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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A Guide To Choosing The Best N54 Engine For Sale

Are you in the market for a high-quality N54 engine? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of selecting the best N54 engine for sale. Whether you're a BMW enthusiast or simply someone in need of a reliable engine, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and find you the perfect N54 engine! N54 Engine: A Brief History The BMW N54 is one of the landmark machines that elevated the name and fame of BMW. The BMW N54 was the first twin-turbo engine that was produced in huge numbers. The success of the machine is vindicated through the production at a mass scale. The supermachine debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. When it entered the market, it raised a lot of hype thanks to the specifications. Yes, the machines’ performance was extremely satisfactory. The user of the engine has all praise and admiration. One will be thrilled that the N54 bagged five International Engine of the Year performance. Also, the machine was recognized to be part of Ward's list of 10 best engines three times in a row. Why Do People Love This Machine? There is no doubt that the N54 engine is of high class, and it went on to win the hearts of the people. Now, here we present some of the WOW factors that made the engine a class act. Let's try to understand it here. Tuning Performance and Updates One of the biggest advantages of the BMW N54 engine is its power and potential. Yes, the twin-turbocharged engine offers enough power as it is. You could really get an N54 and if you add some more buck, then you can easily get a perfect engine with 600 hp in no time. There is no doubt that the engine’s performance is indeed great. It denotes you can get a high-quality engine if you spend on the specifications. All these make the engine highly special, to say the least. That's the USP of the particular variant. Various Applications The N54 engine first came into existence with the BMW 335i in 2007. Thereafter, it went through a series of massive improvements. The evolution of the machine helped the manufacturer come up with different models and variants. Among the different variations, the most loved and praised one of them is the BMW 1 series. But another benefit that the customers reaped through the machine is that they got multiple choices. Now, whenever the users get choices, they will be impressed with the machine as well. Reliability The success of an engine depends to an extent, on consistent performance. Reliability is one of the most significant factors behind teh success of a machine. There is no denying the machine was suffering from different technical glitches. The issues were mainly related to the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel injector. Apart from it, there were also complexities with the components. Engine is one of the most complex machines. The organized performance and coordination of the major and minor elements make the machine strong enough. But with the team, the BMW N54 went on to evolve as one of the most successful machines in the industry. Understanding the N54 Engine First, let's take a closer look at what makes the N54 engine so special. Manufactured by BMW, the N54 engine is a turbocharged, direct-injection engine that offers impressive power and performance. It is commonly found in BMW 3 Series models, such as the 335i. Let us discuss some of the core engine specifics of the N54 Engine The BMW N54 engine is one of the core machines that is powered with features to combat the issues with a high compression ratio. Let us discuss some of the engine specifications here. Firstly, you will find a Cylindrical head and block, and it is made up of Aluminium. Secondly, the engine configuration is Inline-6. Thirdly, you will get a displacement of 3.0l. The compression ratio is 10:2:1. Furthermore, the engine is gifted with a peak horsepower of 335 hp (5900 RPM). The peak Torque is 332lb/ft (1500-4500 RPM). Apart from them, your N54 engine is decked with some other features that make the engine stand out and a machine of utmost power and performance. Factors to Consider When choosing an N54 engine for sale, there are several factors that you should consider: Reliability: Look for engines that have a strong track record of reliability. Reviews and testimonials from previous customers can help you gauge the overall quality and dependability of a particular engine. Condition: Opting for a used engine can be a cost-effective choice, but it's important to thoroughly inspect the condition of the engine before making a purchase. Consider factors such as mileage, maintenance history, and any potential modifications or repairs. Warranty: Many sellers offer warranties on their N54 engines for sale. Make sure to check the terms and duration of the warranty before finalizing your purchase. Related: Beginners Guide To Buying A Classic Car Where to Find N54 Engines for Sale If you're eager to get your hands on an N54 engine, there are several places where you can find them for sale: Online Marketplaces: Websites like Alibaba or eBay offer a wide range of N54 engines for sale. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices from different sellers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Specialized BMW Dealerships: BMW dealerships often have a selection of used N54 engines available for sale. Additionally, they can provide you with expert advice and assistance throughout the purchasing process. Car Enthusiast Forums: Online forums dedicated to BMW enthusiasts are a great resource for finding N54 engines for sale. Members of these forums often have first-hand experience and can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Conclusion Choosing the best N54 engine for sale requires careful consideration of factors such as reliability, condition, and warranty. Take the time to research different sellers and explore various options. With the right N54 engine, you can enhance the performance of your BMW and enjoy an exhilarating driving experience. Happy engine shopping! Read Also: 3 New Age Engineering & Construction Technology AutoTempest: Is It The Best Search Engine For Cars? A Close Look at Mechanical Engine Controls

