Car Battery Maintenance 101

by

22 November 2018

Automotive

Car Battery Maintenance

Here’s a fact to get the ball rolling; Did you know? Majority of car breakdowns are due to a simple battery failure. Car Battery Maintenance can reduce the chances of your car breaking down. That’s right! Batteries, an invention of the 1800s still very much useful today. Power windows, music system, headlights, auxiliaries and what not, car batteries are an essential part of an automobile.

A car battery has a limited lifespan, a well-maintained car battery should last you around 3-5 years, But many find that they have to replace their car battery every 1 to 2 years. A poorly maintained battery loses its capacity to hold a charge and eventually fails. So, if you want to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected breakdown simultaneously ensuring a prolonged battery life, we are here with 5 simple tips on car battery maintenance.

1. Always keep the battery terminals corrosion-free:

One of the most recurrent problems with battery is corrosion build-up on the negative and positive terminals. Corrosion acts as a barrier between the battery and the vehicle thereby breaking the connection.

A simple fix for this can be a light scrubbing with an abrasive pad to dislodge the crud build-up from the terminals. Car battery maintenance can minimize the chances of corrosion.

Top Tip: add a dab of vaseline to the terminals to prevent further corrosion

2. Do not operate any electronics during startup:

When the engine is running,  the car alternator generates electricity and charges the car battery, but when the engine is off, the car relies on battery power only.

So, it is important to limit the use of any electronics just before or while starting the car to avoid unnecessary load on the battery.

Top Tip: switch off the AC and the music system before cranking the car to avoid damage to the battery.

gomechanic

 

3. Full charge your car battery at least once every month:

Did you know? Your car draws power from the battery even when the car is off. This is required for the anti-theft system to function.

Make a habit of charging your car battery every month or two to avoid a dead battery situation. This will also help the battery maintain a healthy charge density and prolong its life. Invest in a good battery charger for your vehicle if you don’t wish to visit a garage every month.

4. Check your car’s alternator for car battery maintenance:

An Alternator is a very crucial component responsible for charging the car battery when the engine is running. So, it becomes very important to ensure a functional alternator for a healthy battery life. Get the alternator checked every time you visit a garage.

Telltale signs of a failing alternator include; battery warning light on the dashboard, flickering headlights, engine cranking issues, and other electronic failures.

5. Do not overload your car battery with accessories:

Auxiliary fog lamps, high power music system, novelty lighting. These are all power hungry accessories draining the life out of your car battery. Every car battery has a load limit and can take only much before failing. Car battery maintenance can make your car move faster.

So, go easy with those fancy lights you’ve just bought off Amazon, and check if your battery is capable of taking the increased loads.

Bonus Tip: Always top-up car battery with distilled water ONLY:

In this day and age of “No-Maintenance” batteries, you don’t have to periodically refill the batteries with water anymore. But still, all car batteries require a specific level of distilled water to function optimally. Distilled water is required for the proper flow of electricity in the battery. Using normal tap water which contains metal ions can permanently damage the electrodes causing a degradation in charging capacity of a battery. Low water level can damage the cells inside the battery causing a failure.

Visit your nearest hardware store for a litre of distilled battery water.

Read Also:

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Ford Mustang

Spring’s Favourite Car: The Ford Mustang

For drivers who live in the northern parts of the United States and Canada, there is no season quite like spring. After months of battling icy highways, blizzards, and road salt, the warm weather of spring brings with it the promise of driving fast down highways cleared of snow with the windows down and music on the stereo. For those who own sports cars, the pleasure is even more acute, as most of these drivers take care to store their cars to save them from the degradations of winter. And for classic car heads, nothing compares to that first drive of spring, when everything seems new and the world is aglow with possibility. There is another category of driver, however, that takes pleasure in the spring for different reasons. Pony car drivers who take pleasure in speed above all else welcome spring as an opportunity to be free to take their vehicles out on the drag strip and take them to the limit. And when it comes to racing, no car is quite like the Ford Mustang. If you’re looking forward to hitting the tarmac for some racing this spring, here are some of the reasons why a Mustang is a right car to do it in. Mustangs Offer Better Performance: The Mustang was the first pony car, and since 1964, ripping up the road with a Mustang GT has been a right of passage for North American drivers. It isn’t just that the Mustang is fast — through the more than 700 horsepower that the 2020 Mustang packs brook no argument — it is that the Mustang has been carefully designed for drag strip performance. Unlike their competitors, Ford’s engineers have not simply sought to push the metrics as far as they can go. The 2020 Ford tops out at 180 MPH (twenty fewer than the 2013 Mustang delivered). But given that this car is designed for road tracks and the strip, pushing the car to deliver that extra twenty MPH, which will likely not meaningfully impact the car’s performance, is a strategic move. In a Mustang, Racing Can be Eco-Friendly: For drivers who love racing and who are aware of the damaging environmental impact of burning fossil fuel, their hobby can be cause for soul searching from time to time. How can you justify heating up a big V-8 engine just for fun, when cutting fossil fuel emissions is essential for staving off the worst impacts of climate change? The good news is that Ford now offers and Eco-Boost variant of its famous pony car. While the Eco-Boost doesn’t deliver the same amount of horsepower as the GT would, it makes up for it with the lightness and agility that comes from having a lighter engine. Taking your car out for the first drive of the year is a special feeling. If racing is your thing, getting ready for the first meet offers heart-stopping excitement — and if you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle this spring, there are plenty of reasons to make it a Mustang. Read Also: What Do You Need To Know About Jaguar E-Type? Racing Games And Accidents; Is There A Link? Road Ready: 5 Essential Things To Keep In Your Car 7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance

