You rely on your vehicle every day to get where you need to go, so when it breaks down because of a dead car battery, it can throw off your entire routine. Learn the do’s and don’ts of car battery maintenance to prevent unexpected issues.

Do:

Test regularly.

All batteries have a shelf life, so it’s essential to test it regularly to determine when a replacement or recharge is needed. You can purchase a voltage output tester to check it yourself or ask your mechanic to test it while taking of routine oil changes and other maintenance.

Keep age in mind.

Most batteries last about three to five years. You can find the date of manufacture on a sticker on the battery. Put a reminder in your electronic calendar or car maintenance notes to notify yourself when it’s time for a replacement. 

Perform preventative maintenance.

Every few weeks, check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion. If they’re dirty, scrub them with a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinse and dry them. To finish, re-lubricate them with car grease. This process will help the battery last longer and improve its connection with the terminals. 

Don’t:

Ignore the warning signs.

Don’t wait until you have a dead battery to seek help. Heed the warning signs, and take your car to the auto shop for a battery test when in doubt. One common sign a battery is on its last legs is when the engine takes a long time to come to life when you start the car. You can also check the headlights when you turn them on with the car off. If they’re dim, the battery could be drained.

Store it incorrectly.

If you fail to store the battery correctly, it could short-circuit and sustain damage. Inspect the cables and terminals to ensure their connections are secure, and make sure the battery is mounted appropriately to the terminal. When storing your vehicle for an extended period, remove the battery and store it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. 

Forget to turn off electronics.

Forgetting to turn off electronics and lights is one of the most common causes of battery drainage. Always double-check that you’ve switched off the radio, CD player, and lights before exiting the vehicle. 

If you’re an Oahu resident, turn to A-1 Auto A/C Specialist & General Auto Repair for comprehensive car care, from transmission repair to car battery changes. For over 20 years, their ASE®-certified mechanics have serviced all makes and models. Call (808) 836-2939 to make an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their services.