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

Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be exciting and at the same time can make you feel anxious. There are a multitude of considerations like its value, maintenance and others. Some second-hand cars exceed their purchase value while some can be considered lemons. One of the best ways to buy a used car is to go through a used car dealership, and if you’re looking for dealerships in the Greater Rochester area, you can visit the website thatsmyvision.com. However, before you come to a purchase decision, you have to know the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used car. Pros: 1. Cost Less: New car buyers usually switch cars after five years, so if you’re paying 8,000 USD for a used one instead of a new one priced at 16,000 USD, then you can save half of your money to buy another car or save it to buy a nicer one after a couple of years. Used cars, on an average, are usually priced half compared to new cars. Buying a used car can save you from long term financing fees and enables you to pay for your car faster. 2. No hidden fees: A new car deal might look and sound great, but most new cars will have hidden fees that are sometimes exaggerated, such as destination fees, dealer preparation charges, and shipping fees. Sometimes, hidden advertising fees up to 1,000 USD can even be included in the brand new car prices. On the other hand, used cars will not have any hidden charges, except documentation fees that can cost a few hundred dollars. 3. Thoroughly inspected and certified: Getting a certified used car from dealers assures buyers that they’re buying a thoroughly inspected and quality car for the price. Certified used vehicles have been reconditioned and inspected by their manufacturers or by a certifying authority. Additionally, dealerships that sell certified used cars also offer lower financing rates, extended warranties, and comprehensive maintenance programs. 4. Insurance premiums cost less: If a new car is involved in an accident, the insurance company will pay the current value of the car, leaving a price gap between the purchase price and the vehicle’s current value. This is where a gap insurance policy comes in. This type of insurance will cover the price gap between the new and the depreciated value, but it can significantly raise your premiums. However, gap insurance will not be necessary when buying a used car, as the value of the vehicle has already been depreciated. 5. Registration fees cost less: Annual registration fees are based on the vehicle’s value and year model. Generally, the first three years of a vehicle will have the highest rates, and then the rates are leveled off in the fifth year. This means that if you buy a three-year-old used car, you can easily save a few hundred dollars on annual registration fees. 6. Warranties: Used cars can sometimes have extended warranties or a part of its original warranty. Extended warranties on a used car will provide factory repairs, spare parts, and faster services. Some used cars will even have the option to create a new warranty. You can also use the money that you saved from not buying a new car to have your car warranted until 100,000 miles. 7. Simple Modifications Can Improve Value And Performance If you are particularly expert at making used cars look gorgeous, you should get great advantages by buying used cars and making few changes to its parts to make it perform like a new car. If you are buying a used Jeep, adding some quality jeep rims can make the car better and stronger. You can add off-road rims for longer-lasting performance. Changing the wheels, breaks, bumpers can give the car a great look. Cons: 1. Hidden Issues: Unless you’re buying a certified used car from a dealership, chances are that you’ll never know the car’s issues until it breaks down on you. Most pre-owned car sellers will never tell you the true history of the car. It may have been flooded, involved in accidents, or criminal cases. 2. Higher maintenance costs: If you’re budget conscious, buying a used car can be a smart financial decision. However, the money you saved from that decision can quickly turn into maintenance and repair costs. Used cars will frequently need more maintenance and repair jobs in order to run properly. These may include tasks such as tire renewal, transmission flushing, and brake pad renewal. 3. Fewer choices and features: If you're not lucky enough, buying a particular car you want with modern features and technology can be hard. Generally, if you’re shopping for used cars, you can only get what you see. Used car buyers will not have the same customizable options or choices a new car buyer can have. If you’re into a specific set of features, then buying a used car may not be the best for you. Closing thoughts: If you’re still stuck between a new and a used car, you should first weigh out the pros and cons listed in this article. The smell of a new car is great, but is it really worth it? Take your time to do some research, and always look beyond the price before you make any buying decision. Read Also: 10 Reasons To Purchase A Used Car Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

