Car Battery Maintenance 101

Published on: 22 November 2018 Last Updated on: 24 July 2024

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.

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.

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Key Stats to Know About the Automotive Aftermarket

Riding on the back of the booming Italian and US auto markets and the development of autonomous vehicles, the global automotive aftermarket industry is progressing After over 10 consecutive years of growth following the global economic depression of 2008, the global automotive aftermarket reveals interesting data from the automotive industry. Let's see together what the state of the global automotive aftermarket is and the various future projections. The automotive aftermarket: 2018 in review: The year 2018 for the global aftermarket ended positively. According to data processed by the ANFIA Components Group, the turnover of the spare parts increased by 0.8% last year compared to 2017. Looking at the performance of individual product families in Italy, 4 out of 5 have a positive trend. The body and interior components had significant increase while in 2017, they had remained substantially stable. This was followed by increases in electrical and electronic components which recorded the greatest contraction in the previous year. The only parts with a negative sign in 2018 is that of engine components (-7.9%), which worsens its performance compared to 2017, when it had closed at -0.2%. Analysts point out that the two-figure increase recorded by the family of body and interior components. In this case, one can link to the fact that the renewal of the Italian fleet, which has now reached a median age of almost 11 years for passenger cars, proceeds slowly. According to them, this helps to ensure some continuity in maintenance work for older vehicles. You Must Know about the Aftermarket review in 2018: On the family of electrical and electronic components, researchers must say that, the increasingly central electronics and telematics had great roles to play here. While on the one hand, they have contributed to reducing the margin of human error in maintenance and repair operations. The electronics and telematics aftermarket offer products that are more reliable and safe. This market has also increased the sale of spare parts of this type and the maintenance and repair interventions on increasingly complex components. On the other hand, the decrease in the turnover of the engine components can be attributed in general terms. According to ANFIA, to the fact that the increasingly high level of quality of the components of the car, guarantees an extension of the average life. This, for complex systems such as the engine system, means that no replacement or repair work is necessary without major failures. Aside from the above information, there are hundreds of other trends and statistics to consider when it comes to the automotive market. Let’s take a look at them, shall we? Trends and statistics in the global automotive aftermarket: 1. In the last decade, the average usage of the vehicle fleet in the US has increased by about 17% 2. The length of use of new and already used vehicles over the last decade has increased by 60% 3. While 25% of the auto spare parts repair is handled by dealerships, 75% is done by independent repair shops. 4. 56% of automotive decision-makers predict a 30 to 50% decrease in the number of physical outlets by 2025, according to KPMG. As is with virtually all merchandise around the world, the automotive aftermarket industry is going electronic (online) and its marketplace is evolving. Parts and even repair services are being sold and offered online. Additional trends and statistics in the global automotive aftermarket: 5. The irruption of the autonomous vehicle into the public space would offer more flexibility and profitability for all stakeholders. For example, 43% of respondents in a study conducted by KPMG say that current vehicle owners no longer plan to own the traditional car by 2025. 6. One can't expect the demand for diesel engine replacement to thaw out quickly. Although diesel has become politically and socially unacceptable in many countries, the use of this fuel remains technologically and economically relevant for 50% of decision-makers worldwide. This figure even increased by 3 points in 2017 and illustrates the uncertainties that manufacturers face in this transition period. 7. As the world continues to anticipate the mass production of autonomous vehicles, the market is bracing up for an increase in demand of auto cooling systems such as the small AC compressor offered by Rigid for electric vehicles and car cabins. According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the automotive cooling system market will exceed $64b by 2026. During the period of forecast, the CAGR is expected to expand over 4%. Read Also: Pros And Cons Of Buying A Used Car 2018 Tesla Model S: The Complete Electric Vehicle 6 Reasons Why Vehicles Are Now Safer Than Ever

