A car battery is a crucial component of your vehicle, as it provides the power to start the engine and keep all of its electrical components running. Many of us remember to always check the tire pressure because it is something that should be regularly done often.
That leads some people tend to forget about it but it still does needs to be taken care of. By doing so, you can avoid one of the most common problems when it comes to batteries and that is not being able to start your vehicle.
If you want to make sure that your battery never lets you down, this article will give you some tips on how to take care of it.
Caring For Your Car Battery
Most car batteries will last for around four years with proper care. However, if you don’t take care of your battery, it could die much sooner. These are some tips on how to keep your battery in tip-top shape:
Check The Level Of Electrolyte Fluid
Check the level of electrolyte fluid and top it up if necessary. This can be done by removing the battery’s caps and looking at the fluid level. If it’s low, add distilled water until it reaches the correct level.
Keep The Battery Clean
The buildup of dirt and grime can cause your battery to discharge faster, so make sure to keep it clean. You can do this by wiping it down with a damp cloth or using a battery-cleaning solution.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can damage your battery, so avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold. If possible, store your battery in a cool, dry place.
Common car battery problems and how to prevent them
If you take good care of your battery, you can avoid most problems. However, even with proper care, batteries can still fail. These are some common car battery problems and how to prevent them:
Sulfation
One problem that can occur is sulfation, which happens when the lead sulfate crystals on the battery’s plates grow too large. This can be caused by leaving the battery in a discharged state for too long. To prevent sulfation, make sure to keep your battery charged and never let it fall below 12.5 volts.
Corrosion
Corrosion can happen when the electrolyte fluid leaks out of the battery and comes into contact with metal parts. This can damage the battery and cause it to fail. To prevent corrosion, make sure to keep the battery clean and free of dirt and grime.
Overcharging
Overcharging your battery can shorten its lifespan, so make sure to avoid overcharging it. You can do this by using a voltage regulator if you plan on charging your battery with an external charger.
Deep Discharging
Deep discharging can damage your battery and shorten its lifespan. To prevent this, make sure to never let your battery’s voltage fall below 12.5 volts.
When to replace your car battery
Even with proper care, your battery will eventually need to be replaced. Most batteries will last for around four years, but if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time for a new battery:
- The battery is more than four years old.
- The battery won’t hold a charge.
- The battery is leaking fluid.
- The battery is swollen or deformed.
- The battery is covered in corrosion.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace your battery. You can do this yourself if you have the right tools, or you can take it to a mechanic or car dealership.
The right car battery for your vehicle
When choosing a new battery, it’s important to pick one that is the right size and has the right voltage for your vehicle. You can usually find this information in your owner’s manual. Once you know what you need, you can shop around for the best deal.
You can buy batteries from car dealerships, auto parts stores, or online. If you’re not sure which one to choose, ask a mechanic or car dealership for advice.
When you don’t care for your battery properly or when its life is up, you could have a problem starting your car. Whenever you need a jump start service anywhere in Oklahoma City, you can call OK Towing Company…