You may have wondered what your Uninsured Motorist Coverage actually entailed on your car insurance policy as a Tennessee driver. You may not have known, but insurance companies estimate that almost 15% of drivers are operating without insurance. If you are struck by an uninsured motorist, there is no way for you to recover money for damages, injuries, or pain and suffering that resulted from the accident. Therefore, many insurance companies — and a growing list of states — make Uninsured Motorist Coverage mandatory in their policies. This way, you are protected in the event that you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. What does my Uninsured Motorist Policy Cover? The specifics of your uninsured motorist policy will vary from company to company, but in the most general terms, you and your passengers are covered for bodily injury, property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Additionally, the policy-holder will be covered in the event of a hit-and-run, where it is impossible to determine who the driver was, let alone if they were insured or not. Note that your uninsured motorist policy is not the same as an UNDERINSURED motorist policy, which will cover the difference between your injuries and the maximum of the other person’s policy. Bodily Injury Coverage If you or your passengers suffer personal injuries in an accident with an uninsured motorist, your policy will cover medical bills, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. Without this policy, being struck by an uninsured motorist would shoulder each individual with the burden of a lack of coverage that was out of their control. Bodily and emotional suffering are often hard to quantify in a car accident, and therefore makes a personal injury lawyer indispensable to claim what is rightfully owed. If you or your passengers have suffered bodily or emotional injury as the result of a wreck with an uninsured motorist, it is suggested you consult with a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville, TN. Property Damage Coverage Property damage is easier to quantify than personal injury because it will reflect the values of repairs or replacements. Even though this is the case, there are still many nuances that you must navigate to ensure you get the proper reimbursement for your situation. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to ensure that your situation is fully rectified with your insurance company and that you or your passengers will feel fairly compensated for your accident with an uninsured driver. It was not your fault that the other driver was uninsured, and it should not be your financial burden. Am I required to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Tennessee? Yes, you are required to have an uninsured motorist clause on your insurance policy in Tennessee. Hopefully, you will never be required to use this coverage, but in the event that you must, you can rest easy knowing that you are properly covered even though the other driver was fully uninsured. A growing number of states legally require each insured driver to have this additional coverage, and Tennessee is one of these states. Read Also : Along For The Ride: Passenger Rights In-Vehicle Accidents There Is A Pothole Problem In America – How To Protect Your Car From Damage? Feature image source: theandrewagency.com

Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport

Heavy haul fleets offer interstate and intrastate transport choices, and both cover different regulations and protocols. Interstate hauling refers to the trucks that cross state lines in delivering cargo. Intrastate, meanwhile, means the fleet operates locally. Its permit and operational limitations don’t allow it to cross state lines. They also differ in terms of regulations they have to comply with. Regulations Covering Interstate Heavy Haul Fleet: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the primary agency that oversees and monitors interstate heavy hauling fleets. Trucking companies need to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Material Regulations. Of course, each state has its regulations, fees, and permits covering cargo trucks that pass its borders. Regulations Covering Intrastate Heavy Haul Fleet: For intrastate operations, the state has the primary responsibility to ensure that the fleet is following all rules and regulations governing transport. Typically, the rules and regulations are the same as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. But some states, due to the products they move, have stricter quarantine regulations. They also have different rules on the number of hours a truck driver needs to be on the road, the health qualifications, and age limits. What is a DOT number? The Department of Transportation, where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is attached, assigns different numbers to heavy haul trucks. For instance, there’s a particular number if the truck is transporting hazardous material across state lines. The same goes for the weight of the cargo or if the truck is carrying 9-15 people. For intrastate trucking operations, the regulations vary. Some states don’t require a DOT number and some do. The DOT number should not be confused with the DOT certification. If the fleet is DOT certified, it simply means that the truck driver possesses the competence, skills, and knowledge to drive such a big vehicle across the country. Truckers can’t secure a commercial driver’s license without this DOT certification, and they have to renew their permit every two years. State authorities always check the DOT certification when they flag down delivery trucks and heavy haul fleet. Fees: In terms of fees, it stands to reason that when the fleet routinely crosses state lines, it is subject to much higher fees. To illustrate, their insurance coverage is higher because they are exposed to more risks. The longer the truck driver is on the road, the higher the risks he would be exposed to. Each state also has its fees, surcharges, and levies. For intrastate cargo, the fees, license plate, and insurance coverage are lower. Again, each state has its own rules covering fees, so for the most part, the trucking company only has to worry about those. These regulations are necessary considering that the trucks remain the primary mode of transport for cargo across the US. For example, statistics show that trucks carry 80% of the total cargo that’s shipped around the country. The industry is also worth $726 billion every year. Read Also: Why Times Are Tough For Truckers And Why It Concerns You How Servicing For Your Commercial Boiler Works: A Step-By-Step Guide To The Process

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

Which Is Colder: Minus 40°c Or Minus 40°f? Read This Detailed Blog To Find Out!

Why Is AnalyzingMarket Com Becoming The Next Big Business Weapon In 2026 And Beyond?

Discover The Melodic Journey Of James Tonic, A Talented Musician

From Data to Decisions: Coaching Remote Workers with Precision

Related

Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport

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