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If your car battery is dead, the engine won’t run when you turn the key in the ignition. This is a common occurrence if the headlights or cabin lights were left on. However, extreme temperatures and irregular maintenance also cause battery damage that may shorten its four- to five-year life span. The following auto care advice is designed to protect your investment.

How to Maintain Your Car Battery

1. Keep Components Clean 

Battery acid, dirt, grease, and oxidation can corrode wires and terminals. The corrosion leads to a weak electrical charge. Periodically cleaning the terminals will help the battery last longer.

Leave this task to an auto care technician, as they will safely disconnect the battery and carefully remove grime from every crevice. A professional will also make sure the cables are configured correctly when the battery is reconnected.

2. Monitor Water Level

Anchorage-Alaska-auto-careWhen gases are released during charging, the plates in lead-acid car batteries need to be submerged in an electrolyte. An electrolyte is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. High temperatures under the hood can cause the water to evaporate.

To gauge the water level, peel off the covers on battery cells and look at the fill rings. Add enough distilled water so the plates are covered in liquid.

3. Check the Casing for Cracks

When it’s cold out, your electrolyte can freeze when discharged, causing the battery casing to crack. Electrolyte could seep through the breaks and spill onto other parts. Look for cracks in the casing and areas with moisture droplets. If you see signs of damage, an auto care specialist should replace the battery.  

 

For battery replacement and additional auto care solutions, contact the ASE-certified team at Professional Automotive in Anchorage, AK. For over 25 years, the mechanics have been providing auto repairs and maintenance to keep motorists’ investments reliable and safe to drive. Using state-of-the-art computer diagnostics, the crew can determine what’s wrong with your ride and how to solve the problem. See how the technicians can help online and call (907) 562-2471 for an appointment.

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