For commercial truck drivers, auto battery issues can put a wrench in operations. If the starter and alternator don’t work, for example, the engine won’t run. It could also be difficult to operate headlights, contact dispatch, and use on-board electrical systems. To prevent delays in the hauling schedule, below are a few tips to care for the truck battery. 

How to Maintain Your Truck’s Battery

1. Keep Terminals Clean

If terminals are caked in dirt and grease, they can’t provide a strong connection between the charger and the auto battery. Exposure to hydrogen gas from battery acid can also corrode terminals, causing equipment to not reach its full charge or lose power quickly.

Wearing protective gloves, use a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water solution to wipe away the crystallized acid buildup, dirt, oxidation, and grease around the terminals. Use a clean rag to dry the surfaces.    

2. Make Sure the Battery Is Secure

If the auto battery is loose and not positioned correctly, it will vibrate when the truck is running. This could loosen wiring connections, causing short-circuits.

The movement could also cause battery acid to spill and trickle to the engine, increasing the risk of corrosion. Before you head out, make sure equipment is secure in the mounting bracket.

3. Protect Equipment From Extreme Temperatures

Battery fluid can evaporate during heatwaves, shortening the life of the truck part. Park in garages or in shaded areas to prevent this from happening.

A battery will lose a lot of strength during long hauls in cold weather, with a 35% loss when temperatures dip to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain power in frigid conditions, put an insulation blanket on the auto battery to regulate temperatures.

If your auto battery is old or damaged, reach out to Power & Transmission Inc. in Fairbanks, AK, for a replacement. In business since 1972, the company sells interior and exterior, aftermarket truck parts by Grote®, Amsoil®, and other known brands. Visit the auto parts dealer online to view a comprehensive list of available products or call (907) 456-2230 for inventory details.