There is nothing worse than struggling to start your vehicle in a cold winter morning, only to discover that its battery died. In fact, this auto part is most susceptible to damage that can be caused due to various reasons.
Extremely cold climates as well as boiling summer temperatures are the most common culprit, which is why accumulators need to be properly maintained. Anyhow, not many drivers tend to respect this rule, thus ending up in situations when they face difficulties in starting their autos.
Therefore, in order for your vehicle not to give you any trouble, particularly if planning to leave it in your garage for a longer time period, you’re supposed to take care of its car battery.
Frequent cleaning, protection against cold, as well as regular charging are some of the essential tasks to perform.
The following tips will certainly help you keep it from dying.
Clean it regularly
One of the most efficient ways of maintaining your car battery life is regularly cleaning its terminals, as rust is a common enemy affecting its performance. In order to clean it properly, you’re supposed to disconnect the part, starting from the negative terminal.
After having it disconnected, you’re recommended to use a combination of baking soda and water as a cleaning agent. You’d also need a small brush in order to scrub the terminals attentively. Make sure you use a damp cloth to polish them after the scrubbing.
Furthermore, the cleaning process would be successfully completed after reconnecting the automobile battery, only this time starting with the positive terminal. Click here to check out the detailed process of cleaning corroded terminals. It would be also be good idea to use a spray that prevents corrosion as an additional method of precaution.
Prevent vibration
Since vibration is considered to be one of the main causes for damaging car accumulators, it’s paramount to check if your accumulator is properly tightened. Shaking it would help you determine whether its clamps are loose. In case they are, the first step would be tightening the bolts in order for it to stop moving when being exposed to vibration.
However, if tightening the bolts doesn’t make any significant damage regarding vibration, there’s no other alternative, but purchasing new clamps. Since there’re various type of clamps, make sure you purchase the compatible ones for your vehicle.
Protect it from freezing temperatures
Those drivers dwelling in regions with freezing winter temperatures are aware of the effect that cold weather has on the accumulator’s lifespan. In fact, every winter they struggle to prevent their car batteries from dying by keeping them warm, as it’s their sole chance for survival.
The best way of keeping the accumulator warm is by purchasing suitable heaters. These are actually fabrics that are used for covering it, while providing the necessary insulation. For achieving a greater effect, you’re advised to purchase one made of rubber. Considering that not all heaters are installed in the same manner, you are supposed to read the instructions before installing the product.
Check if all devices are unplugged
Most drivers have the habit of plugging various devices into their vehicle while driving, such as their mobile phones and GPS systems, as they find these appliances entertaining or helpful. However, these devices are usually forgotten to be unplugged after drivers park their autos in the garage.
Anyhow, these appliances feed off the accumulator when your automobile isn’t running, thus prematurely ending its lifespan. In fact, the longer you leave them plugged, the greater the chances of your accumulator being dead. Visit the following blog: http://www.batterymanguide.com to learn more about the lifespan of car batteries, as well as some tips for their revival.
Apart from making sure that all devices are unplugged, you should check the headlights as well. Headlights are using the same power as mobile phones when you aren’t driving the vehicle. Therefore, it’s paramount to spare a few minutes on doing the necessary check-ups prior to getting out of the auto, particularly if you don’t intend to drive it for a certain time period.
Drive the vehicle occasionally
In order for the accumulator to remain alive while not using the automobile for months, you should at least drive it once a week. A short ride is enough for it to get recharged, as otherwise it’s incredibly likely to die.
Nevertheless, in case you’re unwilling to take even a short ride, the least you can do it start the engine and leave it running for half an hour. It won’t take much of your time, while the accumulator will be as good as new when you decide to drive your auto again.
Make sure it’s properly charged
Perhaps the easiest way of preventing the battery from drying is regularly checking its voltage. It’s supposed to be not less than 12.6 volts, as otherwise its longevity would gradually get reduced. In case the voltage isn’t optimal, use a charger to restore its previous condition. These tests are recommended to be made at least twice a year, particularly in the winter period. Remember to wear rubber gloves for your own safety.
Use a trickle charger
When planning to garage your vehicle for a longer period of time, you need to make sure it stays in a perfect condition until the moment you decide to drive it again. Since the accumulator is most prone to dying over this period, you could use a trickle charger to supply it with power while your automobile is out of use.
In addition, it’s supposed to be connected to the right battery terminals prior to being plugged. In fact, there isn’t much difference between this type of charger and the standard one, so you won’t have any problems using it.
Wrap up
Sparing time for taking care of your car battery will do wonders for its lifespan.
By cleaning it regularly and charging it when necessary, you won’t have any problem!
