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.

Read Also:

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.

View all posts

Ignition Issues: Troubleshooting Common Starting Problems

Every vehicle's engine requires an ignition system to start and run. Many components, such as the distributor, spark plugs, ignition coil, and others, work together to ignite the fuel-air combination within the engine cylinders. To find and correct frequent early errors, you must first understand how complex the system is. Car owners can identify and repair flaws such as a broken ignition switch, a weak battery, or a malfunctioning starting motor to keep a dependable ignition system. Preventive maintenance might lengthen system life and reduce startup problems. Knowledge of the ignition system The ignition system of every car is a crucial component that drives and maintains the engine. The distributor, spark plugs, and ignition coil are some of its essential components. In the engine cylinders, their combined spark ignites the fuel-air combination. When troubleshooting, it's crucial to understand how one component interacts with the others and change your technique accordingly as you face new challenges, such as Citroen car key replacement. A thorough understanding of the ignition system may aid in detecting and resolving common starting problems, such as tightening loose connections and assessing spark plug quality. Recognizing frequently occurring initial issues Any automobile owner knows how annoying it can be when problems occur, but knowing what typical problems to look out for is the first step towards fixing them. An ignition switch that isn't working properly is one typical issue that might keep the engine from getting power and starting. A dead or weak battery is another problem that might be keeping enough power from getting to the ignition system. A broken starter motor or solenoid may also make starting more difficult. By identifying these typical starting issues, car owners may efficiently identify and fix the faults, guaranteeing a smooth and reliable ignition system. Techniques for solving ignition issues It is possible to find and address ignition issues using various troubleshooting techniques. One useful technique is to look for signs of wear and tear or loose connections on the ignition system's wiring and connectors. A closer look at the ignition coil, spark plugs, and distributor may reveal crucial details regarding potential issues. Testing the battery voltage and confirming it is within the recommended range is also essential. Car owners can locate the root cause of ignition problems and apply the required fixes by carefully applying these troubleshooting techniques. Protections against a faulty ignition system Preventative maintenance is necessary for an ignition system to avoid starting issues. Check for worn spark plugs and replace them to increase performance. Keep the ignition system clean to prevent issues. Maintaining and charging the battery is also essential. Frequent upkeep, such as checking and tightening connections, can help identify issues early on. By following these guidelines, car owners may benefit from a dependable ignition system and lower the likelihood of starting issues. Auto owners must first comprehend the ignition system to identify and fix frequent starting issues. Owners may find fixing malfunctioning batteries, starter motors, and ignition switches easier if they know the essential parts and how they function. Preventive maintenance can help minimize starting issues and maintain the ignition system in excellent operating condition. System cleaning, spark plug replacement, and routine inspections are examples of preventative maintenance. With this knowledge, car owners may benefit from trustworthy ignition systems and seamless driving. Read Also: 5 Tips To Rent Exotic Cars In 2022 Car Wont Start After Getting Gas – How To Fix This Problem? Car Shakes At Idle But Smooths Out While Driving – How To Fix This Problem?