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

How To Prepare For Massachusetts Car Shipping

Once you’ve decided to make a change, be that taking a long trip, moving across several states, or opening up car sales to places far away rather than just local, it can be difficult to plan things out. Naturally, something like car shipping is a way to make things go by much more smoothly. That said, there’s still a lot of planning involved. Today, we’d like to cover what some of that planning might look like. While it will change depending on your specific circumstances, of course, this article can serve as a guide for you. From finding car shipping companies in Massachusetts to picking out which type of container will work for your vehicle, we’ve got you covered. One: Know Your Vehicle At first, it might seem strange that the first step here is to “know your vehicle,” but let us explain. The thing is, when you’re exploring the various shipping company options, they’ll ask for these types of details when giving an estimate on shipping costs. That could be the make, model, year, and weight of the car, as just a few examples. Have this in mind as you begin the process! Two: Find A Shipper The next step is similarly simple. You’ll want to start looking online for companies nearby in Massachusetts that offer these services! The question, though, is what signs you’ll want to keep an eye out for in terms of finding the “best” one. Positive reviews are practically a given these days, but we felt it worth mentioning. A lot of the time they’ll show up on Google or whatever search engine you’re using, but you can also ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations. Word of mouth is a big deal for a reason! The other thing to watch for is how much they charge! You can get a gauge of this by getting a shipping estimate. Most shippers have tools on their websites that allow you to do this, if you don’t feel like doing a bunch of math yourself. Three: Gather Your Paperwork Once again, we’ve got another easy step here. As resources like this one demonstrate, most shippers will ask for certain documentation a few times throughout the process. Have your photo ID on hand (whether that’s a passport, a driver’s license, or something else). Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to have the insurance details on hand as well. If you’re shipping to a customer who bought a vehicle, providing some information on them might be a good idea as well. That would likely just be a copy of their photo ID, just so the driver knows who should be receiving the vehicle once transit has completed. Four: Clean Your Car This is the part that is the most “difficult,” if only because it does involve a bit of work. Thankfully, an automated car wash should be more than enough for the exterior of the vehicle if you aren’t feeling up to doing it yourself. The interior might be a bit trickier, though. There are plenty of guides on how to efficiently clean out that part of a car, like the one here: https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/cleaning-routine-clean-your-cars-interior/. Just keep in mind that if you’re going to be transporting it, then you’ll want to make sure that you remove all of your personal belongings from the inside. Even if you aren’t selling it, this is still an important step. That’s because there’s a chance that your items could end up lost, for one thing. Additionally, every little thing that adds weight to the car could end up costing you more, so it’s just better to clear everything out rather than stress about it. Five: Be Ready On Pickup Day The last thing you’ll want to do is this: be prepared to meet the driver who gets sent to collect the automobile. Most shipping companies provide door-to-door services, so someone will arrive to pick up the vehicle. You’ll need to do your best to have everything ready by that date. This means following the other steps above: most notably, having all the paperwork ready and having the car clean. Some other things you could do are take pictures to document the current state of the vehicle or do a last-minute sweep for anything that may have been left behind. Really, though, nothing involved in this process is overly difficult or taxing. In fact, it can make the prospect of moving or of selling a car long-distance much less daunting. Seeing as it saves you from planning out a road trip, that’s another reason why so many folks have begun using car shipping. If you aren’t sure just yet, that’s totally fine. Talk to shippers, get more information, and inquire about options available. Closed containers versus open ones are a big debate, so that’s something to keep an eye out for! Read Also: 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Company AutoTempest: Is It The Best Search Engine For Cars? Is Marine Transportation A Good Career Path?

Car Battery Maintenance 101

1. Always keep the battery terminals corrosion-free:

2. Do not operate any electronics during startup:

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

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

5. Do not overload your car battery with accessories:

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

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

Key Stats to Know About the Automotive Aftermarket

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Car Battery Maintenance 101

1. Always keep the battery terminals corrosion-free:

2. Do not operate any electronics during startup:

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

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

5. Do not overload your car battery with accessories:

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

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Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained

Tips for Renting a Wheelchair Van at Your Destination

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related