READ MOREDetails
AutoTempest

AutoTempest: Is It The Best Search Engine For Cars?

If you are searching for cars, and you are still using the old search engines, it is time for you to revamp your search. Try to use AutoTempest! In case you are searching for the information related to this search engine, you have reached the right place. And if you are someone who has not heard about this one, you are in for a real treat! There are a number of tools and platforms that you can use to ensure that you get the results regarding what you are searching for. And one of them is AutoTempest. It is undoubtedly one of the most used platforms for searching for cars. Keep reading this article till the end to learn more… AutoTempest Overview NameAutoTempestHeadquartersGreater Boston Area, Massachusetts, United StatesFounderNathan StretchFounded2007IndustriesAutomotive, Search EngineOperating StatusActiveCompany TypeProfitWebsitewww.autotempest.com/ What Is AutoTempest? Image Source AutoTempest is a site that assembles postings from an organization of major trade-in vehicle locales, offering a one-stop objective for vehicle purchasers. This service makes the search for a car more convenient and effective by providing access to more than a dozen sources and millions of listings. According to CrunchBase, “AutoTempest is a one-stop destination for car buyers with purchase, sale, car reviews, guidance and tips for negotiating services.” Their motto is rather simple— one search for all cars! It is to “capture all the results in single search, to save you time and help you find your ideal next car.” AutoTempest was founded in the year 2007 as an offshoot of SearchTempest (Craig's Helper at the time) to provide a specialized experience to all SearchTempest's used car customers. The name was eventually changed to AutoTempest, and the site underwent a major redesign in 2011 that has led to a steady rise in popularity. With AutoTempest's partner Carvana, you can even trade in your existing vehicle through the site's listings for classic and used cars. Check out AutoTempest's resource library or use one of its online calculators to estimate your costs if you have any questions about the car buying process or need more information before making a decision. How Does AutoTempest Work? In case you are wondering how AutoTempest works, you will find this part of the article to be of help. At first, let us take a look at what the platform has to say about their initiatives and working: “We aggregate millions of listings from dealers and private sellers, showing all the results for your search from each of our listings partners. We also generate comparison links for the remaining large sites we don't yet have partnerships with. Our goal is to capture all the results in single search, to save you time and help you find your ideal next car.” At first you might think that this search engine is partnered with various other platforms like Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace. However, that is not the case. While you may get redirected to these other platforms and marketplaces, this is only done to ensure that you are able to save time. AutoTempest gives a great many postings from different sources. You, as a viewer or a purchaser, can sort them according to source or in a single list with all the usual options. How To Search On AutoTempest? Image Source In order to search for cars, both new and used, there are a few things that you can do on AutoTempest. Here is how you can go about it. The website, www.autotempest.com, offers an easy-to-use interface and a results page that feels familiar and easy to navigate. You can start your search with the most basic information, such as the make and model of the car, as well as your zip code and search radius. You can use the site’s advanced search option to narrow down your search even more by including things such as color, transmission type, price range, trim package, and more. The listings displayed on the results page are easy to read. Results are categorized by the site from which the car listing originates, and important information such as price and mileage are displayed alongside a photo of the car. Don’t have to click each result to get an idea of whether a new or used car is a good fit for you. You can further refine your search right from the results page. You can filter by price, year, mileage, fuel type, body style, and a number of other options to help you pinpoint the exact car you want. Clicking a result brings you to the listing’s website, for example, eBay or Carvana, where you can then view more photos and details of the car. How To Sign Up For AutoTempest? You don’t need to sign up for AutoTempest to use the website. You don't need to create a profile or sign up for anything in order to start looking for a car once you've found the website. When you click on a search result — for example, Carvana — you will be taken to the Carvana website and you will be shown the listing once again. Then, in order to finish the car-buying procedure, you might be asked to register for that specific website. Is AutoTempest Free? Image Source In case you were searching for the answer to whether this search engine is free or not, let me tell you the answer! AutoTempest is a free tool for finding used cars. This means that browsing its inventory is free as well. Prices for used cars vary depending on the seller and partner, with private sales typically costing less than dealership sales. Negotiation and best offers may be permitted on some partner sites, but this will vary from site to site. You can use the trade-in value calculators and comparison tools for insurance, shipping, and quotes on a new car that AutoTempest provides online to help you figure out your costs. The website also has educational materials on shipping, extended warranties, financing, and other expensive topics. Wrapping It Up! In case you were searching for the information related to AutoTempest, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your queries and suggestions in the comment box below. And will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: How to Check If Your Car Tires Are Good? Why You Should Choose Car-Sharing Services The Average Price Of Car Insurance In New York – What You Can Expect To Spend!