The Safest Motorcycle Equipment: Gear For Every Rider

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with inherent risks. As a motorcyclist, your safety should be a top priority every time you hit the road. While honing your riding skills and practicing defensive driving techniques are crucial, investing in the right motorcycle equipment can provide an additional layer of protection in the event of an accident. In this blog post, we'll explore the safest motorcycle equipment that every rider should consider wearing to stay safe on the road. Helmet A high-quality helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment for any motorcyclist. In the event of a crash, a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and traumatic brain injuries. When choosing a helmet, opt for one that meets or exceeds safety standards, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell certification. Look for features such as a sturdy outer shell, impact-absorbing liner, comfortable padding, and a secure chin strap. Additionally, make sure the helmet fits snugly and securely on your head to provide maximum protection. Protective Riding Gear In addition to a helmet, wearing protective riding gear can help safeguard your body from injuries in the event of a crash or slide. Invest in a durable motorcycle jacket made from abrasion-resistant materials such as leather or textile, with built-in armor in critical areas like the shoulders, elbows, and spine. Pair the jacket with armored riding pants or jeans, which offer added protection for your legs and hips. Don't forget to wear sturdy motorcycle gloves to protect your hands and wrists from abrasion and impact injuries. Riding Boots Proper footwear is essential for maintaining control of your motorcycle and protecting your feet and ankles in the event of a crash. Choose motorcycle-specific riding boots with reinforced soles, ankle support, and impact protection. Look for boots made from durable materials such as leather or synthetic textiles, with non-slip soles for optimal grip on foot pegs and pavement. Avoid wearing sneakers or other casual shoes, which offer little to no protection in the event of an accident. Eye Protection Protecting your eyes from wind, debris, and insects is essential for maintaining visibility and safety while riding. Invest in a good pair of motorcycle goggles or a full-face helmet with a built-in visor or face shield. Look for eye protection with anti-fog and UV-resistant coatings for optimal clarity and comfort in various riding conditions. Additionally, consider carrying a spare visor or anti-fog treatment for long rides or inclement weather to ensure clear vision at all times. Reflective Gear The Cherry Hill motorcycle accident attorneys make it clear that visibility is crucial for staying safe on the road, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions. Incorporating reflective gear into your riding ensemble can help increase your visibility to other motorists and reduce the risk of accidents. Wear a reflective vest or jacket with reflective strips, or add reflective tape to your helmet, jacket, and motorcycle to enhance visibility from all angles. Consider investing in reflective decals or accessories for your motorcycle, such as wheel stripes or side reflectors, to improve visibility even further. Motorcycle Armor For riders who engage in off-road or high-speed riding, motorcycle armor provides an extra layer of protection against impacts and abrasions. Motorcycle armor typically consists of hard plastic or composite panels strategically placed on key areas of the body, such as the chest, back, shoulders, elbows, and knees. Integrated into a compatible motorcycle jacket or pants, armor enhances protection without sacrificing comfort or mobility. Look for CE-certified armor for optimal impact resistance and shock absorption. Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it's essential to prioritize safety every time you hit the road. Investing in the safest motorcycle equipment is crucial for protecting yourself from potential injuries in the event of an accident. By wearing the right gear and practicing safe riding habits, you can enjoy the thrill of motorcycling while minimizing the risks associated with this exhilarating mode of transportation. High Visibility Vest Reflective motorcycle vests with high visibility are extremely important in case you are riding during the night or in darker areas. They are cost-effective and provide the necessary safety for your adventure rides. Road crews and highway workers wear them for safety reasons. Similarly, you, too, must utilize this safety tool to maximize visibility. These vests are available in many different materials. They offer reflective and high-visibility colors to help alleviate safety concerns. So if you do not have one, you must get one. A high-visibility vest is a great option for riding in high-traffic as well as high-density population areas. These vests will save you from dangerous situations. You may want to stay comfortable, but safety is key. Protective and preventive motorcycle safety gears keep you safe while you take on the challenges on the road. They do not let safety become an obstacle in the path to your limitless thrill. Earplugs One of the most important items of safety gear for motorcycle riders is earplugs. You may not be riding a throaty cruiser with its V-twin engine. Bikes, however, are noisy. If you add traffic and wind noise to the already loud party, ear fatigue is not too far away. The excessive exposure to this high-decibel noise will start to set in for sure. In order to protect your hearing, use industrial use foam plugs to keep your ears safe. Some of them are inexpensive, but a higher-quality plug will offer a better fit as well as better attenuation. It will be a far better choice to invest in a set of custom-made plugs. Our ears are unique, similar to fingerprints. There are many motorcycle companies that offer earplugs that are designed especially for motorcycle riding. Even audiologists can make you a custom-fitted pair within a week or two. Wrapping Up It is crucial to wear safety gear amid the right clothing when riding a bike. You could be riding a moped or even a high-performance bike. As serious as crashing on a bike sounds, the right equipment will help keep you ready for all situations. There are safety helmets and eye protection to consider. Visors and goggles will keep your eyes from getting injured and increase on-road visibility. Safe riding is not just a personal choice, it is also a legal requirement to make sure that you get the right protection while on the road. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Things to Consider Before Buying Your First Motorcycle Dos and Don’ts When You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident 8 Useful Tips to Help You Prepare For Your First Motorcycle Track Day