4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Shipping Your Car

Shipping a car can feel like an overwhelming process, especially if you have never had to use this kind of service before. Shipping your car can be a great way to move your car to your new home a few states away, or you might want to have a car that you have purchased brought to you so that you do not have to drive it from the dealership to your home. Shipping doesn’t have to be hard if you know more about the kinds of mistakes that often cause issues for those shipping cars. When you know what not to do when looking at shipping your car, you can easily have a good experience with the shipping process. Having someone else bring your car to you can be a big help when you are moving or when you do not want to have to take the time to go get the new car that you have purchased. If you are ready to learn more about the common mistakes that people make when shipping their cars, you need to read on! Common Mistakes To Avoid When Shipping Your Car 1. Prepare Your Car When the shipping company shows up to load your car onto the trailer, it needs to be ready to be picked up. It is a good idea to have cleaned your car and to have removed anything that is in the backseat or the trunk that could roll around and cause damage to the car or itself. You will also want to be sure that you have all the documentation that you need to prepare on your end ready for the shipping company. You might need to provide a valid photo ID for the pickup to be completed and the company will likely ask to see proof that you have the title to the car or the registration for the car. Make sure that you are ready to allow them to inspect the car as well since they need to note the condition of the vehicle on the bill of lading that will be given to you when the car is delivered. 2. Do Your Research Many people just pick the lowest quote that is offered to them by a shipping company or they pick the first shipping company that comes up in a search. This can work out all right in the end but you will serve yourself better by taking the time to look at your options more closely. It is possible to get involved in shipping scams when you go for the cheapest quote and you should also make sure that you are aware of the various shipping options and processes that the company might be offering. Looking into online reviews and asking for quotes from a few different companies are good ways to be sure that you are working with the right shipping company for your needs. You should also make sure to ask to see insurance documentation and proof of registry with your state for interstate travel from any company that you are thinking of working with. Taking this step will protect you from scams and help you be sure that the company you are working with is the right one for the job. 3. Not Getting the Bill of Lading When your car is dropped off at your new address or a shipping terminal location, you will need to ask for the bill of lading to be given to you. You should be required to sign this document stating that the car was delivered in good condition and that it arrived when it was expected. The bill of lading is your proof that the car was delivered and you can choose not to sign it if you believe that the car was damaged during the trip or if it was not delivered as expected. When you sign the bill of lading, you are approving the delivery and you will not be able to go back and argue that you were not given the service that you paid for. Having the bill of lading in your hand, signed or not, is key to being able to take action if you have experienced issues with the shipping job that was done on your behalf. 4. Leaving Personal Items in Your Car When you leave things that could be stolen or damaged in your car during the shipping process, the company is not liable or responsible for their loss, damage, or theft. You will want to be sure that you remove anything that could go missing or be damaged from your car before it is put on the car trailer. This can be cameras, dash décor, and more. Make sure that you sweep your car at least once for things that you do not want to be visible in the car during the trip or loose and rolling around. This is a key area where many people make mistakes and there will not be any recourse open to you for the replacement of these items under the shipping contract you have signed. Shipping a Car Can be Easy! If you have been worried that you will not be able to find the right shipping company for your needs or that you will have a bad experience with the company that you hire, you just need to use these tips and tricks to prevent issues. You will find that doing your research and making sure that your car is ready for pickup can make a big difference in the kind of experience that you have with a shipping company. While it can be nerve-wracking to hand your car over to someone that you do not know to be driven across the country, you will be so glad that you did not put that many miles on your vehicle just to relocate it and that you did not have to drive for that many hours yourself. There are many reasons that car shipping is a great option and you should not be intimidated by the newness of the experience when it is a good choice for your needs. Read Also: 5 Proven Tips To Keep Your Car in Perfect Condition 10 Causes Of Uber Accidents In The United States 7 Things to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Worth For Your Protection and Safety

