Car Battery Maintenance

The car battery is a type of rechargeable battery which supplies electric power to various components. The basic function of a car battery is to kick start the car. Since it is one of the more integral and vital car parts, its maintenance assumes prime importance. It will assist in improving battery life and also help in getting rid of ignition related problems.

An improper functioning car air conditioner or other electronic components, low headlights, a short circuit somewhere in the wires, slow ignition or dim dash lights could be indicators of low or diminishing car battery. Before moving on to some tips, it is important to understand the different car battery varieties available in modern cars.

Car Battery Types

The car battery stores all energy produced by the alternator and provides it to all other components like the computer, lights, fuel injection system, air conditioner, etc. All these parts require a constant electrical supply and the car battery is responsible for supplying it. There are various kinds of car batteries used in new cars, each distinct in price and performance.

At present there are three types of car batteries which can be found. These are - low maintenance batteries, conventional batteries and maintenance free batteries. Conventional batteries have a standard lead and sulfuric acid matrix. This variety of car batteries is easily recognizable, as they have ventilation outlets on them, for water vapor and hydrogen to release when the battery is charged. The ventilation caps need to be taken out regularly and distilled water must be poured into the electrolyte.

Low maintenance batteries have a lower lead and sulfuric acid matrix while maintenance free batteries have a lead and calcium matrix. Both these types of batteries have four ventilation holes. There is no requirement to pour distilled water in these batteries, as the electrolytes and alloys used in them are enough to last for the entire life of the car battery.

Battery Maintenance Tips

• Every car owner should understand that the car battery needs to be changed every four years. This should be taken as a thumb rule as a car battery's performance gets hampered after this period and calls for replacement.
• Perform a load test of the car battery every month. For this, the car will have to be taken to an auto mechanic. Ensure that the car battery clears the test and also there is enough charge at extremely low temperatures.
• Clean battery terminals regularly. This can be done easily by wiping the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water and scrubbing it off with a wire brush.
• Battery cables need to be tied tight enough to prevent them from moving around.
• The car battery needs to be kept safely in a tray. This way there will be minimal damage caused to the hood.
• Car batteries tend to under perform when subjected to severe cold climatic conditions. A good way of keeping the car battery warm is to install an engine or battery heater. The heater also ensures that the car battery starts easily and thereby no excess power is consumed in the process.
• For people using maintenance free batteries, look out for a black color light on the battery itself which, if illuminated, indicates need of servicing. On the other hand, conventional batteries require maintaining an adequate water level within. Ideally water should be in level with the filter necks.
• Whenever water level in the car battery goes below par, distilled water has to be added. While adding water, one needs to be careful in not dropping it anywhere on clothes or hands, as it is can cause certain amount of damage.
• There should be no open flame instruments kept in and around the car battery, while checking. The battery comprises certain chemicals which are highly combustible in nature and hence proper care must be taken.
• A very common error most people make is over charging the battery. This should be avoided as overcharging could lead to complete destruction of the car battery and possibly other electronic components as well.

Regular maintenance will definitely keep all battery related problems away. It will also keep the battery in good working condition and prevent other electronic components from getting affected because of a faulty battery. Remember to check and service the car battery periodically, as per instruction given by the manufacturer.