Tips About Mobile Car Detailing to Avoid Any Costly Maintenance

Mobile Car Detailing : Most people have spent warm summer afternoons washing their cars with soap, water, and a sponge. It was a good way to get wet and kill some time while some kids do it to earn some money. With time, you should have learned that keeping a car clean requires a lot more effort than what you believed as a child. It’s something you need to create time for since your clean car is simply like living in the clean house. You will certainly feel better driving around in a clean car. Even better, clearing the dust from your car makes it easier to sell it to a private buyer or get a better trade-in amount at the local car dealership. You should consider detailing your vehicle during the warmer months. Here’s what you need to know. What Are The Right Products For The Job? With the right products, you can save time and avoid costly damage to your vehicle. There are numerous places to find car cleaning products. You can visit your local auto parts stores, grocery stores or numerous online vendors. You should choose a dedicated car washing product, rubber cleaner, wheel cleaner and wax from any of these sources. If your car is dirty, you can always rely on bug and tar remover for the best results. All these products are simply for your car’s exterior. For the interior, you should get a carpet cleaner, wipes, glass cleaner, and leather as well as vinyl care products depending on the material used in the interior. You will not be forced to break the bank on high-end products for your car’s detailing needs. You also need a soft sponge, chamois, microfiber towel, bucket, vacuum cleaner, plastic bag and cotton swabs to use together with these products. Interior Mobile Car Detailing : It’s always prudent to start with the interior, especially if you haven’t cleaned your vehicle in a while. You will find a lot of dirt has accumulated in the foot wheels as well as other types of debris. If not cleaned thoroughly, the debris will settle on the body of your car, especially if it becomes airborne. Start by removing the floor mats and collect any miscellaneous wrappers lying on the floor as well as other garbage such as receipts, coffee cups and much more. Next, you should vacuum the floors, the seats and any other spaces found inside the vehicle. Note the spaces where food remains might creep into or spill and vacuum there too. You can skip the carpets in your vehicle if they are clean. However, you can clean them using the carpet cleaner. Clean your dashboards using the cleaner wipes. You can use the cotton swabs to remove the dust found in the small crevasses such as the air vents as well as the spaces found between the buttons in the middle console. Slide your front seats to the back and find out if there’s any trash hiding underneath it. Even better, you could find some of those lost possessions you couldn’t access before. Don’t forget to wash the floor mats but don’t use the washing machine for that. Rather, you should pressure wash them or consider scrubbing them depending on your preferences. With all these interior detailing tips, your car will look brand new every time you’re on the road. Finishing Touches Of Mobile Car Detailing : Now you can hose the car down and wash it thoroughly from the top to bottom and go around it using your sponge. Repeat the process, especially if your vehicle is covered in dust, mud or road salt. Rinse it thoroughly for the best results. Don’t let the car air dry because it will leave terrible watermarks, regardless of whether you have parked it in the sun or shade. Rather you should use a chamois for the drying. Yes, it is more time-consuming but your car will look good for it. Next, you should apply a thin coat of wax evenly after your car is completely dry. Remove the wax residue using a microfiber towel. Put the equipment down and you can inspect the car to make sure you didn’t miss a spot. Mobile Car Detailing keeps your car looking brand new. Read Also : Washing Your Car: 7 Dos And Don’ts Tips For Reducing Car Insurance Costs 5 Signs Your Car Needs A Tune Up

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:

Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained

Tips for Renting a Wheelchair Van at Your Destination

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.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

Caribbean CBI and Does India Allow Dual Citizenship?

Self-Driving Cars And Pedestrian Safety: Who’s Responsible When Tech Fails?

Ryan McCorvie on Helping Kids Develop a Global Perspective

Safe Tree Care Tips for Urban Homeowners

Related

Ignition Issues: Troubleshooting Common Starting Problems

The Safest Motorcycle Equipment: Gear For Every Rider

Tips About Mobile Car Detailing to Avoid Any Costly Maintenance

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:

Share this Article

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