How Car Leasing Works And What To Expect

Buying a car ensures access to the vehicle at all times, but not everyone can incorporate this hefty purchase into their financial plans. In that case, you always have the alternative to lease a car, meaning you’ll only have to pay for the time you drive it before returning it to the company when the lease’s terms end. Car leasing has gained popularity in recent years, with statistics showing that around one-fifth of new cars in America were leased in 2022. If you’re considering renting a vehicle for the first time, keep reading as we delve into everything you need to know about the process. What is Car Leasing? When you opt for vehicle leasing, you sign an agreement or similar documents with the car dealer or company to rent a car for the mentioned term (usually some years). You’ll have to return the vehicle as the term ends, and you can’t claim ownership over it. Most individuals pick leasing over buying a vehicle because they get to pay less cash out-of-pocket, gain peace of mind due to the maintenance coverage and manufacturer warranty, and secure monthly payments. Additionally, if you prefer enjoying the latest technology or driving the newest models, a car lease enables you not to be bound to only one vehicle or worry about selling it. Keep in mind that you have to stay below or at the mileage limit stated in your lease agreement; if you exceed it, you might be charged excess mileage penalties when you return the car. How Does it Work? If you wish to lease a car, there might be a requirement for you to sign the lease agreement outlining the conditions and terms of the lending arrangement. The lease agreement typically includes the monthly payments you’ll make, the duration of how long you’ll keep the car, and mileage limits. Any fees such as the acquisition fee, excess wear and use, disposition fee, applicable termination fees, and other end-of-term charges should also be specified. We recommend researching which car lease fees to avoid so you’re not subjected to extra charges at the end of your lease term. Look out for information regarding use, wear, and maintenance standards within the lease agreement and check whether your lessor provides the option to purchase the car once the term ends. You may be able to buy the vehicle, return it, or extend your lease, depending on your contract’s terms and conditions. Purchasing your leased vehicle can be influenced by several factors, such as your budget, the car’s performance, and the vehicle’s market value compared to the purchase option price. It is a good deal to consider If the purchase option price costs less or is equal to the market value. How Much Does it Cost? The cost of leasing a vehicle depends on how long you plan on leasing it and the type of car you want to rent. It’s common knowledge that the shorter the lease period and the more expensive the vehicle, the higher the monthly payment. In contrast, a longer lease period and a cheaper car will result in you paying reduced monthly payments. Rather than paying for the car’s entire value, leasing enables your monthly payments to cover the rent, taxes, and the vehicle’s depreciation over the lease term. As you don’t have to finance the purchase price, your payment will likely be much lower. Mistakes to Avoid When Leasing a Car In this section, we’ll explain some things to avoid during the car lease process: 1. Don’t Pay Too Much Up Front While car dealers advertise low monthly lease payments, you might need to pay several thousand dollars to cover a portion of the total lease in advance to meet the affordable payment term. If the car is stolen or wrecked within the first few months, your insurance company is responsible for reimbursing the car’s value to the leasing company. However, it is unlikely that your down payment will be reimbursed. Not only will you lose the car, but you will also experience a monetary loss. Depositing no more than $2,000 upfront is recommended for car leasing. In fact, it even makes sense to put nothing down and pay everything in the monthly lease payment if this arrangement works better for you. 2. Invest in Gap Insurance Gap insurance is the deduction from the car’s value of what you are left to owe on your lease. If you plan on leasing your car, purchasing gap insurance is in the best interest of yours. Suppose your contract enables you to buy the car for $15,000 at the lease’s end, but you damage it before the lease expires. In that case, your insurance company will pay the dealership the car’s current market value. With gap insurance, this difference is covered. Most leases include gap insurance, and the dealer might offer to sell you one, but you’ll likely find cheaper policy options with traditional insurance companies. This small investment is worth the cost and will sort you out if something goes wrong with the vehicle. 3. Don’t Lease the Car for Too Long Ensure your offered lease period is shorter than or matches the car’s warranty period. Different manufacturers offer different warranties, but most generally last up to 36,000 miles or three years. You’ll have to invest in an extended warranty if you decide to keep it for a longer period and to avoid paying for the ensuing repair and maintenance costs in addition to the monthly lease payments. Rather than leasing the vehicle for an extended period, buying the car is better as you might drive it for several years without having to fret over the monthly payments. List down the pros and cons of buying a car vs. leasing it in the long term, and pick the option that saves you more money in the long run. Endnote Leasing a car entails borrowing one rather than buying a new or used vehicle, including an in-depth deal with the leasing company or dealer. There are various factors to consider before you sign off on this long-term commitment, so do your homework, run the numbers, and shop around to depict whether leasing is right for you. As is the case with any financing transaction, a high credit score will help you secure a lower interest rate on your leased car. Read Also: 5 Different Types of Car Accident Claim Knowing Your Vehicle: 5 Maintenance Tips for Porsche Owners Used Cars In Tucson Offer You The Best Range Of Driving Options

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 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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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 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

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