Battery Maintenance: 9 Essential Tips for Proper Care

As the seasons change, people begin to bundle up to stay warm and avoid catching colds, just like how vehicles experience different faults with changing weather. After enduring the summer’s harsh sun and rain, the connections of the car’s battery may suffer from corrosion and other issues. Since the car battery is the primary energy source for all of the vehicle’s electrical systems, maintaining it properly is crucial for ensuring smooth vehicle operation.

Two Types of Car Batteries

1. Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
   This traditional battery type is composed of lead plates and lead oxide, with sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. It is stable and affordable but has a lower energy density and shorter lifespan, requiring frequent maintenance.
2. Maintenance-Free Lead-Acid Batteries
   Maintenance-free batteries have a design that minimizes electrolyte consumption, requiring little to no maintenance. They are more durable, shock-resistant, and have a longer lifespan, making them a popular choice for modern vehicles.

Maintenance Tips for Both Types

Car batteries typically lose capacity and discharge ability after two years of use. However, well-maintained batteries can last longer. Here’s how to care for each type:

For Maintenance-Free Batteries:

1. Check the “Magic Eye” Indicator
   The “magic eye” on the battery will show green for normal operation, black when it needs charging, and white when it should be replaced.
2. Use a Battery Tester
   While a voltmeter checks voltage, it doesn’t assess the battery’s load-bearing capacity. Use a dedicated battery tester to get a more accurate reading.

For Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries:

1. Monitor Electrolyte Levels and Density
   Electrolyte density should be between 1.28 (summer) and 1.30 (winter). Regularly check the electrolyte levels and add distilled water when needed.

9 Key Tips for Battery Maintenance

1. Inspect Connection Points for Corrosion
   Check the battery terminal connections regularly for oxidation, and clean them with boiling water to avoid performance issues.
2. Check the Ignition System
   Ensure plugs are not rusty, and use specialized cleaners when necessary to maintain the ignition system.
3. Inspect the Charging System
   Check the generator belt for cracks or wear, and adjust the tension as needed.
4. Run the Car Periodically
   If your car isn’t driven regularly, start it every so often to maintain the Lead-Acid Batteriescharge.
5. Use Jump Start for Emergency Startups
   When the engine won’t start, jump-start it using another car’s battery by connecting the positive and negative terminals correctly.
6. Adjust Electrolyte Density for Seasonal Changes
   Make sure the electrolyte density is suitable for the current weather conditions to maintain optimal battery performance.
7. Top Up Electrolyte Levels
   If the electrolyte is low, top it up with distilled water or special electrolyte solutions.
8. Avoid Frequent Starting Attempts
   Starting the car repeatedly without success can drain the battery. Always check the electrical system first.
9. Ensure Proper Ventilation
   The battery’s vent holes should remain open to allow gases to escape safely

5 Common Battery Maintenance Mistakes

1. Myth: Maintenance-Free Batteries Require No Care
   Maintenance-free doesn’t mean no maintenance—check the battery’s indicators regularly.
2. Myth: Leaving Corrosion on Battery Terminals Is Fine
   Corrosion increases resistance and reduces battery performance, so clean it off promptly.
3. Myth: Using Tap Water for Electrolyte Top-Ups
   Only distilled water should be used to top up the electrolyte, as tap water may contain minerals that affect battery function.
4. Myth: Ignoring Seasonal Electrolyte Adjustments
   Failing to adjust the electrolyte density according to the season can lead to capacity loss and freezing in winter.
5. Myth: Starting the Engine Too Often in Winter
   In cold weather, repeatedly trying to start a car without success can drain the Lead-Acid Batteries quickly.