Vehicle maintenance is essential if you want to ensure that you are getting the most out of what your vehicle has to offer. Not only does it help to extend the life of your car, but it can help to cut down on having to deal with the stress of constant repairs.
While most car owners are well aware of maintenance tasks like changing the oil and adding grease, very few think about the maintenance required for their car battery. In order to help you with proper car battery maintenance, here are a few things that you should know about it.
You Should Keep Your Battery Clean
Many vehicle owners do not even think about the fact that their car battery can become dirty and therefore require cleaning. This is one of the easiest, yet most important, things you can do, since having a dirty battery connection can significantly weaken its charge. You can easily clean your battery by removing the clamps and wiping away any dirt, grease, or oxidation that is present.
Disconnect Your Battery When It Is Not Being Used for Lengthy Periods
If you own a seasonal vehicle that is not being used for an extended period of time, it is always a good idea to disconnect the battery during this time. The reason for this is because power can still be drawn even when your vehicle is not in use. This can result in the battery dying without you even knowing it.
Park in the Garage Whenever Possible
If you own a garage, it is highly recommended that you park your vehicle inside the garage whenever possible. This is especially true during times of extreme weather, as most car batteries are not designed to function properly when sitting in extreme heat or cold.
Charge Your Battery Periodically While in Storage
Some vehicle owners may only use their cars once or twice a week, and sometimes even less. In these instances, it is a good idea to start the vehicle every couple of days to ensure that the charge is being topped off. This helps to prevent rapid discharge caused by infrequent use of the battery.
Contact Your Battery Dealer or Manufacturer for More Specific Information
While most maintenance tips related to car batteries are universal for all batteries, there are still some differences in the way they should be maintained. You can get much more detailed information by contacting the dealer or manufacturer from whom you purchased the battery. If you cannot contact the dealer or manufacturer, getting in touch with a battery expert like www.countybattery.co.uk/ can also be a good idea.
The Final Word
Overall, battery maintenance is just as important to the health of your vehicle as any other part on your car. Heeding the tips laid out above should help to increase the life of your battery, while also ensuring that you do not have to deal with the headache of being left in an inconvenient situation with a dead battery.