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"Don't wait until you breakdown to change your battery. Avoid breakdowns by getting your battery tested"

Battery Maintenance

Now is the time for battery maintenance. Your car battery is only going to live for so long. You want to get in as many years as possible before its time is up. Age is just one of batteriesŐ enemies, but it is the one we can't do much about, some of the others we can. Extreme heat and extreme cold can abuse your batteries, as can overcharging and undercharging. Electrical connections not doing their job can make it difficult for the battery to do its job.

Unlike most toys, your vehicle actually comes with a battery. But, unlike that energetic little bunny, your car battery won't keep on going and going without some diligence on your part. Before we get into the maintenance tips, there are a few things worth knowing about automotive batteries, which will help you understand exactly what they do.

The BATTERY stores energy in chemical form that is released on demand as electricity. The energy is used by the vehicle's ignition system to crank the engine as well as power the lights or other accessories. If your alternator fails, your vehicle can run on the battery alone, at least for a short period of time. Normally, however, as long as your engine is running, the alternator keeps the battery recharged. If you operate any electrical items with the engine off, such as power windows, the audio system or headlights, the battery will slowly drain.

Don't wait until you break down to change your battery. Avoid breakdowns by getting your battery tested.


Water Level

If your battery is an older type that's not sealed, it's important to make sure the water level is adequate. It's easy to tell which type you have: unsealed batteries have small vent caps on top that can be easily unscrewed. If the water level is not up to the bottom of the cap, replenish it. For areas where the tap water is hard (with a high mineral content), use distilled water. If you're really not sure if the local water is hard or soft, distilled water is your best and safest bet. Check the water levels often during hot summer months, as heat tends to evaporate water more quickly. If the battery water level is allowed to get too low, the heat generated within the battery will destroy the battery cells.