked. Remove your caps to check your electrolyte levels. These should rise a half inch above the battery’s top plates. Use distilled water to bring this level up as needed.