From leakage to weak charge to swelling, car battery issues are a relatively common occurrence. It doesn’t even matter if you opted for a new car or went for one of the used cars for sale Woodville, LA dealerships offer – sooner or later, your battery will need to be replaced.
Fortunately, we’re here to help you put off that moment for as long as possible – and with only a minimal amount of effort! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about car battery maintenance, ensuring it remains reliable for a prolonged period.
What maintenance does a car battery require?
The great thing about modern car batteries is that they do not require a lot of effort to keep them working as intended, for as long as intended. That being said, they’re not 100% maintenance-free, and you’ll need to roll up your sleeves every 3 to 6 months to ensure your battery is in tip-top shape.
Perform a visual inspection on a regular basis
Take a few minutes to conduct a thorough visual inspection of your car’s battery. What you want to pay attention to is:
- Dirt & residue accumulation on the battery and in the battery tray;
- Signs of rust on metal parts, especially battery terminals;
- Physical damage, such as cracks in the casing or bulging.
Note that while dirt, residue, and rust can be cleaned, physical damage is virtually impossible to fix and will typically require you to change the battery. This is especially true if the battery is bulging, in which case you should replace it immediately, as it can explode due to overheating.
Clean the terminals
Dirt, residue, and corrosion can interfere with the flow of electricity, making it difficult or impossible to start your car, as well as weaken the charge. Luckily, this problem is relatively easy to solve:
- Remove the clamps (negative one first);
- Make a 1:1 mixture of baking soda and water;
- Use the mixture and either a hard-bristled or wire brush to remove impurities.
- Let the terminals dry before reattaching the clamps.
It is also advisable to coat the terminals in protective or anti-corrosion spray to prevent oxidation and corrosion. These can be found in any automotive shop for next to nothing and just one can will last you for years.
Clean the battery tray & tighten the hold-down
Dirt and debris in the tray, as well as loose hold-down, can cause the battery to sit awkwardly and rattle during driving. This can cause a host of problems, including acid spills, clamps disconnecting mid-drive, and causing cracks in the casing. To prevent these dangerous scenarios, take the time to thoroughly clean the tray and tighten the hold-down.
Check the fluid level & refill if necessary
If you have a non-sealed type battery, be sure to check the electrolyte level during the inspection. If it is below the optimal level (typically denoted by the mark on the casing), top it up with distilled water, making sure to avoid overfilling.
Protect the battery from extreme temperatures
Extreme heat or cold can both reduce battery life and performance, which is why you should take steps to protect it from these conditions. The one-all-end-all solution here is a simple insulation blanket, which you can find in any automotive shop. Granted, super-low temperatures aren’t of much concern in Woodville and Lincoln Parish (or the rest of Louisiana, for that matter), but this tip can be useful if you ever move northward.
Check the alternator
An alternator is a device that recharges the battery when the car is running. If you notice that your battery drains quickly or frequently dies, a bad alternator is the prime suspect and you should get it tested and repaired/replaced as soon as possible.
How to maintain a car battery charge?
Another important aspect of battery maintenance is ensuring that the charge remains within optimal parameters at all times. First, you will need to measure the battery voltage to determine the level of charge.
This can be done by using a voltmeter, multimeter, or dedicated battery tester on terminals after the car has been off for at least 30 minutes. Here’s the charge value breakdown:
- 12.6V – indicates a healthy, fully charged battery.
- 12.4V+ – the battery needs recharging.
- Below 12.4V – the battery is most likely dead and in need of replacing.
As for maintaining the charge, there are several steps that are proven to be effective:
- Unplug any electronics when the car isn’t running;
- Turn off all lights (exterior and interior) when the engine is off;
- Limit short trips (i.e. under 20 minutes) to the minimum;
- Drive the car regularly, at least once a week for at least 20-30 minutes;
Doing all of the above prevents unnecessary electricity consumption and keeps your battery operational longer. Also, if you know you won’t be using your car for an extended period, it is a smart idea to disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent charge loss.
How do you properly charge a car battery?
Battery charging is a pretty straightforward process, but there is a proper way of doing it. The steps you should always follow are:
- Power the car down & turn off all electronics
- This includes all lights, phone chargers, radios, etc.
- Disconnect the battery
- Always disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive. The negative cable is almost always black, while the positive is red.
- Clean the battery terminals
- Follow the instructions provided in this guide.
- Attach the battery to the charger
- Here, you’re following the reverse order: connect the positive cable first, then the negative one.
- Turn the charger on & select the amperage
- It is always advisable to go with the lowest amperage setting possible. Although this will result in longer recharge times, it is also much gentler on the battery.
- Turn the charger off
- Charging can take several hours, depending on the current voltage levels and the selected amperage.
- Unplug the battery
- Again, you want to disconnect the negative clamp first, then the positive.
Can a dead car battery be recharged?
In many cases, it is possible to revive a car battery, even if it’s completely dead. The two most common methods are:
- Using a battery charger, following the instructions provided above;
- Jump-starting the car and letting the alternator do its thing.
However, do note that if the battery is too old (i.e. 3 to 5 years or more) or damaged, there’s a great likelihood that it won’t hold the charge for long and you’ll have to replace it in the near future.
Where can I find affordable used cars for sale near me in Woodville, LA?
With people keeping their vehicles for longer than ever before and the pick-n-pull trend gaining traction, you need a reliable place to meet your every automotive need. That place is B.Y.O.T. Auto Parts!
We’re one of the best-stocked salvage yards not only in Baton Rouge but in all of Louisiana. Our inventory features an extensive selection of quality pre-owned vehicles, from family-friendly sedans to robust pickups – and they’re all up for grabs at a price that’ll blow your mind.
Whether you’re looking to replace your old ride, need those hard-to-find car parts, or want to learn more about the benefits of different car modifications, B.Y.O.T. is your best bet. Get in touch with us today!
