Are You Taking Proper Care of Your Car Battery?

Car batteries, whether traditional lead-acid types or modern maintenance-free versions, are vital to a vehicle’s performance. Their lifespan and efficiency directly impact the car’s ability to start and maintain stable electrical operations. However, many drivers unknowingly adopt improper maintenance habits, which can significantly shorten the battery’s life or even cause unexpected breakdowns. So, how should you care for your car battery correctly?

Common Misconceptions That Damage Batteries
Maintenance-Free Doesn’t Mean Zero Maintenance
Many believe that maintenance-free batteries require no care. In reality, while these batteries don’t need frequent electrolyte refills, regular checks (e.g., monitoring the battery indicator) are essential to catch early signs of wear or failure.

Ignoring Corrosion
Some drivers overlook corrosion on battery terminals, thinking it’s harmless as long as the connections remain tight. In truth, corrosion increases resistance and disrupts proper charging and discharging, necessitating timely cleaning.

Adding the Wrong Liquids
When electrolyte levels drop, some drivers add drinking water or even extra electrolyte. These practices can upset the electrolyte balance or introduce impurities, damaging the battery. The correct approach is to use distilled water only.

Neglecting Electrolyte Density Adjustments
In winter, failing to adjust electrolyte density can result in insufficient capacity or even freezing, which directly harms the battery.

Continuous Engine Cranking
Overusing the starter motor, especially in winter, leads to excessive battery discharge and shortens its lifespan. Proper intervals between starts are necessary.

Best Practices for Battery Maintenance
Monitor Battery Indicator Regularly
Maintenance-free batteries have a built-in indicator: green means sufficient charge, black signals the need for recharging, and gray or yellow suggests insufficient electrolyte, requiring a battery replacement.

Secure the Battery Firmly
Ensure the battery is securely fastened to prevent vibrations that could loosen connections or interrupt power supply during driving.

Keep the Battery Surface Clean
If oxidation appears on the terminals, clean it with hot water and a brush. After cleaning, apply grease to the terminals to prevent further oxidation.

Check Electrolyte Levels Monthly
For batteries with visible level markers, maintain the electrolyte level just above the plates but below the top line. Overfilling can cause overflow, leading to self-discharge and reduced battery life.

Adjust Electrolyte Density for Seasons
Tailor the density based on climate conditions. For example, in cold winters, particularly in regions like Northeast China, the electrolyte density should be around 1.28 g/mL.

Start Idle Vehicles Periodically
For cars left unused for extended periods, start the engine every month and let it run at medium speed for about 20 minutes. This prevents excessive battery drain during storage.

Limit Starting Attempts
Avoid cranking the engine for more than 5 seconds at a time, with at least 15-second intervals between attempts. If the engine still doesn’t start, investigate other possible causes, such as ignition or fuel supply issues, instead of continuously draining the battery.