READ MOREDetails
Motorcyclist

What Are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist?

There's nothing quite as amazing as the open road and fantastic scenery provided while riding a motorcycle. For anyone thinking about becoming a true, blue motorcyclist, there are a few tips that can make this possible. When it comes to riding though, becoming a part of the "club" may seem a bit difficult at first. To get started, use the tips found here. Here are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist: 1. Riding Style When it comes to riding a motorcycle, there is more information at cleanharleys.com. However, before buying a bike, it's necessary to figure out the style of riding a person wants to do. This is a step that is completely dependent on the rider(Motorcyclist). To figure this out, think about the style of bikes that are attractive. For example, a person should consider if they migrate toward the cruisers, or if the neo-retro bikes turn their heads. Even if a person can't decide, there are options. Take some time to test out several options to find the ones that work. 2. Visit a Local Motorcycle Shop or Dealership  Riding a motorcycle is as much about being part of a community as it is about actually riding. Once a person begins riding, they will find even more motorcyclists to talk to and hang out with. A great way to meet these people is by going to a few local shops and dealerships. One of the best ways to use these dealerships is by visiting the ones that have the models that are appealing. Take some time to talk to the salespeople and don't be afraid to ask questions that seem basic. 3. Do Research on the Potential Purchases In the past, buying a motorcycle was restricted to visiting local dealerships and reading magazines and newspapers. However, today, it's possible to find out as much as possible about motorcycles online. There are even forums completely dedicated to buying a bike and becoming a motorcyclist. Virtually any forum that is purchased will have a few members who are interested in helping out a new rider. Another thing that can be learned through a forum is whether there are common issues with the bike being purchased. Reviews are also smart for learning how a motorcycle really works, so keep this in mind. 4. Get to Know the Licensing Requirements Before a person starts riding, they need to have the proper motorcycle license. An unlicensed rider is one of the most common victims of accidents. With a license, a person's odds of being involved in this type of mishap can be avoided. Remember, though, each state is going to have different rules regarding motorcycle requirements. It's possible for a rider to find out what is needed and required by their state by going to the DMV website. Here a person can learn everything they need to know about the motorcycle license. They can also learn about any motorcycle-specific laws they need to be aware of in the state where they are going to ride. 5. Sign Up for a Motorcycle Safety Course As a new rider, one of the first things a person should understand is that motorcycling can be a dangerous sport. If a person isn't careful and doesn't learn the rules of the road, they can actually die while riding. With the stakes so high, it's important to learn basic riding skills along with tips for avoiding accidents. For these classes, training bikes are often provided. This class is also a great way to do a bit of riding before making a costly purchase. There are some people who may even decide that riding isn't the right thing for them after taking this class. The truth is, riding a motorcycle isn't right for everyone. At a very basic level, riders have four appendages for operating five different controls. While ABS brakes are becoming more common on bikes it can take a while for a rider to become proficient in the driving process. This means that attending this safety class and practicing all the skills that are taught will go far when it comes to reducing the likelihood of an accident. 6. Build a Riding Community and Keep Riding There's no question that riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun. Riding a bike and hanging out with other riders while sharing stories with other enthusiasts is much more fun. A person should consider going to their local bike night to figure out where most motorcyclists will ride in the local area. Not only is it fun to hang out with other riders, and all the trips that people can take together, a new rider can learn from experienced riders. The fact is, becoming a real motorcyclist will take some time. The best way to really get the hang of it is to start riding and not stopping. It's a good idea to ride as much as possible to keep the skills fresh. It's also a good idea to maintain the study of motorcycle techniques. The truth is, the learning curve to ride a bike can be quite steep; however, the payoffs are real. Additionally, motorcycle riding will provide a lifetime of learning, along with all the adventures that a person can have. Riding a Bike: A Fun and Thrilling Past Time Riding a motorcycle is a great way to have fun and enjoy the open road. It's also fun to ride with others and enjoy the stories and adventures that can be had with one another. Remember, though, to become a true rider, there are more than a few factors that need to be considered. Be sure to keep this information in mind to make the right decisions and avoid being involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle.invest in the best training to  Just remember, buying a bike is a big investment. It's also a dangerous one if a person doesn't take the time to learn how to operate and drive it properly. By taking the right steps, enjoying everything the biking culture offers will be possible. Read Also: Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Motorcycle How To Get An Accurate Valuation Of Your Motorcycle When Selling The Decline Of Cars Sales Has Led To An Increase Of Motorcycles In The UK

READ MOREDetails